Toyota's Corolla has been around since Adam was an umfaan. It's also been one of the most popular cars in South Africa for decades.
The reliability and affordability - back then - were what helped draw the buyers. And you were guaranteed a reasonable trade-in when you wanted to upgrade or buy another (Toyota) car.
But then the people's car became increasingly less affordable to the average consumer. In fact, Toyota generally started pricing itself right out of the market, while continuing to churn out relatively boring sedans.
Today, the manufacturer appears to have heeded the public's concerns about price, and in the stable you'll find a vehicle to suit most budgets, particularly in the smaller car category.
You'll also notice more creativity from the design studio - particularly as far as the latest Corolla is concerned. It's more in sync with current consumer needs and desires, especially in aesthetic terms.
Yes, it's still anonymous in a parking lot, I'm afraid, and yes, I stick by my guns and by what I've said for some 20 years: Corollas are bland and pretty much devoid of soul or personality.
But I'm delighted to say the new models are much more attractive than ever before. And come equipped with a bunch of equipment that certainly ramps up the value of your overall package.
I drove the 1.6 Advanced AT (R235 100), and having not been in a Corolla for a while (a long while!), was impressed with the handling, the pleasure of the drive, the standard accoutrements, and the fuel consumption.
It is a really nice car for negotiating your way through traffic as well as for long distance driving.
It looks a whole lot better, too: check out the slicker new headlight design, as well as the front bumper with its integrated grille. The rear view is also spunkier (not a word I've ever used in relation to a Corolla!).
The designers have come up with wider combination lights, linked by a wide number plate strip, or garnish, a square and far sportier bumper, and integrated reflectors. In fact, from the rear it looks like a completely different car.
The interior has been upgraded substantially, and I loved the new and thicker (adjustable) steering wheel with its squared off bottom section. Your Corolla comes with a host of standard goodies, like air-conditioning, speed-sensing automatic door locks, a radio/CD player with full iPod, USB and MP3 connectivity, airbags, ABS with EBD and braking assist, a high mounted LED stop lamp and electric windows (front only, on the entry level models).
The Corolla is beautifully quick and responsive, feels solid and secure even in the wet and on dodgy surfaces, and is marvellously spacious.
I still don't think I'd buy one, given my (and my daughter's) tendency to opt for cars with passion and soul, but I'd recommend the Corolla to anyone wanting quality, reliability, value for money and performance all in one package.