Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Review 2024

September 2018

Corolla Touring Sports revealed

Just one conventional engine is available featuring in the range: the 115PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit. This will be offered alongside two hybrids with 120PS 1.8-litre and a 180PS 2.0-litre powertrains. The latter is unique among cars of the Corolla's size, as no conventional engine offers the same level of performance and low emissions.

The 1.8-litre hybrid is an improved version of Toyota’s bulletproof chain cam engine, offering quiet running, intuitive and responsive performance and self-charging electrified vehicle technology, together with low cost of ownership benefits. The new 2.0-litre system maintains all these qualities together with the ride comfort, stability, handling and driving enjoyment inherent in Corolla’s newly adopted Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform.

The suspension features a proven front MacPherson strut arrangement and an all-new rear multilink system. New shock absorber valve technology is used and, for the first time in a Corolla, adaptive variable suspension (AVS) is available.

The engine’s low mounting height, the low hip point of the seats and the location of the hybrid battery beneath the rear seats help give the Corolla Touring Sports a low centre of gravity and agile handling.

A comprehensive range of technology features for comfort and convenience will be provided as standard on high-grade models and available as options elsewhere in the range. These include a world-first 3D driver’s meter, premium head-up display, a JBL GreenEdge Premium sound system, wireless mobile phone charging and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

The new Corolla Touring Sports was styled in Europe at Toyota’s Design Centre in Belgium. Thanks to the use of the TNGA platform, the new wagon is no longer simply a variation of the hatchback, but has become a distinct, separate model in its own right. The wheelbase measures 2,700mm, helping achieve best-in-class rear legroom.

Exclusive to its market segment, the Corolla Touring Sports will be available from launch in four optional bi-tone colour schemes. These match the body colour with a black roof, pillars and lower front grille surround.

The all-new interior creates a spacious, modern and cohesive cabin environment in which new textures, colours and trims combine to offer the highest levels of visual and tactile quality. This is in line with the model’s development to appeal specifically to European customers.

The new GA-C platform sets the front seat hip point lower, which in turn helps secure a lower centre of gravity for the car while providing a more engaging driving position. Furthermore, the front to rear seat couple distance is 928mm, giving ample space for rear passengers. The loadspace has a VDA capacity of 598 litres and is equipped with a number of features for ease of use.

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.

April 2020

Toyota Corolla Trek priced from £29,225

A colloboration between Toyota and Trek bikes, the Corolla Trek is now on sale. Highlights include a 20mm increase in ride height for improved ground clearance, as well as protective wheel arch cladding and under-runs front and rear. Additional features include a honeycomb grille, bespoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, fog lamps, LED headlamps and Trek logos in the door steps and tailgate.

On board, the new Corolla Trek features two-tone textile upholstery coordinated with decorative wood-finish elements of the dashboard.

In 1.8 guise the Corolla Trek starts at £29,225 on the road, with the 2.0 option starting from £30,950.

The new Corolla Trek will continue to be built at Toyota’s plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK when manufacturing resumes following the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

August 2022

Revised Toyota Corolla Touring Sports priced from £30,945

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.