Toyota Corolla 2,0 XR auto Test Review

When a product is a runaway sales success, there's usually a good reason. When it maintains that success there must be an even better reason. In the world of motoring when a particular model maintains that success over more than 30 years and 12 generations, it's obvious that the manufacturer is doing something, or maybe, everything right.

Introducing the new 12th generation Toyota Corolla. The highest selling model nameplate ever in motoring history. Launched during Lockdown, I had to wait a while to sample the real thing after a digital launch where you could only savour the details online.

The lines have been sharpened with lots of accents and slim headlights/ daytime running lights. The extra large grille up front reminds me of Lexus.

As with each passing generation, the Corolla has grown again. Maybe it's a touch of middle-age spread but it's bigger in every respect than previously. It's also grown in respect to the luxury, comfort and overall specifications.

The model range has been reduced to only 3 variants. The base, manual only, powered by a 1.8L and then the XR manual and automatic powered by a 2L 4 cylinder petrol engine. Power of 125kW and 200Nm from this size engine was a dream when Corolla was a youngster. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through the now familiar Toyota CVT automatic transmission that does provide paddles on the steering wheel if you want to play a bit in manual mode. When this mood does grip you, I suggest that you press the "Sport" button in front of the gear lever for a bit of added "oomph" along the way.

The overall ride is smooth, comfortable and very confident. Cruising is this cars forte and there's more than enough power in reserve for overtaking whenever needed. Add in the large boot that offers over 400L of load capacity and this adds to the family cruiser role that the Corolla fits so perfectly.

As a top model, the seats have a combination leather and cloth and there is a full infotainment screen. Personally, it's probably my age, but I couldn't get the Toyota App to sync my phone to the system to allow me to use full connectivity. If I was buying the car, I'd insist the the dealer assists me with this.

Safety features include 7 airbags, blind-spot warning and lane departure warning in addition to the standard that you would expect. If you really want to engage "Hooligan mode" I suggest that when pressing the Sport button, you also press the button next to it to disengage the traction control.........probably not what the average Corolla buyer is looking for!

Our week of test driving showed fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km. This included a fair amount of town driving or commuting type driving as well as a Sunday country cruise so should reflect a figure that can be achieved by most.

Throughout my test week, I couldn't help thinking that the car has progressed beyond the concept of the Corolla. In my mind, Corolla always encompassed simple, straightforward, fairly basic but reliable and exceptional value for money. Somehow the new car is just so much more than all of this. Has it left the Corolla traditions behind?

As a personal opinion, I believe that the latest Corolla Quest is closer to the preconception that I have of what a Corolla should be. Taking that grille as a start, I can't help feeling that this car deserves a Lexus badge.

Current price is R433 700 including the service plan that provides 6 services or 90 000km.
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Видео Toyota Corolla 2,0 XR auto Test Review канала MotorMatters