This is how our long-term tester arrived, in S trim with the CVT and Technology package, pretty much loaded up as much as a Corolla can get, ringing in at $26,160 before regional taxes. Toyota selected a vibrant Blue Crush metallic for this example, and it works well with the new design, somewhat absorbing the gawp-mouthed lower front grille.

All trims come with Toyota’s Star Safety system combo of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology, plus eight airbags, whiplash-injury-lessening front seats, LATCH anchors for the two outboard positions in back. However, it received only a Moderate score in the IIHS small overlap test  and does not offer any of the advanced driver aid safety systems like front crash prevention, lane departure warning, blind spot assist or the “You’re going to slow in the fast lane” alert.

There’s quite a bit of overlap between various of the packages and trims, so take your time sifting through the features to make sure you’re not adding excessive content when an upgrade package on a lower trim might suit your needs jut as well, and note that the S offers a couple of those vibrant colour choices that are supplanted by the understated Brown Sugar and 4evergreen Mica.

We’ve done little more than drive our trusty Corolla back across town after picking it up, but we were instantly reminded of one other favourite aspect of this generation: the sport seats are as good as anything in the segment and would be at home in many a modest sports car. Bluetooth was simple to pair, favourite radio stations are set up and the home screen customized with the four phone shortcuts I use most frequently.

I’m looking forward to spending several months in this Canadian icon, a symbol of reliability and trustworthiness, and transportation of the people here in our urban landscape. It’s a car that has made a great first impression, proved itself in the gauntlet of an Autos.ca comparison and now will undergo the most thorough of reviews in the day-to-day grind.

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