BORN in the year England won the World Cup - the Toyota Corolla is almost as ancient as I am.
But unlike your humble correspondent and the heroes of '66 - this veteran refuses to grow old.
Now on its ninth incarnation the car was comprehensively revamped in the summer with the hope of adding broader market appeal.
Toyota wants the new look to appeal to younger drivers ensuring the car's continued success in the 21st century.
With this in mind the crucial hatchback version of the car I drove - expected to be responsible for 55 per cent of Corolla sales - is completely redesigned with new bonnet, grille, bumpers and lights. It is a facelift Joan Collins would be proud of giving the car a modern look to grab the attention of the text-message generation.
The car is pleasing on the eye thanks to a flowing line from the bonnet down to the front bumper. Lower down, the intakes are reshaped to direct air to the radiator providing a neat location for the front fog lamps. The headlamps are distinctive with a sharper more up to date appearance.
There's also a new front section and redesigned lights for the saloon and estate models.
The two-litre D-4D engine is a miser with fuel. The 114bhp oil burner was introduced to the Corolla in the summer of 2003 and delivers a powerful combination of fuel economy, low emissions and strong performance.
On the combined cycle it breaks the 50mpg barrier thanks to hi-tech common rail diesel technology and the adoption of injector nozzles that provide more precise and efficient operation.
The Corolla is no slouch. It can hit 62mph from a standing start in a respectable 10.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 115mph.
There are four trim levels available on the car - T2, T3, T Spirit and the top of the range T Sport.
The T Spirit I drove gets a radio plus single disc CD player. There's also automatic air conditioning with digital climate control and a pollen filter for those with sensitive noses. Other goodies include a trip computer with a fuel consumption/average speed display, power steering, electric front and rear windows, rain sensing windscreen wipers, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, and an anti-dazzle rear view mirror.
Satellite navigation is an option on the T Spirit as is an electronic traffic avoidance system.
Safety is taken care of via an impressive array of gadgets including driver and passenger front and side airbags, curtain shield airbags, side impact bars, a de-coupling brake pedal mechanism, head impact protection on side and roof pillars, plus anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.
The interior is pleasant if a little functional. Most drivers should find a comfortable position behind the wheel. The cloth-upholstered seats give good support and extra luggage space is available through a 60/40 split/fold rear seat arrangement.
The Corolla is quite spacious - a fact illustrated when sitting in the back where head and shoulder room are excellent, and legroom is also good.
The car is smooth around town with excellent ride and handling and it cruises happily on the motorway with little exterior noise making its way into the cabin.
If you want good pricing, reliability and equipment levels, the Corolla has to be on the shortlist.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D T Spirit
Price: £15,895
Mechanical: 114bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 10.6 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 151g/km
BiK rating: 16%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust