FINALLY, after becoming the biggest seller of all time, the Toyota Corolla name is dropped in favour of the new Auris, which will be built in Derbyshire and probably have more British content than the vast majority of Fords and Vauxhalls.
It has made its mark before UK launch in February by scoring a maximum five in Euro safety tests, making it the safest car in the class.
It looks similar to the last Corolla, but lower and sleeker and, although some engines are carried over, the body is completely new.
From launch there will be three and five door hatches with 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines or 1.4, two and 2.2-litre diesels, all of which meets Euro IV emissions.
Gearboxes will be five and six speed manual or "clutchless manual" autos, with paddle shift for manual changes, and the suspension is geared for European tastes to give excellent handling.
Inside, this is a car built around the driver, with all the major controls raised to the perfect height so that they are right at the fingertips.
There looks to be plenty of space both front and rear and the new suspension promises excellent comfort.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris 2.0 D-4D
Price: From around £14,000.
Mechanical: 124bhp, 2-litre, 4cyl diesel driving front wheels via 5 or 6 speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 120+ mph
0-62mph: about 9.5 secs
Combined mpg: 45+
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: n/a
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles. 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust
Rivals: Ford Focus, VW Golf, Peugeot 307
Overall rating: 7/10