We say Well built, spacious and powered by strong engines. Not much fun though. Toyota in a nutshell.Performance The Corolla comes with a decent engine line-up, split between diesel and petrol variants. While the diesels offer good low and mid-level pull it’s the 1.8-litre VVTL-i petrol unit, only available on Sport specced-models, that’s the most impressive. The 189bhp unit clears 60mph in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140mph. It’s about as close to a ‘hot’ version as the Japanese manufacturer gets.Emissions The most efficient engine on the Corolla hatchback is the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel unit. The 89bhp unit returns 58mpg and emits 128g/km in CO2 however it needs to be worked hard. Better options are the larger diesel units.Driving The Corolla handles as you’d expect a sensible car to. There are good levels of grip and a little bit of bodyroll around corners but generally the steering is accurate. That makes for some simple, unfussy driving but it’s more suited to motorway cruising.Feel Noise is well isolated on the Corolla and the ride is supple and comfortable. It’s firmed up on high-end T Sport models but it’s not particularly noticeable which can be good or bad, depending on what you’re after.Space Four adults will ride in the Corolla hatchback easily and in some comfortable seats while there’s a decent 289-litre boot at the rear and it’s easily accessible thanks to a wide and low tailgate.Equipment Air conditioning, CD player, electric windows and remote central locking are standard.Price Pricing for the Toyota Corolla hatchback starts from around £10,500 and rises to around £20,000. Running costs aren’t brilliant with the hatchback and it’s one area where it shows its age when compared to newer alternatives on the market.Quality As ever, the Toyota Corolla is well built and solid and the interior makes use of robust materials. Unfortunately they do feel a bit cheap and the cabin looks quite bare.Safety Six bags and ABS come fitted as standard. There’s some good security kit as well.Pros The Corolla is a decent hatchback. It’s spacious, safe to drive and it’s incredible reliable.Cons Smaller petrol engines are underpowered and the interior is quite bare and underspecced. It’s also a boring car to drive and it’s beginning to show its age.Alternatives Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Renault Megane.
