IN THIS FEATURE Not just for old-timers T Sport no a class-leader Diesel's a goer

In a bid to stay fresh in a fiercely competitive market, Toyota has launched a revised version of the current Corolla just two years into its life. Even though the Corolla posted a record 2003, racking up 26,400 sales in the UK, Toyota reckoned the range needed a boost to maintain its competitive edge. And Toyota GB is particularly interested in appealing to a younger buyer in the C-segment: at the moment, the average Corolla buyer in the UK is 51 years old, not good when the segment average is just 43.

The biggest news surrounds the arrival of a new 89bhp 1.4-litre D-4D common-rail diesel engine, as well as substantial changes to the flagship T Sport model. Across the three and five-door range, you'll find a mild restyle of the nose and new light clusters at the rear. The idea was to give a more muscular appearance and to bring the Corolla's looks into line with the evolving Toyota family look as expressed by the Yaris and Avensis.

New light clusters at the rear

To more effectively differentiate the T Sport from the rest of the range, the honeycomb mesh grille gains a larger T Sport badge while the upper surface of the front bumper is now slanted. There are also new front and rear spoilers as well as side skirts - Toyota says they are not just for show, as the car's aerodynamic performance has been improved.