The Toyota Corolla wants no introduction…
Just like the Volkswagen Golf, it’s a type of vehicles everybody recognises. Till lately it had a stint because the world’s hottest automobile – some 50 million have been produced because the nameplate’s introduction again within the Sixties.
Likelihood is your mother and father owned one, you’ve owned one, otherwise you’ve no less than ridden in a single – nowadays so many are used as Uber’s, you’d be dwelling beneath a rock in case you hadn’t had some type of expertise.
It stays considered one of Australia’s hottest autos, which is admirable given the state of the market. Passenger vehicles simply aren’t in favour, although the Corolla nonetheless manages to persistently clinch a spot within the prime 10 of the VFACTS gross sales charts each month.
Right here on check we have now the 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan Ascent Sport Hybrid, probably the most reasonably priced model of the Japanese model’s small sedan with electrified energy.
It’s no secret the Corolla’s status for dependability and effectivity are key drivers for its reputation, nevertheless it’s at all times good to revisit a household favorite as extra rivals come into market.
Greater than ever, gamers like Toyota are beneath assault from Chinese language challengers. This Corolla Sedan, for instance, is about then identical worth drive-away as an all-electric GWM Ora ($35,990 D/A).
Not direct rivals on paper, however as we’ve seen of late Australian prospects cross-shop some odd matchups.
Does the Corolla Hybrid nonetheless should be a prime decide?
How does the Toyota Corolla evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota Corolla in opposition to equally sized autos.
Toyota
Corolla
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla value?
Whereas Toyota axed petrol variations of the Corolla Hatch, the Corolla Sedan continues to be provided with a base 2.0-litre petrol engine. Due to this fact this base Ascent Sport Hybrid is one-up from the underside rung at $32,110 plus on-road prices.
| Mannequin Variant | Value earlier than on-roads |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan Ascent Sport | $29,720 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan Ascent Sport Hybrid | $32,110 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan SX | $32,760 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan SX Hybrid | $34,920 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan ZR | $36,600 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla Sedan ZR Hybrid | $40,260 |
To see how the Corolla Hybrid shapes up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability device.
What’s the Toyota Corolla like on the within?
The Corolla is already an economic system automobile and in base spec is suitably fundamental inside, if useful and solidly constructed.
It’s not arduous to see the place Toyota has saved cash on this fleet-focused specification, from the arduous door plastics to the untrimmed urethane steering wheel – it’s all fundamental, nevertheless it nonetheless works.
Ergonomics are sound and total consolation is fairly good. The fabric seats are supportive and adjustable sufficient, and the compact steering wheel feels good, and has the requisite controls which can be tremendous simple to get your head round.
Clearly a concentrate on simplicity and performance has been employed right here, and every thing simply works as you’d count on with out a lot aptitude or fanfare. That’s all many will ever want.
Whereas there’s the next ratio of hard-wearing supplies and surfaces within the cabin of the Ascent Sport, every thing feels effectively screwed collectively and constructed to final – maybe excluding the centre tunnel, which may shift barely when pressed or wobbled.
Forward of the driving force is a fundamental 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster flanked by dot matrix-style gauges for gas stage and engine temperature.
Whereas it’s not as swish because the 12.3-inch full-digital panel within the ZR, a model of this show is normal on a whole lot of Lexus fashions that value two or 3 times as a lot – riddle me that.
It’s a color show with a couple of customisable components, and does the job simply advantageous. Is it a patch on the digital cockpits in a Volkswagen Golf? Not fairly, however that’s not the purpose right here.
The 8.0 central touchscreen is working Toyota’s newest interface and options normal navigation within the hybrid, along with wi-fi smartphone mirroring. All of it labored flawlessly throughout our time with the automobile.
As we’ve famous in Toyota and Lexus critiques previous the software program is fairly fundamental however simple to make use of, and on this entry-level grade is greater than becoming for the cash. If something, it’s one of many extra premium touches.
You additionally get a complimentary 12-month subscription to Toyota Related Companies which brings performance together with SOS emergency name, computerized collision notification, stolen automobile monitoring, and distant companies through the myToyota Join app. There are linked navigation features too.
It’s a disgrace the preliminary free interval is barely 12 months, and Toyota expenses between $9.95 and $12.50 per thirty days after that relying on the bundle you select. Different manufacturers supply 5 to seven years upfront.
