Everything is fine for the world with Toyota Corolla. In addition to the promising Corolla Cross SUV, the Japanese automaker also offers a classic hatchback version of the Touring Sports station wagon and compact model.
“We focus on what our customers want and we have the right vehicle for every market,” explains Yasushi Ueda (55), Toyota chief engineer. And then he adds: “We don’t demonize any driving.” However, the Corolla will no longer be available as a thoroughbred petrol engine.
This is how the best model rides
Starting in March, the VW Golf rival will only use two full-hybrid propulsion systems. In the top model, the two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor continue to work together. However, it uses a new lithium-ion battery that is 14 percent more compact, lighter and also 14 percent more powerful than the previous nickel metal. To get 9 kW (12 hp) more power from the electric motor, technicians overhauled the electronics, including the control unit. The best-in-class Corolla model now has a system output of 196 hp (144 kW).
The increase in muscle also has an effect on the road. Toyota has improved driving capabilities, including engine response. But you can feel: the engine can do more if you let it. The continuously variable eCVT transmission slows the temperament of the engine. If you demand too much power quickly, the thrust won’t quite catch up – but it howls clearly. As long as you’re on the road with a light throttle, the Corolla accelerates in one go.
Driving performance is correspondingly the same: Toyota Corolla Touring Sport completes the standard zero to 100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds, with 180 km/h the final point. The chassis isn’t too soft for that. The 1515-kilogram station wagon behaves quietly for a long time before the rear makes a friendly statement. Toyota states its WLTP average consumption as 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers. On our first test drive, we found 6.1 l/100 km.
Hatchback is significantly shorter
For comparison, we also took the hatchback version with the 1.8-liter engine and a total output of 140 hp (103 kW) under the wheels. Even with weaker driving, you can proceed with ease, even if the engine is noticeably more demanding than the more powerful engine. We found a consumption of 5.6 l/100 km on the test lap – WLTP standard consumption of 5.1 litres.
Interesting: The wheelbase of the hatchback variant is six centimeters and 2.64 meters shorter than the station wagon, which, with a length of 4.65 meters, is 28 centimeters longer than the hatchback. This is noticeable in the space available at the rear, which is significantly more generous in the Touring Sport as well as in the trunk. It holds 581 to 1795 liters in the station wagon and 361 to 1591 liters in the hatchback.
Detail work pays off
In the interior, Toyota has finally abandoned baroque design. The interior looks modern, with a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen. The sports seats of the GR Sport equipment have a positive effect on long journeys. There’s also something for tactile fans: the leather-wrapped instrument cluster.
Toyota Corolla also offers a contemporary infotainment system: Apple CarPlay, over-the-air software updates, wider angle front camera, forward collision warning including pedestrian and cyclist detection emergency brake assist, an exit assist, LED light with high beam assist, a backup camera and adaptive cruise control – all standard. However, this equipment basket is subject to additional charges. By comparison, the new Touring Sport is 5,323 francs more expensive than its predecessor, and the new one is at least 31,300 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
