It will take a long look at this new Corolla to see the cosmetic changes. For Toyota, its popular compact must especially improve where it is not seen, with a modernized technique.
A barely revised light signature, a new grille mesh and redesigned shields (yes, yes!). This new Corolla evolves above all through technology, inaugurating the fifth generation of the Toyota hybrid system. If the thermal part remains the same, the electrical part, it benefits from fairly significant updates. Both versions (1.8 and 2.0) receive a new lithium-ion battery (Nickel-Metal hydride previously for the 2.0), which is more compact and lighter. They power electric motors that are now more powerful: 94 hp for the 1.8, and 111 hp for the 2.0. The objective is to provide more solid support for the thermal block, thus making it possible to increase the phases of all-electric driving and improve overall performance while maintaining good sobriety. In the end, the cumulative powers now stand at 140 hp (+22 hp) for the 1.8, and 196 hp (+ 12 hp) for the 2.0. It is on board the sedan in version 1.8 that we carry out this first test. This version already represented more than three quarters of sales, a trend that should increase with significant performance gains. Indeed, the entry-level Corolla gains almost two seconds on the 0 to 100 km / h, when its more muscular big sister only improves by 0.4 seconds on the same exercise.
That’s enough to be satisfied with this version, which retains a most relaxing conduct. It’s true, by having a very light foot and on a conciliatory relief, it is possible to reach – gently – 60 km/h without waking up the 1.8. This will require keeping a full battery, something the Corolla is trying to do brilliantly thanks to a new, more aggressive management of the charging and discharging phases. On this occasion, it embeds a new automatic regenerative braking actuation system, using radar and GPS navigation to adapt the speed to the environment (car in front, roundabout, etc.). He cannot, however, bring the car to a stop. And its fluidity of operation was quite relative during our test. We would simply have liked a manual mode for this function, to permanently maintain a powerful slowdown without activating the brakes.
A perfectible digital interface
On the road, the Corolla still does not sparkle, and prefers to adopt a reassuring ride. The Japanese, however, shows a good balance, even when the jostles a little. The front axle remains faithful, and the very rigorous damping locks any racing. Toyota in the text. On the performance side, the improvements are significant, and now offer this Corolla really effective reminders. Consumption is always under control, and you really have to ask a lot of the heat engine to approach 7l/100 km. For the rest, we find the very rational environment of this Corolla. On board, the biggest changes come from the digital part. The dashboard is now fully digital and customizable (12.3 inches), and the central screen gains in surface area (10.5 inches) while incorporating a new infotainment system. It’s smooth and pretty easy to use. But the ergonomics of the navigation frankly leaves something to be desired, as do the graphics, frankly dated. Facing the driver, the customization of the dashboard requires time to adapt. Furthermore, the endless list of barbaric acronyms (SEA, PDA, PKSB, RCTA, etc.) referring to driving aids is neither logical nor relevant to use. To review urgently.
A test run in the Touring Sport station wagon variant in the 2.0 196 hp version also provided us with some lessons. First, the performance gain is such on the 1.8 that this more powerful version is now of relative interest. Moreover, this technical configuration is much louder with each acceleration, while Toyota informs us that the 2.0 has more soundproofing on board… Conversely, this station wagon is easier to live with. First by a logically more generous loading volume, but also thanks to its wheelbase extended by 6 cm. It makes it possible to make the difference compared to the sedan, which is really cramped in the rear seats. Finally to finish, the suspensions of the station wagon retain a remarkable softness and progressiveness. Indeed, the sedan took advantage of this restyling to review its settings, firmer, without this really making it more dynamic.
Our Verdict
Popular in France and in Europe, always modern and well presented, the Corolla evolves essentially only on the bottom. A subject well mastered by this Japanese woman who is still just as rational, but now more efficient. Technological developments, on the other hand, lack refinement.
WE love
- Gain de performance
- Preserved sobriety
- Balanced and reassuring chassis
We love less
- Slightly firmer comfort (on sedan)
- Screen ergonomics
- Engine soundproofing
