Toyota Corolla Mk12

Long-running nameplate offers great value for money, but rear legroom isn't so hot

- Richard Dredge

THE Corolla Mk12 made its Driver Power debut in 2020 in seventh place, and has appeared every year since then. It dropped as low as 41st spot in 2023 before climbing to 24th in 2024, then 23rd in 2025.

Launched in spring 2019 with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine or 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol hybrids, the Corolla came in five-door hatchback or estate (Touring Sports) forms, or as a four-door saloon, but only in 1.8 hybrid guise. The 1.2 petrol was dropped in December 2019, before January 2022 saw improved infotainment with voice control added. A year later, a facelifted Corolla arrived, with a refreshed exterior design, better infotainment, extra driver-assistance systems and a heavily overhauled hybrid powertrain.