2018 Toyota Corolla review

2016-2018 Toyota Corolla: Engines and performance

If you get stressed when facing too many 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 (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 extract 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 Corolla, saying they had plenty of oomph. Quite 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 mystifying part is that the sporty ZR hatch shares the same power plant as the lower spec Ascent. All non-hybrid models have the same 103kW and 173Nm. On public roads, journalists described the 2016-2018 Corolla line-up as docile and respectable, but behind many of its rivals.

It's a bit of a puzzle why Toyota chose not to bolt on a turbo. Most of the competition and international spec Corollas have turbochargers for increased performance and efficiency. Several reviewers picked up on this.

Almost without exception, journos disapproved of the CVT automatic transmission. Words like droney and sluggish were thrown around. The 6-speed manual was favoured as a better companion for the engine, with more immediate acceleration.

Features and statistics

Fuel efficiency

The 2016-2018 Toyota Corolla was a pretty frugal car and sipped fuel sparingly. Surprisingly, the manual transmission car boasted the worst fuel economy, using a combined 6.7L/100km of petrol. The CVT automatic transmission is theoretically capable of 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 often 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, which was 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. It should be noted, it is not abnormal for fuel economy to sit within a 1.0L/100km margin of the brochure figures.

The hybrid Corolla in real-world conditions delivered fuel usage of 5.5L/100km, just 1 extra litre over factory numbers.
Hybrid Corollas hit such impressive fuel usage by combining an electric motor together with the propulsion generated by the petrol engine. The system also recycles ordinarily wasted braking energy to top up the battery. Around town, where you brake more frequently, and sometimes quite heavily, this can make a significant difference.
Toyota decided not to include stop/start technology on the Corolla.

Handling

The general opinion of the reviewers is that the Corolla is pretty decent to drive. According to the motoring press, Toyota engineers have done a pleasing job of creating a car that is nimble. The steering response is nice and light, with testers saying it is also accurate. This light steering also makes parking a lot easier, especially on bustling urban streets.

Others found the ride to be comfy, evening out road bumps nicely, but not particularly exciting in any way.

One thing to note about motoring journalists: they like to dissect and hyper-analyse a car's handling, but you should take this with a pinch of salt. After all, the Corolla isn't a sports car and 99.99% of 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 most owners truly care about.

2016-2018 Toyota Corolla: Interior and other features

Here's a breakdown of the 2016-2018 Corolla trims.

• Ascent trim. The baseline Ascent trim is acceptably appointed. You can choose between a 7-speed continuously variable automatic and a 6-speed manual to go with the Ascent's 1.8L Dual VVT-i engine. This model gets 16" steel wheels, a Multi-Information Display (MID), plus steering wheel controls for the MID, as well as the phone/audio inputs. These Corollas also have Bluetooth and a humble 6.1" colour touchscreen. The sound system is wired to 6 speakers. Ascent Corollas also have cruise control, manual A/C and a bank of safety assists. All Corollas come with a reversing camera.
• Ascent Sport. Next in the range is the Ascent Sport. This trim adds to the Ascent spec by:
  • Swapping the steel wheels for alloys
  • Upping the entertainment system screen to 7" and enabling Toyota Link
  • Including voice recognition, privacy glass, premium gear levers and an executive 3-spoke steering wheel
  • Offering options like satellite navigation with live traffic info and the Toyota smart safety pack
• Hybrid. Hybrid models improve upon the Ascent grade, replacing some of the standard equipment and tech. Most noticeably, this model has a 1.8L petrol working together with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Additionally, hybrid drivers enjoy smart entry and starting, as well as a 4.2" colour Multi-Information Display. This car also has a dual-zone, automated climate control system and energy-saving LED headlights (with cleaners). Hybrid vehicles can also be equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense.
• SX. The SX model is based around the Ascent Sport spec, but there's no option for a manual gearbox in this Corolla. The alloy wheels bump up 1 inch to 17", something that reviewers believed improved the handling. This model also has satellite navigation and auto headlights. Traditional seats are swapped for sporty bucket seats. That racing theme is built upon with a crisp front spoiler and rear valance, together with matching side skirts.
• ZR. The ZR is the range-topping Corolla. It's based on the SX spec, but includes a smart entry system, dual-zone climate control A/C, heated partial-leather front seats (with power-adjustable lumbar support), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights, auto-folding heated mirrors and an anti-theft alarm. Buyers could also choose an optional panoramic sunroof not available on the rest of the Corolla range.

Transmission

Exterior

Interior

Instruments and controls

Storage and convenience

Sound system

Security

Toyota Corolla safety equipment