Test drive Toyota Corolla: the story continues
Test Drive

Test drive Toyota Corolla: the story continues

Test drive Toyota Corolla: the story continues

Our first test with the new edition of the bestseller

Whether one is a fan of Toyota Corolla or vice versa, there is no doubt that this model is important for the global industry. Because it is the best-selling model in history. Even before the twelfth generation Corolla hit the market, over 45 million units of its predecessors had been sold. The fact is that each edition of the Japanese compact model is a completely different product, so if we have to take a closer look at the question of which car is the best-selling car in history, the prize could be awarded to the “tortoise”. “About VW, because in all the decades of its production it has not changed dramatically either in design or in technology. However, in both cases, Corolla is ahead of the third contender for the crown - VW Golf. The Corolla is back in a brand new form - a compact model that has managed to attract people around the world almost equally on every continent for more than half a century, is ready for new feats.

More distinctive appearance

The new edition of the model is based on the so-called Toyota Global Architecture Platform, TNGA for short, which we already know from the C-HR small SUV and the latest hybrid pioneer Prius. Buyers can choose between three main body styles - a dynamically oriented hatchback, a classic sedan and a functional station wagon. Our first encounter with the model was with the penultimate top-of-the-line Luxury sedan and a 122-horsepower hybrid drive borrowed from the Prius. Soon we will try to acquaint you with our impressions of other modifications of the model.

The first thing that can hardly go unnoticed in the new model is the location of the front end. It's almost bold for the understated model we've come to think of as a Corolla. To the side of the very narrow grille with chrome trim are characteristic darkened headlights with a pointed contour, and the front bumper is distinguished by a large window. Specific vertical elements in the front bumper, reminiscent of a boomerang, are highlighted by a chrome element, and in a slightly different version can be found at the rear of the car. The low-front, high-pointed-back silhouette and relatively copious chrome trim somehow evoke US-market Toyota sedans, which are actually a very distinct feature from Old Continent competitors.

The high level of equipment includes a pleasant combination of soft plastic, piano lacquer and leather. The manually adjustable seats provide good lateral and lumbar support. Interior space at typical classy level. The boot volume of 361 liters is not very large, but this is partly the result of building the battery into the floor.

Since Toyota has made a policy decision not to offer diesel engines in most of its lineup, including the Corolla, the focus is logically on hybrids. In addition to the well-known system with a 1,8 liter engine and an effective output of 122 hp. The model is also available with a brand new two-liter 180 hp engine. system power. Probably due to the expectations of the more conservative sedan buyers, so far it is only offered with a weaker hybrid drive or a naturally aspirated 1,6-liter combustion engine (1,2-liter turbocharged in other body styles), and a more powerful hybrid remains a priority for hatchback and station wagon.

In Toyota terminology, the term CVT still exists, although (already classic for Toyota hybrids) a drive with two motor-generators and a planetary gear has nothing to do with a variator transmission. Its use is due to the fact that the transmission ensures the operation of a gasoline unit without going through various stages, as in mechanical, classic automatic transmissions and DSG gearboxes.

The characteristic effect of "boost" and "rubber" acceleration in the new systems is reduced, but not insignificant, at least in version 1.8. In urban environments, the Corolla feels right at home and takes full advantage of its hybrid powertrain, driving quiet, economical and efficient most of the time. However, on the highway, as before, the dynamics seem to be of secondary importance, and when lifting, the engine often accelerates to 4500-5000 rpm, which leads to a serious deterioration of the sound background. The pattern of overtaking or other need for faster acceleration is also not much different. In such conditions, the consumption, which in the combined cycle in the test was 5,8 liters per hundred kilometers, and in the city easily dropped below five percent, significantly increases and reaches values ​​above 7 l / 100 km. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning again that the transitions between different driving modes such as braking, recuperation, mixed or pure electric drive are harmonious and completely invisible.

Significantly more dynamic road behavior

Holding the new Corolla through the corners is testament enough to the body's 60 percent more strength qualities - the car takes them on with much more willingness and confidence than before. Suspension is a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, and adaptive dampers are also available as an option, with the Corolla starting to show qualities not typical of a standard Toyota model. Another factor that makes for a very pleasant driving experience is that Toyota engineers have finally sorted out the hesitant, at times unstable brake pedal feel in their hybrid models – with the new Corolla, the transition between electric and standard braking is absolute. invisible, so you feel safe in any situation.

As for prices, Toyota approached quite reasonably: prices for a hybrid sedan range from 46 to 500 leva depending on the configuration, for a hatchback with a new two-liter hybrid drive - from 55 to 500 leva, as well as for the most expensive station wagon 57. The panoramic roof hybrid sells for around BGN 000. The most affordable Corolla is a hatchback with a 60-liter turbo engine at a price of BGN 000. Or a sedan with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, which also costs the same.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photos: Toyota

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