Icon returns fresher and feeling fitter
Corolla updated to look and feel modern
IT’S A Toyota Corolla, Jim, but not as we know it.
It’s tongue in cheek, of course, but there are those who wonder why anyone would walk into a showroom cast an eye over it and ask if it’s available in white or silver.
It’s also sometimes referred to as an appliance: it’s functional, safe and does the job required, not to forget its great resale value.
Not so much anymore, though, with the introduction of the Toyota Corolla hatch that takes over the Auris, and, in fact, it is actually quite funky.
Corolla is an incredible success in South Africa and I doubt there are many people who haven’t either owned, driven or been a passenger in one.
As a case in point, I was having a chat to a young woman recently who when she heard that I write about cars told me she was in the market for a small vehicle.
The list of usual suspects was discussed and then I mentioned that I had just returned from the Corolla’s launch and perhaps it was worth checking out.
Her first reaction was, as is often the case with millennials, that there wasn’t much of a “cool” factor. Perhaps, yes, but it remains a mainstay of South African road users and when I showed her pictures I had taken on the launch, she was pleasantly surprised and started asking a lot more detail.
So, it seems that the Corolla brand and this new hatch is set to build on its historical success and now comes in three flavours; the 1.2 Xs 6MT, 1.2T Xs CVT and 1.2T Xr CVT.
Toyota has now also joined the ranks of small turbo-powered cars with all models powered by a four-cylinder 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine that gives you 85kw and 185Nm. The Xs 6MT is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, while the two remaining models are driven by a 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Yes, the ubiquitous CVT, which in this instance works incredibly well on the Corolla Hatch.
We found no lag and even when passing slower traffic in Cape Town the quick pick-up of revs and slow moving of the speedometer were absent.
The true test, however, will be up at Gauteng altitudes.
They have also managed to get the looks right, and with the addition of three new colours in Scarlet Metallic Red, Oxide Bronze and Caribbean Blue, the appliance moniker doesn’t really apply anymore.
Built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture chassis it’s longer, lower and sleeker than its Auris predecessor.
The front is dominated by a new mesh grill coupled to an all-led lamp cluster with daytime running lights beneath the bonnet and upper grill.
The back has an aggressive curve about it, accentuating its width, while the LED light clusters are at the end of the corners, while all versions feature a roof spoiler and shark fin antenna.
Inside it’s a whole new look as well and the first thing that strikes you are the soft-touch surfaces and touchscreen infotainment system that give it an upmarket feel. The instrument panel has been changed to be slimmer to improve visibility and although it won’t be mistaken for a hot hatch, the interior has a definite sporty quality, including the seats in the Xr model that have Alcantara-covered front sport seats with brushed aluminium just below the headrest.
Also new is a multi-link rear suspension that’s improved ride quality and roadholding, as well as a new shock absorber valve design.
Steering feedback was positive, but the average buyer won’t be too hassled about that and neither about the claimed 9.5 seconds for 0-100km/h for the manual and 10.4 for the Cvt-shod car, or top a speed of 200km/h.
Fuel consumption averaged out at 7.1L/100km, above the claimed 6.1.
Seven airbags, stability control, ABS, EBD, brake assist and hill assist control are standard safety features.
With the changes and new style, South Africa’s love affair with the Corolla will continue. It comes with a six-service/90 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty. PRICES
¡ l 1.2T Xs 6MT – R336 800
¡ l 1.2T Xs CVT – R347 400
¡ l 1.2T Xr CVT – R367 100