Unleash the Thrill: Toyota Corolla Sports UK Test Drive Reveals the Perfect Blend of Comfort and Agility
2023 Toyota Corolla Review: A Refined and Dynamic Hatchback
The Toyota Corolla is a legendary model that has been in production since 1966. After a brief hiatus, the Corolla was revived in 2019 under the leadership of then-CEO Akio Toyoda. The 12th generation Corolla has proven to be a formidable competitor in the European hatchback market, particularly in the UK.
The current Corolla, also known as the Corolla Sport, boasts a sleek and sophisticated design that has been updated in 2023. Its TNGA platform provides an excellent foundation for energy efficiency and drivability. The center of gravity has been lowered by 10 mm, and the body rigidity has been increased by 60% compared to the Auris era.
The Corolla Sport’s dimensions are well-balanced, with a length of 40 mm longer and 30 mm wider, but 25 mm lower in height. Its size is comparable to the Volkswagen Golf and the Honda Civic. The 2023 facelift brings tweaks to the headlights and updated alloy wheel options for the UK model. The higher-grade model features adaptive LED headlights with built-in daytime running lights.
Robust Interior and High-Quality Build
The Corolla Sport’s powertrain is a Toyota-style hybrid, featuring a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter engine paired with two electric motors. The update boosts the electric motor’s capabilities, with the 1.8-liter unit increasing from 72hp to 108hp. In the UK, it produces 140hp in total. The 2.0-liter engine has been boosted from 95hp to 112hp, giving it a total system output of 195hp.
The drive battery has been upgraded from nickel-metal hydride to lithium-ion and is installed under the rear seats. The interior may not stand out in terms of design or materials, but the build quality and robustness are exceptional. It appears to be capable of withstanding rough handling for about 10 years.
The Corolla Sport features hard buttons for the air conditioning, traction control, and handbrake, making them easy to use. The seat heater switches are also designed to be pressed with gloves on. However, the door pockets and cup holders are small, and the wireless smartphone charging pad in higher-end models is a shallow tray in mid-range and lower models.
The luggage compartment capacity is 361L for the 1.8L model, while the 2.0L model has a reduced capacity of 313L due to the placement of the 12V auxiliary battery. The rear seat backrests can be folded down in a 40:60 split, but the space is not particularly spacious for this class. The back seats are also somewhat cramped, making the Corolla Touring station wagon a better option for those seeking more space.
A Lively Hybrid with a 1.8L Engine
The Corolla Sport’s hybrid powertrain provides a perfect balance of comfort and maneuverability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined and dynamic hatchback.