2018 Toyota Corolla Review

Engine and performance

If you hate making decisions, then the limited 2018 Corolla engine and gearbox line-up might appeal to you. You have the choice of a 1.8-litre petrol either with a manual or automatic or a hybrid model. Hybrid Corollas also have a 1.8-litre petrol engine, but leave the factory with a Synergy Drive automatic CVT transmission.
Hybrid models derive 73kw/142Nm from the standard petrol engine, while a 60kW electric motor supplements the torque output, adding 207Nm. Many car reviewers were pleasantly surprised by the off-the-line acceleration of the hybrid models, saying it had plenty of oomph. A few even went as far as saying it would be their pick of the line-up.

The rest of the range, perhaps confusingly, has the exact same petrol engine. The confusing part is that the sporty ZR hatch shares the same motor as the lower spec Ascent. All non-hybrid models have 103kW and 173Nm. In practice, journalists described the Corolla line-up as docile and respectable, but way behind many of its direct rivals.

It's a bit of a puzzle why Toyota omitted to bolt on a turbo. Most of the competition and international spec Corollas boast turbochargers for increased performance and efficiency. Several reviews picked up on this.

Almost unanimously, journos disliked the CVT automatic transmission. Words like droney and sluggish were bandied around. The six-speed manual was favoured as a better companion for the engine, with more immediate acceleration.

Features and Statistics

Fuel efficiency

The Toyota Corolla is a pretty frugal car and sips fuel sparingly. Surprisingly, the manual transmission car boasts the worst fuel economy, using a combined 6.7L/100km of petrol. The CVT automatic transmission returns 6.1L/100km, while the hybrid model burns an impressive 4.1L/100km.
Those figures are direct from the Toyota specifications list for the Corolla, derived from an ADR81/02 fuel consumption test. In practice, real-world figures are always slightly higher due to traffic, road and weather conditions.
For an SX model, one media outlet saw an increased fuel usage of 8.4L/100km – 2.4L/100km higher than the factory figures. Another journalist achieved 9.2L/100km. This is much higher than Toyota's claimed stats, but is still very much middle of the road in its class.
The hybrid Corolla in real-world conditions delivered fuel usage of 5.5L/100km, just one extra litre over factory numbers.
Hybrid Corollas hit such impressive fuel usage by blending an electric motor together with a petrol engine. The system also recycles conventionally wasted braking energy to top-up the battery. Around town, where you brake a lot, and sometimes quite heavily, this can make a world of difference.
Toyota decided not to include stop/start technology on the Corolla.

Handling

The general consensus is that the Corolla is pretty decent to drive. According to testers, engineers have done a solid job of creating a car that is nimble. The steering feels nice and light and is described as accurate. This light steering also makes parking a lot easier, especially on confined metro streets.
Others found the ride to be comfortable, evening out road bumps nicely, but not particularly exciting in any way.
One thing to note about motoring journalists, they like to enthuse about a car's handling, but you should take this with a pinch of salt. After all, the Corolla isn't a sports car and most buyers will only ever use theirs on public roads. For everyday driving, it is perfectly fine. It's a sensible and comfortable option, and that's all that matters to most owners.

Interior and other features

Here’s a breakdown of the Corolla trim billing.

• Ascent trim. Baseline Ascent trim is actually very well appointed. You can choose between a 7-speed continuously variable automatic and a 6-speed manual to go with the 1.8L Dual VVT-i engine. This model gets 16" steel wheels, a multi-information display (MID) and steering wheel controls for the MID and phone/audio inputs. This model also features Bluetooth and a reasonable 6.1" colour touchscreen sound system tied to six-speakers. Ascent Corollas have cruise control, manual A/C and a bank of safety assists. All Corollas come with a reversing camera.
• Ascent Sport. Next up is the Ascent Sport. This adds to the Ascent spec by swapping the steel rims for alloys, upping the entertainment system screen to 7" and including Toyota Link. These models also have voice recognition, privacy glass, premium gear levers and an executive three-spoke steering wheel. Buyers have the option to add satellite navigation with traffic data and a Toyota smart safety pack.
• Hybrid. Hybrid models build upon the Ascent grade, replacing some of the standard equipment. Obviously, this model has a 1.8L petrol working in tandem with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Additionally, Hybrid drivers benefit from smart entry and starting, plus a 4.2" colour multi-information display. This car also has dual-zone, automated climate control and LED headlights with cleaners to save energy. Hybrid vehicles can also be fitted with Toyota's Safety Sense.
• SX. The SX model is based on the Ascent Sport, but the six-speed manual as an option is done away with. The alloy wheels jump up one inch to 17" in diameter, which reviewers felt improved the handling. This model also has sat-nav as standard and automatic headlights. Sports bucket seats replace the traditional seating and the racing styling is strengthened with a sharp front spoiler and rear valance, plus matching side skirts.
• ZR. The ZR is the top flight Corolla. It's built around the SX spec, but includes a smart entry system, dual-zone climate control, heated part-leather front seats with power adjustable lumbar support, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlamps, heated mirrors that fold away automatically and an anti-theft alarm. Buyers can also choose an optional panoramic sunroof not available on the rest of the range.

Transmission

Exterior

Interior

Instruments and controls

Storage and convenience

Sound system

Security

Toyota Corolla Safety Equipment