Storage up entrance is fairly good, with loads of slots and cubbies to your odds and ends. I notably just like the phone-shaped cubby beneath the dashboard, although there’s no wi-fi charger on this trim.
For those who’re planning to make use of the second row typically, the Corolla Sedan simply beats out the Corolla Hatch.
A part of that’s all the way down to the 60mm prolonged wheelbase, which opens up extra leg- and knee room. I’m 6’1 and undoubtedly seen the distinction behind my most popular driving place.
It’s in any other case fairly fundamental within the again, maybe moreso than the entrance. You lose rear air vents to increased grades and get a storage slot instead, however there’s nonetheless a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
ISOFIX and prime tether factors maintain the kiddies catered for too. Fundamentals lined, nothing extra and nothing much less.
The Corolla Sedan gives 470 litres of boot area, which is effectively up on the Corolla Hatch’s 217L. It’s immensely sensible for the category, and goes some method to explaining why you’d go for the sedan over the hatch.
The boot itself opens good and vast, making it easy to fit in awkwardly formed gadgets. An area saver spare lives beneath the boot flooring.
| Dimensions | Toyota Corolla Sedan |
|---|---|
| Size | 4630mm |
| Width | 1780mm |
| Peak | 1435mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700mm |
| Boot capability (VDA) | 470 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1410kg – Ascent Sport 1430kg – Ascent Sport Hybrid |
| Gross Automobile Mass (GVM) | 1845kg |
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Corolla Hybrid was up to date in 2023 with the model’s fifth-generation hybrid expertise, encompassing a newly developed high-output motor generator, energy management unit, and downsized hybrid transaxle.
One other key improve was the introduction of a brand new lithium-ion battery instead of the outgoing nickel steel hydride energy storage unit, which reduces weight by 14 per cent whereas rising each enter and output energy.
It also needs to imply the Corolla Hybrid can spend extra time in EV mode which helps increase effectivity. Consequently, the up to date mannequin gives extra energy and efficiency, whereas sustaining its predecessor’s benchmark effectivity claims.
| Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8-litre 4cyl hybrid |
| Energy | 103kW |
| Torque | 142Nm (petrol solely) |
| Transmission | CVT auto |
| Pushed Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1430kg (kerb) |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 3.9L/100km |
| Gasoline tank | 43 litres |
| Required gas | 91 RON |
To see how the Corolla Hybrid shapes up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability device.
How does the Toyota Corolla drive?
The Corolla Hybrid’s up to date drivetrain definitely makes a distinction on the highway.
Whereas its 103kW system output nonetheless is fairly meek in comparison with some turbocharged rivals, it’s noticeably extra keen than the previous 90kW mannequin and the brand new electrified elements make this really feel extra, erm… electrified.
There’s extra low-end punch from the electrical motor and the Corolla appears happier to lean on e-power for longer, courtesy of hybrid bits which have confirmed themselves within the likes of the smaller Yaris.
You may genuinely speed up off the road to 30 or 40km/h in EV Mode at average tempo, and the automobile is extra eager to close off the petrol engine if you raise off the throttle because the speeds climb.
Even at 100km/h you’ll typically see the EV Mode indicator flash up on flat floor, making the Corolla Hybrid extra environment friendly on the freeway because the engine isn’t consistently buzzing away. We noticed it hover within the low 4.0L/100km throughout per week of combined circumstances, which is great.
As earlier than, normal consolation and refinement are good. The Corolla rides actually properly on all highway surfaces and that mixes properly with the correct and well-weighted driver controls.
It’s fairly a enjoyable factor to steer, with predictable response and buttery fluidity of a dearer automobile. This can be a widespread takeaway I’ve had from just about each TNGA-based automobile I’ve pushed.
Maybe the place the Corolla is let down is highway noise insulation. We seen a little bit of tyre roar notably over rougher patches of highway – not a dealbreaker, nevertheless it’s a knock on an in any other case very succesful bundle.
Not less than its aerodynamic form means it cuts by way of the air properly, so that you don’t get an entire lot of wind whistle over the entrance pillars or mirrors even at 100-110km/h.
The slick manoeuvrability interprets effectively to the city grind, making metropolis streets and automobile parks a cinch.
Gentle steering and first rate outward visibility make for a simple metropolis commuter, bolstered by the first rate reversing digital camera.
