CHANGE OF GUARD?

The updated Toyota Corolla takes on the Honda Civic and Kia Ceed in a three-way hatchback clash

WHO makes the best family hatch? It's a hotly contested class, and with some of the big names either slipping up or just long in the tooth, there's a chance for a new leader.

Last time we tried to answer the question, the Toyota Corolla put in a strong showing, but ultimately had to settle for second behind the Honda Civic. Can the revised version go one better this time?

Then there's the Kia Ceed. In a previous hatchback showdown we ranked it above the Volkswagen Golf and latest Peugeot 308, so it's guaranteed to put up a strong fight here. Our Real-World Road Test will find us a winner.

Toyota Corolla

MODEL TESTED: Corolla 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport
PRICE: £33,005 POWERTRAIN: 1.8-litre 4cyl hybrid petrol, 138bhp

WE don't get the fire-breathing GR Corolla in the UK, but for most buyers the GR Sport trim tested here will make more sense as an everyday drive. It features a sporty bodykit, but is otherwise mechanically identical to the rest of the range. With a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain, it's priced at £33,005.

Tech highlights 

WHILE there's not much new to see from the outside, Toyota has made some fairly significant technical changes under the skin of the Corolla. The Japanese brand has always been at the forefront of hybrid technology, and its latest know-how has been applied to both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid powertrains.

A new power-control unit reduces electrical losses and is quieter than before, while the battery is physically smaller and 14-per cent lighter, but its capacity has increased by 14 per cent. The transaxle is both more compact and lighter, but the electric motor it houses produces more power, too. Revised throttle mapping makes the car feel more 'natural' to drive. The result for the 1.8-litre hybrid is a total output of 138bhp - a 16bhp increase over before.