THE theory of evolution has ensured that the Toyota Corolla is a great survivor in an age and industry where here and now quickly become there and then.
One of the best selling cars ever in the world, the Corolla is now on its eighth generation but it can more than hold its own against rivals and for so many manufacturers it is the benchmark against which they set themselves.
With diesel sales now heading towards four in 10 new registrations, the Corolla has the benefit of the latest version of its D4D powerplant where the extensively reworked 1.4-litre engine packs as much power as the previous 2.0.
Introduced in September 2004, the new model meets all the latest emissions requirements to ensure it stays on the profitable company car lists and attracts the lowest penalties in tax.
But that is the only concession it gives, because in all other ways it is aggressive and upfront.
The new engine may lack the pulling power with a heavy load or in very hilly country, but with one or two people aboard it can cover ground easily, economically and exudes refinement along the way.
Start up is instant, it pulls well and is both smooth and quiet even when stretched and you have the choice of a sophisticated and highly economical semi-automatic box or the manual I tested.
The light clutch and very direct change action mean the manual is very good with ratios which permit good acceleration across a wide power range and promote relaxed and very economical motorway cruising.
Brakes and steering complement the powertrain very well with excellent feel and assistance, slowing it easily and giving good manoeuvrability.
Secondary controls fall immediately to hands and fingers and work with a reassuring firmness while the simple instruments are directly in front of the driver and clear if not particularly well marked.
Heating and ventilation is straightforward and effective, backed up by powered windows and there is good output, distribution and temperature control.
Oddments room is fairly good throughout the cabin and the bootspace is also very reasonable and easy to use.
Passengers also found access simple and once inside space is generous and nearly all who rode in the test car commented on the comfort of the well shaped and supporting seats.
In front the adjustment range is good and nearly every driver should find a very satisfactory position in relation to the wheel and other controls.
Ride quality is very good with the chassis soaking up all manner of bumps despite its initial firm feel and the suspension noises are now better deadened than on previous Corolla versions.
Its handling is never challenging but commensurate with a car of this class: safe and sure with a slight bias towards understeer to let the driver know when limits are being reached without causing problems when you lift off. It is now more satisfying for a driver who wants to press on as well.
The well rounded nature of the car shows up in the performance. It is about average for the class in terms of acceleration but what I liked was the effortless economy. You can drive it quite hard to maximise the power but it still returns good consumption.
There are two trim levels in the Corolla D4D series in three and five-door hatchack bodystyles and the T3 specification includes air conditioning, lots of airbags including knee protection, CD and four powered window.
All round this is a very good package. Combine that with the powertrain and well rounded feel to the Corolla and you can see why it does so well year after year, after year. The latest generation is certainly the best.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D T3 5dr
Price: £13,895
Mechanical: 89bhp, 1,364cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 13.3 secs
Combined mpg: 58.9
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 128g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs anti-rust, 3yrs paint