High-mounted audio system.	Steering feels responsive and well weighted.
Auto transmission only on 1.8 petrol.	Wood veneer looks fake.

On the inside, the Corolla doesn't feel small at all. Passenger space is pretty generous for a car in this class. The front seats are substantial and well supported and the rear bench has ample legroom as well. The rear seat height or ‘hip-point’ has been raised by a substantial 70mm from the earlier model, aiding entry and exit. However, the raised rear seat has compromised headroom and six-footers are likely to have their hairstyles messed up by the roof lining.

The wavy design of the dashboard which gently swoops up from both sides into the centre console is interesting. The audio system sits prominently at the top of the centre console and the air-con is controlled by the electrically-operated switches you usually find on D-segment cars. The switchgear has the typical Japanese touch and lacks the meaty feel of the Octavia and the mock wood, which is used generously on the insides, doesn't do a convincing job either. A soft-touch feel has been given to certain interior parts like the instrument panel and armrests. Boot space is a practical 430 litres but the Octavia has a lot more and could swallow an entire Corolla.

A choice of three powertrains are likely for the Indian market. Two petrols, a 1.6-litre 110bhp engine for the base model and a 1.8-litre 136bhp unit for the fully loaded one.

A 2-litre diesel option is also under consideration.

Seven laps or all of 15 minutes on a circuit outside Bangkok that's meant for motorcycle racing can hardly paint a complete picture of what the Corolla is all about, especially in real-world conditions. Besides, all we got was the 1.8-litre engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. But that brief soiree did allow for strong first impressions.

What immediately came across is that the Corolla is essentially a family car and a well rounded package. The engine is pretty silent and feels smooth at low revs. Double-door seals and front fender seals do a good job in keeping noise levels low. Push the engine hard and it takes on a rough edge and labours to its redline. Clearly this long-stroke 1.8-litre unit doesn't like being revved too hard and feels best in the lower reaches of the rev band. Power delivery is seamless, thanks to a good bottom end and a strong mid-range. The auto box, which is also an option for the Indian market, has the shift pattern controlled by the engine management system. The result is a smoother gearchange and fewer shifts but the downside is that the ’box didn't feel particularly quick. There was a bit of lag before it kicked down and even in manual mode there was a delay between shifts.