Toyota Corolla review - a hybrid family hatchback with a point to prove

The Corolla was a familiar name on British roads for a large part of the late 20th century but was ditched in 2006 when the Auris took over as Toyota’s family hatchback.

Jump forward another 14 years and the Auris has itself been abandoned and Toyota has revived the Corolla badge for its all-new family hatchback.

That may, in part, be down to Toyota boss Aiko Toyoda’s decree of “No more boring cars” from the brand, and the Auris’s reputation as steady but soul-crushingly dull.

The Corolla name has been around for more than 50 years and comes with the weight of heritage and familiarity attached. It’s the world’s best selling car and down the years has built up a strong reputation as a solid, reliable family vehicle.

This Corolla, though, is a new chapter, say Toyota. It’s based on the flexible global architecture and brings new hybrid technology and a more exciting feel, with different variants for different demographics.

To that end, Corolla comes in three different bodystyles.

Expected to be the main seller is the five-door hatchback. According to Toyota’s team this is the most dynamic of three, aimed at youthful, urban couples without kids. It’s certainly the most striking looking and its sharply slashed lights, body creases and deep front grille make for a far more interesting looking car than the bland Auris.

The Sports Touring (estate to you and me), with its 598-litre boot is aimed at families who need a commuter car that can swallow the trappings of an active lifestyle and the demands of a life with children.