The highlight of success / Toyota test drives

The current Corolla – already the tenth generation – is produced exclusively as a sedan. The hatchback now bears its own name – Auris.

Seven out of ten buyers today choose a car in some shade of gray. Our test car is exactly a silver “metallic,” and this color suits it very well. I suspect that the bulk of sold “Corollas” will be exactly like this. Take a look at the Camry on the roads – all silver metallic or black. And what about the Land Cruiser? Or the Yaris? I think the explanation is simple: when describing most Toyota models, you can't avoid the word “averageness.” This applies to the exterior, handling, and driving impressions. The exception is quality and reliability: here Toyota is clearly not an average, and rare visits by owners to the service center confirm this. I am sure the new Corolla will be just as impeccably reliable as its predecessors.

The Corolla is a scaled-down Camry. Toyota designers have never been known for bold solutions, but the latest Camry turned out well, and the company decided not to take risks but simply repeat the success. They did like in the movie: “Honey, I shrunk the kids.” The body proportions are very similar. True, the Corolla looks slightly less dynamic due to its shorter length, but the resemblance to the older model is striking: the headlights, the grille, the beltline. However, using one design theme across different models is common practice in the modern auto industry.

The Corolla has grown: 360 mm longer and 50 mm wider than before. It looks more solid – you can't call it a golf class – and overall it is much more attractive than previous generations. But again – that same averageness. Everything is smooth, clean, correct, some might even say beautiful, but there is no “zest.” Nothing catches the eye, but nothing irritates either. Perhaps this is exactly what the appearance of a best-selling car should be.

In the cabin – the same picture. A simple, unpretentious interior in gray tones, plastic is “average,” in the center there are “aluminum-look” inserts. But everything is assembled solidly. It doesn't quite reach European standards, but the average buyer will be quite satisfied. A classic “Toyota” interior: all controls at hand, no need to get used to anything, but the effort on them is not entirely natural. True, the volume knob of the stereo turns with surprisingly noble resistance.

Getting comfortable behind the three-spoke steering wheel with buttons for controlling the computer and audio system is not easy right away. There are enough adjustments, but the seat cushion may seem a bit short for a tall driver (while behind him it will be quite comfortable). The front seats themselves did not please: the backrest protrudes, lateral support is weak. But the Corolla drives quite decently. The new 1.6-liter Dual VVT-I engine paired with a refined 5-speed “robot” MultiMode gives acceleration at the level of the best classmates. The adaptive gearbox works noticeably better than, say, on the Yaris, but shifts to higher gears with noticeable thoughtfulness, making passengers nod in time with the shifts. However, if you understand the logic of operation, you can achieve smooth progress. In sport or manual mode (via convenient paddle shifters) things are better. On kick-down, the gearbox quickly drops several gears down, with rev-matching, but pauses when shifting to higher gears are still noticeable.

Ride comfort for this class is very good. The suspension willingly swallows bumps, hardly disturbing passengers. Even “speed bumps” are not scary for it. But in corners, you have to pay for comfort with noticeable, though not critical, body rolls. There is feedback on the steering wheel, but you can't call it transparent – the effort is as synthetic as on other controls. But on a straight line, the Toyota stands confidently, it is comfortable and quiet even at 160-170 km/h. But you don't want to push the Corolla – the element of this car is calm driving.

The feeling of calm and reliability during measured driving – that is probably what people love the Corolla for. The light sensor will turn on the headlights at dusk, the rain sensor – the wipers, climate control will maintain the desired temperature, the audio system will increase volume with speed, the “robot” will select the right gear… Maybe this is what Toyota considers that very dream from the corporate slogan? Then $20,000 for a car is not so much…

PRICES AND TRIM LEVELS
The Toyota Corolla is available with petrol 4-cylinder engines 1.4 L (97 hp) and 1.6 L (124 hp). For all engines, a 5-speed manual is offered, and for the 1.6 L engine – also a 5-speed “semi-automatic” MultiMode. Trim levels – Comfort, Elegance, and Prestige. The base Comfort version with a 1.4 L engine and manual gearbox costs $18,600. The Prestige version with a 1.6 L engine and MultiMode will cost from $24,600.