Sadly, Ascent Sport variations of the Corolla Sedan miss out on blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, regardless of the previous being normal throughout all Corolla Hatch fashions.
The bottom Corolla is in any other case kitted out with a heap of help and energetic security options, one thing not at all times anticipated of an entry grade.
Toyota’s adaptive cruise and Lane Hint Help have developed in leaps and bounds from earlier iterations, and are actually a genuinely aggressive set of options.
The Corolla will keep a set velocity and distance from the automobile forward intuitively while additionally following freeway lane markings with out yanking abruptly on the wheel.
Additional, the usual LED headlights are good and shiny, and the visitors signal recognition doesn’t beep and bong at you consistently like some Korean competitors.
There’s a operate that has an annoying woman say “please obey all visitors rules” if you go over the detected restrict, however fortunately she could be turned off (and stored off) within the touchscreen.
What do you get?
The Corolla Ascent Sport is the entry grade in a three-tier trim stroll.
Corolla Ascent Sport highlights:
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen (Sedan)
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display screen (Hybrid)
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite tv for pc navigation (Hybrid)
- Illuminated vainness mirrors
- Rear seat reminder
- 6-speaker sound system
- Automated bi-LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- LED daytime working lights and tail lights
- Air-conditioning
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- 60/40 split-fold rear seats with centre armrest
- Heated, power-folding mirrors
- Reversing digital camera
- Toyota Related Companies (12mth subscription)
- Spare wheel (Hybrid)
- Keyless entry and begin (Hybrid)
Comfort Pack ($1000) provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring (Sedan)
- Rear-cross visitors alert
- Entrance, rear parking sensors (Hatch)
-
ZR proven -
Corolla SX provides:
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Distant local weather management pre-conditioning
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, shifter
- LED fog lights
- Auto-folding facet mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- Privateness glass
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- USB charging port
- Electrical parking brake
- 7.0-inch driver cluster show
- Spare wheel
Corolla ZR provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- JBL sound system, 9 audio system
- Entrance sports activities seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat incl. lumbar
- Leatherette seat accents (Sedan)
- Heated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Ambient lighting
- Electrical sunroof (Sedan)
Is the Toyota Corolla secure?
The Toyota Corolla wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on testing carried out in 2018.
It obtained scores of 96 per cent in grownup occupant safety, 83 per cent in youngster occupant safety, 86 per cent in weak highway person safety, and 76 per cent in security help.
Normal security tools consists of:
- 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian, Bicycle owner, Bike detection
- Junction help
- Emergency steering help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane maintain help
- Lane Hint Help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Reversing digital camera
SX and up add:
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla value to run?
The Corolla is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee – which extends to seven years on the engine offered the automobile in accordance with the service schedule inside Toyota’s nationwide supplier community.
Additional, hybrid fashions rise up to 10 years of guarantee protection “so long as you undertake your annual inspection as a part of routine upkeep in accordance with the automobile logbook”.
Upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Toyota caps the primary 5 companies at $245 a pop, which is a $40 enhance on final yr’s mannequin.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has at all times been a secure purchase, and this newest one undoubtedly doesn’t break custom.
It’s low cost, spacious, environment friendly, and needs to be endlessly dependable. There’s little marvel you see so lots of them on the highway even in these SUV-hungry instances, and why they’re a automobile of selection for fleet and rideshare operators spending hours behind the wheel.
Toyota’s New International Structure (TNGA) has afforded even its most simple vehicles wonderful dynamics and all-round competence on the highway, and even the economy-chasing Corolla Hybrid is a eager steer. Not do vehicles chasing effectivity in any respect prices must be boring to drive.
The Corolla Hybrid, no matter trim, stays a simple decide for these wanting probably the most cost-effective small passenger automobile to run, and the Corolla Sedan beats its hatchback sibling with higher rear area and a cavernous boot in relative phrases.
Whereas the SX and ZR trims supply fascinating luxuries for personal consumers, the Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid stays an awesome selection for fleets, and it’s a simple advice to make for these wanting low cost, fundamental transport. It’s a profitable method that’s arduous to beat – that’s if you may get one, as Toyota’s web site says there are “prolonged wait instances”.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Purchase a Toyota Corolla
MORE: All the pieces Toyota Corolla
