IT'S hard to believe, but the first Toyota Corolla was launched in Britain way back in 1966.

And the name continued throughout most of the world - but not here - all the way to the present day.

For some reason, the company dropped the Corolla name here for quite a number of years, calling the model the rather bland name of Auris.

But the replacement for that car, which was launched in 2018, reverts to the old name.

It also capitalises on Toyota's expertise with self-charging hybrids, so that it has decent performance, excellent economy and low emissions.

Of course, when it comes to building self-charging hybrids, Toyota is the leader in the field, and this means the new Corolla is right up there with the very best.

It's a low, sleek, aerodynamic hatchback that drives as well as it looks, with excellent handling and a very good ride.

The charging system that powers the battery and thus the electric motor is excellent, and driving carefully, it's quite possible to better 70 miles per gallon.

As long as there is power in the battery, most shorter journeys and slow speed traffic jams can be done without any use of the 1.8 petrol engine.

There are in fact three different power units in the range and five different outputs.

At the lower end is the non-hybrid 1.2VVT-i, which is the only model with a manual six speed gearbox. It has a power output of 114bhp and that gives 0 to 60 miles an hour in 9.8 seconds and 44 miles per gallon.

All of the hybrids come with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic gearbox. The first of two 1.8s, with 118bhp from the combined electric motor and petrol engine, is good for the 60 sprint in 10.6 seconds and 57mpg.

The second version has a lot more grunt with 138bhp on tap, giving a sprint of 8.8 seconds and 61mpg.

Finally comes a 2.0-litre hybrid that has either 181 or 193bhp. The first reaches 60 in 7.6 seconds and can do 54mpg, while the second has 193bhp and brings the sprint down to 7.2 seconds while managing an excellent 62mpg.

The hybrids can all be set to run on electric power only when in slow traffic although this ability is limited to a fairly short time by the size of the batteries.

The Corolla is far better than some electrics and hybrids because it's really good to drive.

I've already mentioned the great handling, that helps to tremendous grip and marvellous roadholding.

But it also has a driving mode selector, and when this is put to Sport, the dash turns red and the whole car feels sharper and more focused.

Front seat occupants sit higher than normal, but the seats are supportive and comfortable over longer journeys.

That can't be said for those in the back, where the seats are plain and simple, and knee and leg room are limited.

The cabin is a very quiet place to be with plenty of sound-proofing and insulation. And the dash is stylish and well kitted out, without ever needing a seminar to find out how everything works!

Equipment in the mid-range Excel model includes leather covered and heated sports seats, plenty of airbags and other safety kit as you would expect, traction control, heated mirrors and sat nav.

Pay about £14,750 for a '19 19-reg 1.8VVT-i Hybrid Design, or £16,500 for a '21 21-reg 1.8VVT-i Excel.