Toyota is a manufacturer on a roll, with its diverse range of models – from compact city cars through to sports cars and pick-ups – offering broad appeal to a whole range of buyers.
But the model that’s proving especially popular at the moment is the UK-built Corolla. Available as a sleek hatchback, saloon or estate car, this new model looks the part and is also fantastic to live with, thanks to its ease of driving and impressive efficiency.
But if you’re considering a new Toyota Corolla, what do you need to know? Read on to find out…
What powertrains are available?
With Toyota’s primary focus now on hybrid models, it’s no surprise that this is all the brand now offers in the Corolla, though there are two options to choose from – a 1.8-litre and a 2.0-litre.
Let’s start with the 1.8-litre model, with its petrol-electric setup making 120bhp. It’s not what you’d call brisk, but a 0-60mph time of 10.7 seconds should provide plenty of pace for most drivers. It’s also the most efficient of the pair, with Toyota claiming it will return up to 62.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 101g/km.
If you want something more powerful, though, there is the 2.0-litre option, which takes the power up to 181bhp. That drops the 0-60mph time down to just 7.7 seconds, but without having too negative an impact on efficiency, with Toyota still claiming it will return 57.6mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 111g/km.
It’s important to note that both Corolla options come with a CVT automatic gearbox, while they’re ‘self-charging’ hybrids that don’t have to be plugged in to charge. Instead, the batteries get a light charge while the car is on the move.
What trim levels are offered?
There are no shortage of grades to choose from on the Corolla, with the full line-up detailed below, along with equipment highlights and pricing.
Icon – from £24,185 (saloon) / £24,480 (hatchback) / £25,750 (Touring Sports)
While the Icon might kick off the range, there’s no shortage of standard equipment. That’s because it comes with automatic LED headlights, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch media system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You also get 16-inch alloy wheels and a reversing camera.
Icon Tech – from £25,235 (saloon) / £25,455 (hatchback) / £26,725 (Touring Sports)
Upgrading to the Icon Tech brings front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and additional multimedia settings.
Design – from £26,260 (saloon) / £26,555 (hatchback) / £27,890 (Touring Sports)
Design models bring sportier looks to the Corolla thanks to its larger 17-inch machined alloy wheels and privacy glass. You also get part leather seats, blue interior lighting, automatic folding door mirrors and automatic wipers.
GR Sport – from £28,090 (hatchback) / £29,140 (Touring Sports)
The sportiest looking option in the range is the GR Sport, which comes with a more performance-inspired styling kit, along with sports seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. A 3D digital dial display is also included along with a head-up display.
Trek – from £29,225 (Touring Sports)
Exclusive to the Touring Sports (estate) model, the Trek builds on the Design with its rugged look, which includes a more off-road-like body kit and raised suspension. It also gets an electric boot, keyless entry and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
Excel – from £28,295 (hatchback) / £29,790 (Touring Sports)
At the top of the range is the Excel, which builds on the Design with its 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights and keyless entry. You also get keyless entry and an electric boot as well.
What about personalisation?
Choice is important on the Corolla, and as well as having the option of the three different body styles, There’s also plenty of variety when it comes to trim levels, particularly with versions like the rugged Trek and sportier GR Sport.
There are more conventional options available, though, with a choice of colours along with the option to have a two-tone paint scheme on higher-spec models. Other boxes you can tick include one for a panoramic roof and a JBL sound system.
Enquire on a new Toyota Corolla
