Toyota Corolla Review 2024

March 2018

Toyota unveils what was initially called an 'Auris', but soon became a 'Corolla'.

The new car offered offers one conventional engine – a 1.2 litre turbo petrol unit – and a choice of 120bhp, 1.8 litre or 177bhp, 2.0 litre hybrid electric powertrains. Based on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, same as the Prius and C-HR.

The 1.8 litre system fulfils all the requirements that customers have come to expect from a Toyota full hybrid electric powertrain: silent, intuitive, responsive and self-sufficient EV technology with low cost of ownership, no need for plug-in recharging, excellent fuel economy, low CO 2 emissions, and up to 50 per cent all-electric driving in everyday commuting.

The 2.0 litre system maintains these benefits and takes full advantage of the added ride comfort, stability, handling and driving enjoyment inherent in the TNGA platform. It will offer drivers an ‘energised drive,’ with more power and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more dynamic, engaging driving experience. There are no diesel versions.

Longer and lower than its predecessor, the 2019 Auris adopts a significantly more dynamic design and more striking frontal styling. Overall length has increased by 40mm, all of which is contained within a longer wheelbase. Importantly, the overall height has been reduced by 25mm, while the cowl height is significantly (-47mm) lower than in the current model. The result is a sleeker shape and a more attractive, lower bonnet, which in turn improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view.

The new Auris’s design can be further emphasised with an optional bi-tone colour scheme, which combines the body colour with a black finish to the roof and pillars.

Length 4,370mm, width 1,790mm, height 1,435mm, wheelbase 2,640mm.

The new CVT is the world’s first to feature a launch gear, which significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and improves fuel efficiency by 6% compared to its predecessor.

Toyota has also developed a new 6-speed manual transmission. Compared to the previous unit, the new system is 7kg lighter and is shorter by 24mm, making it one of the smallest transmissions in the world and contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

For the 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engines Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery.

August 2018

'Auris' name replaced by 'Corolla'

The Auris name meant nothing very much. However, by 2018 Toyota had sold more than 45 million cars Worldwide named 'Corolla', making it the best selling car ever. So, from 2019 the Auris nameplate was dropped globally. This meant the next-gen Auris, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018, was rebranded 'Corolla'.

November 2018

UK prices announced

Offered both with 1.2 petrol turbo engines and two different hybrid drivetrains. These are a revised 1.8-litre system and a new 180PS 2.0-litre version that’s engineered for more power on demand, effortless acceleration and fun-to-drive character, without compromising overall fuel and emissions efficiency. As full hybrids, both powertrains have the advantage of offering an all-electric drive capability, with zero emissions and fuel consumption; both are also matched to a seamless CVT automatic transmission.

The new Toyota Corolla hatchback and Touring Sports are manufactured at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire and are the first Corolla models to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, bringing multiple benefits in terms of strong dynamic performance thanks to a lower centre of gravity, balanced chassis and a highly rigid body. It also contributes to increased safety and greater design freedom that’s witnessed in distinctly different styling for the Hatchback and Touring Sports versions.

Both the new Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports share the same equipment grade structure, with Icon, Icon Tech, Design and Excel trim levels. Likewise, the two body styles offer the same combinations of grades and powertrains: Icon and Icon Tech models are available with the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system and 1.2T petrol engine, while Design versions additionally offer the new 2.0-litre hybrid system. Excel grade is all-hybrid, offered with both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre systems.

At the entry point to the new Corolla range, Icon models are equipped as standard with features including:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• E-Call system
• Heated front seats with lumbar support
• Toyota Touch 2 with eight-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Reversing camera
• DAB
• 2-inch colour TFT multi-information display
• Dual-zone air conditioning (1.8 Hybrid models only)

Icon Tech grade adds further useful technology features, including: –

• Toyota Touch with Go, with satellite navigation and voice control
• Seven-inch colour TFT multi-information display
• Parking sensors and Intelligent Park Assist (Intelligent Clearance Sonar on the 1.8 Hybrid models)

Design grade majors on added style and convenience, introducing: –

• 17-inch machined alloy wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with automatic folding function
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Rear privacy glass
• LED front fog lights
• Optional opening panoramic roof

