Toyota GB believes all-new Corolla (the ninth generation) will push UK sales beyond 130,000 next year. Commercial director Mike Moran said Corolla would account for “at least” 30,000 sales.

Mr Moran said the new model was entering the toughest UK sector.

“Historically we have struggled to get the Corolla established in the minds of UK consumers,” he said. “It has always been a worthy rather than an exciting car. This Corolla puts us on another plain as far as how our customers are going to respond to it.”

Toyota will launch its full UK Corolla range in January to avoid having customers waiting for the derivative they specifically wanted to become available.

The Corolla line-up will have a 3dr (including T Sport), 4dr, 5dr, MPV and estate. The 3dr and 5dr will be built at Toyota's UK plant at Burnaston, near Derby.

The 5dr is expected to account for 30% of all UK sales. The Corolla MPV is the third member of the Verso family, joining its namesake in the Yaris and Avensis ranges.