At a glance

Toyota Corolla Price range: $29,990-$38,490. Powertrains: 2.0-litre petrol four (125kw/200nm), 1.8-litre petrolelectric hybrid (90kw total system output). Fuel consumption 4.2-6.0 litres per 100km. Continuously variable transmission, FWD. Body styles: Five-door hatchback. On sale: Now.

What’s the pick of the range?

TNZ has doubled the number of hybrid variants... to two. There are entry GX and top ZR levels, that use the upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive system from the latest Prius. The system, which features a 1.8-litre petrol engine, offers a combined output of 90kw.

The previous Corolla hybrid ran on 95 octane fuel, but this new model uses 91. Its average fuel consumption is 4.2 L/100km, and CO2 emissions 97 g/km.

The previous model was TNZ’S best-selling hybrid. The company expects sales to grow further.

Why would I buy it?

Because it’s a Corolla. The world’s most popular car, made better. It looks good even though it remains unmistakeably a Corolla. It drives very well, offers hybrid options, and pricing starts below $30,000 and finishes well below $40,000.

Even at the GX level it offers an array of active driver assistance and passive driver protection features including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist with lane departure alert and steering assist, lane centering and sway warning, and road sign assist.

Why wouldn’t I buy it?

Because it’s a Corolla. Darling of the rental industry, and because of its popularity it’s as common as anything.

Year-to-date to the end of August the Corolla has been New Zealand’s most popular passenger vehicle with 3214 registrations – 1522 of them as rental cars. But TNZ argues that not only is a sale a sale, but also that the rental business acts as a very good foundation layer for the used car market.