At the top of the new Corolla range, Excel grade goes further by adding: –

• 18-inch alloy wheels (Hatchback, 17-inch for Touring Sports)
• Bi-LED headlights
• Smart Entry
• Sports front seats
• Part-leather seat upholstery
• Optional opening panoramic roof
• Optional bi-tone paint finish (Hatchback only)
• Optional eight-speaker JBL premium sound system (2.0-litre Hybrid only)

The choice of colours for the new Corolla extends to eight shades, including new Sterling Silver and Scarlet Flare pearlescent. Excel Hatchback models can specified with a bi-tone finish that matches a black roof, pillars and door mirror casings with Pearl White, Sterling Silver, Scarlet Flare or new Titan Bronze bodywork.

Across the complete range, all models are equipped with the enhanced functions of the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense. The upgraded package includes a Pre-Collision System that can now detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path during both day and night-time driving, and cyclists during daylight hours. The Adaptive Cruise Control has improved deceleration and acceleration control, keeping the Corolla a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The ACC also has a new low-speed function for driving in stop-start traffic, bringing the car to a halt when the vehicle in front stops. Other systems include Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High beam

The full Corolla line-up and on-the-road prices are given in the table below. Toyota’s UK retailers are now accepting pre-orders for the vehicles ahead of the sales launch in March next year.

December 2019

Toyota Corolla updated with petrol engine dropped

Corolla becomes exclusively a hybrid range in the UK with the discontinuation of the 1.2T turbo petrol engine. The new line-up carries forward Toyota’s improved 1.8-litre system and the new 2.0-litre hybrid which made its debut with the model.

A new GR Sport is also being introduced. This features a sharper design for the lower centre bumper section, a wide honeycomb mesh pattern for the front grille and piano black surrounds for the grille and fog lights. There is a black insert in the rocker panels and the new 18-inch black alloy wheels have a contrasting bright machined finish to the tips of each spoke and red GR centre caps (17inch diameter wheels in the same design are featured on the Touring Sports model). At the rear there is a silver insert in the lower bumper, creating the look of twin tailpipes and a diffuser.

The finishing touches are black backgrounds for Toyota emblems on the bonnet and tailgate, official GR (Gazoo Racing) badging and the option of a new Ash Grey paint finish.

The GR Sport cabin is fitted with sports front seats, upholstered in fabric with a dedicated pinstripe pattern and with seatback and cushion bolsters finished in black and grey synthetic leather. It is also equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia package, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions for seamless smartphone integration.

The equipment specification matches the Corolla Design grade and further includes a new seven-inch colour TFT multi-information screen with 3D-effect graphics, and a colour head-up display. Other standard features include Toyota Safety Sense, LED headlights, smart entry, rear privacy glass, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power-adjustable door mirrors with an auto-folding function.

The new head-up display measures 265 by 70.5mm and presents data clearly in the driver’s line of sight, even in bright light conditions. Brightness and the position of the display can be adjusted using controls on the steering wheel.

For 2020, the Corolla Excel grade has been enhanced with the standard provision of sports seats with black leather upholstery and red accents. The Excel Touring Sports further adds the convenience of a hands-free power tailgate that can be opened using a kick sensor below the rear bumper.

The Corolla Saloon matches its Hatchback and Touring Sports stablemates by introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functions as standard on all versions. It’s also available with a new Scarlet Flare paint finish option. The Saloon’s powertrain choice is the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system.

The new-look Corolla range is available in Icon, Icon Tech, Design, Excel and GR Sport grade for the Hatchback and, with the addition of TREK trim, Touring Sports. The Corolla Saloon, powered by the 1.8-litre hybrid system, is offered in Icon, Icon Tech and Design specifications.

Toyota’s latest multimedia system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, is standard on all new Corolla models.

The new line-up is on sale and available for delivery now; GR Sport model deliveries will commence in January 2020.

November 2020

Toyota Corolla updated for 2021MY

For the Icon grade – entry point to the Corolla line-up – the specification now includes a new seven-inch colour multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle, while both Icon and Icon Tech versions are fitted with new LED front fog lights. These features are now standard across the full Corolla range.

