The world’s best-selling car nameplate has extended its family in Europe to include the Corolla Hatchback, Saloon, and Touring Sports, writes Trish Whelan.
This marks a return of the Corolla name to the hatchback which had been sold as Auris in European markets since 2007.
Following the brand’s decision in 2018 to cease production of diesel passenger cars, Corolla is the fourth model in the 2019 Toyota ‘self-charging hybrid’ campaign. It is built on the car maker’s New Global Architecture and is offered with a 1.8 petrol-electric output of 122hp. Toyota Ireland predicts that 90pc of Corolla sales this year will be hybrid.
The electric motor powers the car on starting off. In cruise the system seamlessly switches power sources, and for when full acceleration is needed, for overtaking, fr instance, the engine and motor work together to give that extra boost. The battery recharges during deceleration. As with all hybrids, automatic shifting is part of the tech.
The exterior styling in my five-door review hatchback looked really well in two-tone red body and black roof. Inside, Toyota has worked some magic in presenting a very pleasing environment. Quality materials are evident and you’ll appreciate the lovely sweep of the dash towards the centre, the large stand-alone screen on the centre console, and the trim strip across the top of the dash which also curves along the doors. All in all, a very good look.
Everything is within easy reach, with steering wheel mounted remote switches for infotainment and audio controls. I liked the colourful graphics of the main instrument cluster, with traditional circular speed and revs dials on either side of the secondary information of current driving mode, average fuel consumption and range. A digital speed readout was almost at my eye level which makes it easier to keep eyes on the road ahead.
There’s plenty of front passenger legroom, but if there’s a tall person in front, rear legroom is scarce, if adequate behind someone less all. Seats are comfortable and give nice support to your back. There are two moveable front armrests and a number of good storage areas. A deep boot offers 361 litres of luggage capacity. The battery is under the rear seats and doesn’t intrude into cargo space. There is a sealant puncture repair kit below the boot floor.
On the go you can choose between EV, Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes. I used Normal for the first few days, then switched to Sport for an even livelier drive experience. Eco reduces throttle response for maximum fuel return, EV mode runs the car on the electric motor alone at low speeds and for short distances and is useful to reduce noise late at night in residential areas. A B-mode provides engine braking on steep descents. The car can do 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
My review Luna Sport comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2 array of safety features, 17-inch alloys, heated door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, cruise control, the 8-inch Toyota Touch multimedia system, a good rear view camera, dual-zone climate control and leather steering wheel.
On the road, the Corolla felt very responsive with plenty of power on tap. It was also agile and very easy to park even in a tight spot. I also enjoyed the car’s direct steering which suited me perfectly. The cabin was quiet with hardly any noise coming through. Whatever, it works.
I enjoyed the driving experience of the hatchback, to the point I returned the car to Toyota with a sense of reluctance.
You can get into a Corolla Hatchback from €24,380. Four grades are offered - Aura, Luna, Luna Sport and Sol. My review car was priced from €28,995. Annual road tax is €180. Official fuel consumption is 4.5 L/100kms combined under the WLTP regime.
