The clever Corolla returns
IT’S a case of back to the future for Toyota’s new small family hatchback. Over the last 12 or so years, if you wanted to buy Toyota’s rival for the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, your local dealer would have ushered you towards the lacklustre Auris.
Now, though, they’ll be selling you a Corolla. And if that name sounds familiar, there’s good reason: that’s what Toyota had called its car in this class for some 40 years since it was launched back in 1966.
This new hatchback is being built in Britain – just as the Auris was – at Toyota’s plant in Derbyshire but the new name is indicative of just how much has changed over its predecessor.
Most obviously, it looks very different – as bold and distinctive as the Auris was drab and anonymous. The Corolla’s slim headlights and sharp nose make it stand out a mile from its rivals – and there’s even the option of a two-tone finish on the most expensive models.
There are three bodystyles to
choose from and each fulfils a different need. The hatchback is expected to be by far the most popular and is aimed at urban couples, while the estate (called the Touring Sports) is the most family-friendly model.
For the first time, the range also includes a saloon and that will appeal to loyal Toyota customers who previously bought
an Avensis which is no longer on sale. With a line-up like that, the Corolla follows very much in the wheeltracks of the Auris. There are three engines to choose from but one of the biggest differences is that there is no turbo-diesel engine on offer.
The cheapest Corolla comes with a regular 1.2-litre petrol engine with 114bhp but the biggest sellers will be the pair of petrol-electric hybrids. The cheaper option (and the only one in the saloon) uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine, while the other has a 2.0-litre unit.
Picking between the two depends on your priorities. If you want the best average fuel economy, go for the 120bhp 1.8-litre which can return up to 65.9mpg. But if you want more performance then the 2.0-litre is the way to go with its 178bhp. True, you’ll need to have an extra £1,700 or so but with a 0 to 60mph time of 7.9 seconds, it’s three seconds quicker to 60mph and you don’t have to pay too high a price in economy, as it’s still capable of 60.6mpg.
It’s also the more pleasant engine to live with, as the extra power is very useful. Not so much