Design models present a new-look cabin with a new black cloth seat upholstery and a textured chrome trim line running through the dashboard and door panels. There’s a new material for the door panel inserts and centre console trim, plus cool blue ambient lighting in the doors, front cup holders and centre console tray.

The Design grade comes with new-design 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

There are four new colour choices for the optional bi-tone finish for the GR Sport and Excel Hatchback models: Denim Blue, Manhattan Grey, Obsidian Blue and Pure White, each combine with a black roof, pillars and door mirror housings. Obsidian Blue also joins the list of Corolla monotone paint finishes.

All Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon models gain an EV drive indicator in the driver’s instrument binnacle, showing when the car is running on electric power alone, with zero emissions and fuel consumption. The MyT connected car app and multimedia has additional functions, including stolen vehicle tracking, remote status check which confirms if the lights are off, the windows closed and the doors locked, and eCare remote “health check” which alerts the owner to any malfunction warnings that require attention.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla range is on sale now.

December 2021

Toyota Corolla updated for 2022

For 2022, the Toyota Corolla adopts Toyota Smart Connect+, Toyota’s latest multimedia system, taking connectivity, functionality and ease of use to a higher level.

Provided as standard or an option on all versions except Corolla Icon grade, the new platform has more powerful processing capacity (CPU) that operates 2.4 times faster than the current system. Operated via an eight-inch High Definition central touchscreen, it gives instant access to a series of smart connected services, including cloud-based navigation with continuous, “always on” traffic information, 3D city mapping, highway signage and fixed traffic camera locations.

All data and information are delivered via the communications module (DCM), so no phone pairing is required for smart connected services and no additional data costs are incurred.

The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia and navigation.

Software updates are made seamlessly, over the air and easy smartphone integration is provided via Apple CarPlay, with wireless connection, and (with a wired connection) Android Auto. A four-year Toyota Smart Connect package, including local parking and road event information, over-the-air updates and the voice agent, is included in the vehicle’s purchase price.

New colours are also being introduced for Corolla – Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon – with the addition of Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic. These will also be available in a bi-tone combination for the Hatchback.

For the saloon, the model’s exterior appearance is gaining an extra touch of refinement with a new 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheel design with a bright machined finish. This will be fitted as standard to the Design grade.

Toyota is extending its partnership with leading bicycle manufacturer TREK Bikes, a partnership that has seen the hybrid electric Corolla Touring Sports doing regular service as team cars for the TREK-Segafredo pro-cycling team.

With the relationship set to continue through to December 2022, Toyota is introducing a new Corolla Trek Special Edition model, building on the established Trek Touring Sports. It offers a higher specification while retaining the more purposeful design that reflects Corolla’s ability to meet the demands of supporting elite athletes competing on some of the world’s most challenging roads.

The Corolla Trek Special Edition will be powered exclusively by the 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid electric system and feature the more powerful Trek exterior look, with ride height raised by 20mm, wheel arch mouldings and front and rear under-runs.

The Trek Special Edition will introduce new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door window frames, while the cabin will feature piano black door handles, black leather upholstery and a satin chrome deco line across the instrument panel and front doors.

August 2022

Revised Toyota Corolla range priced from £29,610

Order books are now open at Toyota retailers for the updated 2023 Toyota Corolla, online orders will also be available from 1 September. The British-built range of hatchbacks and Touring Sports wagons benefits from significant upgrades to its self-charging full hybrid electric powertrains, a new multimedia system with additional functions and improved usability, an expanded portfolio of safety and driver assistance features and new styling details inside and out.

The revised Corolla introduces the fifth generation of Toyota’s world-leading self-charging, full hybrid electric system to UK customers.

As with the current model, 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid systems are available, both benefiting from significant changes to their engine and electric motor that enhance the driving experience with extra power, improved performance and drivability, with unchanged or lower CO2 emissions (depending on the powertrain).

