What's the news?
The Toyota Corolla, although you might be a bit hard pressed to tell from these photos. Clearly, Toyota decided a long time ago that evolution, not revolution, was the right way to go with the Corolla and it's not going to change that incredibly successful policy now.
So, this is the all-new Corolla and it looks identical to the model simultaneously launched in Turkey, Australia and California last week. In spite of the evolutionary looks, Toyota is claiming it represents a step-change in Corolla design and that it should go on to claim the high-point in the class for fuel economy and emissions. Enhanced driving dynamics and improved safety features are also apparently on the menu, and although Toyota is being tight-lipped with the technical details, expect the key version for Ireland to be the same 1.4 90hp D-4D diesel engine as in the Auris, which should peg its emissions around the 99g/km mark. There may well be a hybrid model too.
Anything else?
Yup, there's good news for rear seat passengers thanks to a 100mm wheelbase stretch that should free up more room for knees, while the boot is bigger too. Options will include Bluetooth and the 6.1-inch colour ToyotaTouch screen that will also come with a reversing camera. Toyota may well be playing it safe with the new Corolla, but with more than 40 million sold in 47 years, that's hardly to be surprised about now is it?