You can't really count Toyota on this list, now that its most affordable Corolla model is markedly more efficient that the 1.4-litre model it replaces. Toyota claims it is 12 percent more efficient and though we can't vouch for the exact difference in economy, our economy run on the launch saw the group of cars averaging 4.9 litres per 100km on a mostly rural route and that's impressive in anyone's book.

... and the soul?

The new engine is part of what Toyota calls its 'Optimal Drive' philosophy, which sees cutting-edge technologies being employed in order to optimise efficiency. Despite this, and the fact that cubic capacity is down by 100cc or so, power is up from 71kW to 74kW and torque from 130Nm to 132Nm. That is really excellent for a naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre, although with 1.2-tonnes of Corolla to pull, there's still no fireworks in the performance department.

Our unit felt rather sluggish at Highveld altitudes and our test results confirmed this, the car taking 14.2 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h and posting a 19-second quarter mile. That's not too bad going considering it?s on par with the slowest 1.6-litre C-segment cars we?ve tested, the Citroen C4 and VW Golf.

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry, you're going to have to forget about economy and wring the little motor's neck. Take it easy, however, and this Corolla?s efficiency will surprise you. It even has a six-speed gearbox to aid in its frugal cruising ability.

This Corolla is otherwise a highly competent but nondescript kind of car. As enthusiasts it can be rather hard to get our heads around cars like the Corolla. "It's just got no damn soul" I thought after my first day with the car. It's like an appliance on wheels, to borrow an old cliche.

Yet despite it not speaking to me on any kind of emotional level, I reached every destination feeling calm and relaxed. Corolla is a comfortable and refined sedan. In this respect it'll match the best that this class has to offer. This shuts out the chaotic outside world quite nicely. The ride is smooth and absorbent and noise insulation is excellent. The engine plays its part too; at idle the needle drops well below the 1000rpm mark and you can barely hear it at all.

Exorbitant price?

Our test unit came in the 'Professional' trim line, quite a corny name but at least Toyota's being honest about whom this vehicle is aimed at. It has all the basic comfort features covered, like aircon, sound system, remote central locking and front electric windows. The seats are comfortable enough and ergonomics are very straightforward, while finding a comfortable driving position is a synch.

So what we have here is a very solid, economical and fuss-free family-sized car. Its price of R177 200 might seem exorbitant, but considering the really hectic price increases we've seen on the back of a weak rand in recent times, and that you'll now pay R197 000 for a 1.5-litre Mitsubishi Lancer and R212 000 for a 1.6-litre VW Jetta, suddenly the Corolla?s price doesn?t seem too unreasonable.

Check out the specs on page two