Toyota's updated Corolla priced from £30,210

Toyota has launched the latest version of its Corolla hatchback and estate, which are now both on sale in the brand's dealer network.

Prices for the revised Corolla start at £30,210, an increase of £10,000 on the car's original price when it launched in 2018.

Updates to the new model are centred around the powertrains, infotainment and safety systems.

The existing engines have been overhauled, with new hybrid technology. The 1.8-litre variant gets a power boost to 140PS, bringing a 1.7-second reduction in the 0-62mph time to 9.2 seconds.

The new powertrain is built at Toyota's Deeside plant, in North Wales.

For the 2.0-litre engine, total output has risen to 195PS and almost half a second has been shaved from the 0-62mph time, taking it down to 7.5 seconds.

Both models are also more efficient than before.

Toyota said it has recalibrated the powertrains so that acceleration feels “natural and rewarding” to the driver.

This has been achieved with a reduction in engine speed during acceleration, while noise under acceleration has also been quietened.

Another key update is a new infotainment system, which is housed in a 10.5-inch touchscreen display. The new setup offers smartphone integration and connected services. Toyota has additionally added a digital instrument cluster, which is standard across the line-up.

A range of improvements have been made to the Corolla's safety and assistance systems that enhance day-to-day driveability. The pre-collision system is equipped with a new camera that can idetify hazards more effectively, while the lane keeping system can now recognise when the driver is leaving their lane to pass a cyclist or pedestrian and won't intervene.

The new Corolla is offered with four equipment grades: Icon, Design, GR Sport and Excel. Each grade is available in both Hatchback and Touring Sports body styles.

Icon includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, sat-nav, reversing camera, parking sensors and heated front seats.

Design is priced from £31,780 and adds 17-inch alloys, privacy glass, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate and auto-folding door mirrors.

The GR Sport costs upwards of £32,990 and builds on the Design grade, with a sportier theme that includes 18-inch wheels, sports seats and black door mirror casings.

Range topping Excel (from £33,400) features adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, head-up display and blind spot monitor.