A new Toyota Corolla arrived in August – the 12 th generation in fact and I vividly remember driving one of the first generation models back in 1967. The Corolla back then so small that today it would be called a micro car. Australia’s most popular car, our third best-selling model and one with a strong reputation for serviceability and reliability. The new model breaks some new ground, at last with some cutting edge style but Toyota have become somewhat bullish with pricing despite the fact this new model offers much in equipment with one exception, especially for a car that appeals to younger buyers – media connectivity in the form of Apple Car Play and Android Auto is missing. Also interesting is the deletion of the entry fleet-skewed Ascent model – the range now kicking off with the 2.0-litre Ascent Sport five-door hatch at $22,870, a higher entry point to the Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and Mazda 3. I tested this entry Corolla and on first impression it feels classier, offering more interior width and a nice 7-inch colour touch screed. Visually it’s a step up on the previous model with nice materials inside. Three new Corolla grades, Ascent Sport, SX and high-grade ZR, all three also available as a 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid for the first time, adding $1,500 to each grade. Above all else the styling on this new Corolla hatch is striking – something we can rarely say about a Toyota and, perhaps like their C-HR SUV, a welcome change of emphasis by Toyota to more visually appealing models. I’m David Berthon

2018 Toyota Corolla ZR (front), SX (left), Ascent Sport

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