SINCE Toyota introduced it in 1966, nearly 30 million vehicles with the Corolla badge have been sold. The model accounts for almost a fifth of all Toyota sales worldwide.

That makes it the world's best-selling model name, although in its 35-year history the Corolla has gone through lots of changes.

Now Generation No 9 is here. It goes on sale in the UK next Tuesday, in a choice of four bodystyles hatchbacks with three or five doors, an estate, and the Verso, the name Toyota has adopted for its more versatile variants which rival mini-MPVs.

The estate and Verso will come from Japan and a saloon, which completes the range next summer, will be built at a new plant in Turkey.

But the hatchbacks are built in Britain at Toyota's plant near Derby, with the promise of space and versatility being among the leaders in their class, and a new seat design that's more comfortable than ever.

Prices are higher, ranging from £10,795 up to £16,995, covering four grades listed in another set of coded descriptions we shall have to get used to T2, T3, T Spirit and T Sport.

What we get in return, at least in the hatchbacks, is a refinement which feels more like Toyota's luxury brand Lexus. Doors shut with a solid clunk, and that sensation is matched by the riding comfort and reduction in noise levels. It glides along patched-up roads with an ability not matched by comparable cars.

Toyota says repair costs (and insurance groups) are lower than for rivals.