The power control unit (PCU) and transaxle have been redesigned and the lithium-ion battery is more powerful, yet smaller and lighter (mass reduced by up to 18kg). Drivers will also appreciate more direct drive force delivery in response to their use of the throttle pedal.

Total power from the 1.8-litre system has increased in 14 per cent to 138bhp, bringing a 1.7-second reduction in the 0-62mph time to 9.2 seconds. Despite this performance increase, CO2 emissions are expected to be unchanged at 102g/km. For the 2.0-litre system, total output has risen to 193bhp and almost half a second has been shaved from the 0-62mph time, taking it down to 7.5 seconds. A reduction of 3g/km in the combined cycle CO2 figure is expected, to 107g/km. All data are tentative, prior to homologation.

Toyota’s latest digital and multimedia systems are designed for an easier, more intuitive user experience and future-proofed so that new features and upgrades can be provided via seamless over-the-air updates.

The Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system has 10.5-inch multimedia display with high-definition graphics and an anti-glare screen. Cars come with an inclusive four years’ subscription to Toyota Smart Connect, giving access to “always on” cloud navigation and real-time traffic and journey information.

The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows.

New remote services are available using the MyT app, allowing drivers to use their smartphone to lock or unlock their car, operate the climate control to heat or cool the cabin prior to a journey and activate the hazard lights.

All models also feature a new 12.3-inch combimeter that can be customised to the driver’s preference in four different modes: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.

The updated Corolla range gains a more refined and contemporary appearance with changes to the front grille mesh pattern, fog light bezels and alloy wheel designs. Design, Excel and GR Sport versions of the hatchback and Touring Sports models gain new bi-LED headlights (with an Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) on Excel grade).

The exterior paint choices include new Juniper Blue, a vibrant colour that reveals red undertones when viewed close-up. Also new, Decuma Grey is a timeless metallic shade enhanced by dark silver flakes in the paint.

For the interior, the mood is more modern and premium with new graphics, trims and embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal to the upholsteries, surfaces and finishes. The trim and seat upholstery combinations follow new Dark and Light Harmony themes with co-ordinated colours and finishes to give the cabin a contemporary, elegant feel.

The Corolla has a revised grade structure, with new equipment features introduced at most levels.

Entry is Icon grade, with new standard features including: –

• 16-inch silver alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch driver’s combimeter
• Smart Connect multimedia system with 10.5-inch screen and navigation
• Wireless charger
• Smart entry
• Front and rear parking sensors with Intelligent Clearance Sonar
• Scuff plates
• Upgraded remote services

These are in addition to LED headlights, front fog lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a reversing camera and heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support.

Design grade adopts the same new information, multimedia and comfort features and builds on the Icon specification with new black/machined 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights, rear privacy glass, auto-folding door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, ambient cabin illumination and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. An optional panoramic roof is available.

An even more premium specification is provided on the Excel models, introducing dark grey/machined 18-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, sports seats with leather upholstery, power front seat lumbar adjustment, head-up display, rear seat air conditioning control, power tailgate with kick sensor, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A panoramic roof and bi-tone paint finish are offered as options.

The GR Sport keeps its external and interior sports styling features for the new model year plus new 10-spoke 18-inch alloys and GR sports seats with part-leather bolsters. In other respects, it matches the Design grade specification, with the addition of a power back door with kick sensor for the Touring Sports model. Customers can specify a bi-tone paint finish with Ash Grey and Pure White with Eclipse Black being combinations exclusive to GR Sport.

The Toyota Corolla adopts the latest T-Mate package of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance features and other active driving and parking assistance systems.

Improvements in the operation and functionality of the Toyota Safety Sense systems include Acceleration Suppression, which reacts to sudden use of the accelerator when travelling at low speed; collision avoidance support when making a turn at an intersection; Emergency Steering Assist that can now react to oncoming vehicles; lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. Over-the-air software updates will keep the functions up-to-date and enable new ones to be added as they become available during the vehicle’s lifetime.

The Toyota T-Mate features include a Safe Exit Assist system. This will trigger a warning if it detects a door being opened into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear. There is also a new Rear Seat Reminder which will alert the driver before they leave their car that they may need to check if they have left something on the back seats.