However earlier than we get into the Toyota Corolla assessment, let’s give props to Akio Toyoda. In 2016, Toyota’s then-president and CEO (he stepped down in January 2023) declared that he was carried out with boring automobiles, delighting everybody who dearly missed the last-generation Supra, MR2 or Celica, amongst others. Toyoda knew he was making a daring declare—Toyota is without doubt one of the world’s largest carmakers, and ushering in sweeping modifications takes time.
Since Toyoda issued that problem to his workforce, nonetheless, the corporate’s progress has been brisk—it has launched new variations of the Camry and Supra, in addition to the corporate’s bestseller: the Corolla.
Is the Toyota Corolla a great automotive?
Sure, it’s a terrific automotive, and enhancements have stored coming through the years. For mannequin yr 2014, Toyota launched an all-new model of the Corolla, full with commonplace 17-inch wheels, a extra chiselled exterior design and improved gasoline effectivity because of a brand new transmission and ECO trim degree. This Eleventh-generation Corolla was refreshed for mannequin yr 2017, simply in time for the automotive’s fiftieth birthday: it obtained new security options, styling updates and inside enhancements.
In 2019, the Corolla hatchback arrived, and 2020 marked the introduction of a brand new Twelfth-generation sedan mannequin full with accessible hybrid energy. Mannequin yr 2021 noticed the introduction of a sportier Corolla Apex Version mannequin with distinctive styling and a higher-performing suspension. The 2021 Corolla additionally obtained Android Auto, becoming a member of Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay performance added the earlier yr. Extra airbags make for 10 in complete, and superior security gear is now commonplace throughout a wider vary of fashions. If it’s in your price range, a 2021 Corolla is probably going your finest wager.
If we hadn’t instructed you the automotive within the photograph above was a Corolla, would you’ve got identified? It seems significantly slick in Blue Flame paint, which is about as removed from Corolla’s default livery of beige as you may get. Toyota entrance grilles may be fairly polarizing, however this automotive makes the design look cool.
The joy has been amped up inside as effectively—not as dramatically as on the skin, however what the inside lacks in type, the Corolla makes up for in perform. Toyota’s experience in construct high quality and ergonomics is on full show, and every part is tastefully designed. The dashboard options an eight-inch infotainment display with Toyota’s Entune app suite.
On the protection entrance, Toyota’s obtained you coated with Toyota Security Sense 2.0, a complete suite of driver help and security applied sciences together with blind spot warning, collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert/steering help, all-speed dynamic radar cruise management and automated excessive beams.
The Toyota Corolla engine: What’s actually inside this used automotive?
Whereas the current Corolla Hatchback is undeniably sportier than its predecessors, it isn’t prepared for the massive leagues simply but. Let’s have a look at the engine, a 2.5-litre unit that Toyota calls “Dynamic Drive.” The great factors: It makes far more energy than earlier than and sports activities a lofty 13:1 compression ratio however nonetheless runs fortunately and effectively on common fuel.
The draw back: The horsepower appears to be supplied by Clydesdales as a substitute of thoroughbreds (which means it doesn’t actually really feel all that fast), the engine doesn’t sound thrilled to be revved previous 4,000 rpm, and after we shift gears, its administration software program causes it to hold on to revs extra dearly than an getting old star quarterback clinging to light glory.
