Car Test
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R0244 (SEE ALSO R0241) | |
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May 2002 |
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| Toyota Corolla | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.6 5-door | |
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In the past, the main reason for opting for a Corolla (of which nearly 30 million have been made) had to be its reliability. It epitomized the mass-production principle of quality through volume - if you do it enough times and stick to what you know is well-proven, you can make it cheap and good. The only snag is that the result is often bland and unlikely to be a trendsetter in any aspect.
There are signs that greater European influence has resulted in a bit more adventurousness in this latest version’s design - but not much. It certainly looks the part - both inside and out, it follows the Euro-norm in matters of trim and ergonomics, and its remodelled styling (the five-door is shorter, yet wider and taller) follows the current trend. Significantly, however, the three-door is no longer shorter than the five, and the estate version now has a true MPV alternative, for buyers with a more complicated domestic lifestyle. We sampled this five-seater Verso version with Toyota’s direct-injection, up-to-the-minute diesel engine. It becomes a shade gruff at higher speed, but its lower-rev manners are sweeter than those of some European rivals. Although the higher-powered version would lift its overtaking ability from so-so to "interesting", at present you’ll have to settle for 89bhp in this MPV. The alternative 1.8 petrol version has the power, but for most of the time it sounds more uncouth. The 1.6 petrol version is smoother and quieter in the hatchback - until you’re close to the legal limit or revving through the gears; even then, it’s not stressed, just vocal. The Verso costs £1700 more than the hatch (but just £700 if your alternatives are estate or Verso). Curiously, we prefer the driving position in the Verso. Its ride and handling seems just as good, too. The hatch’s back seats are more cosy and, up to a point, it offers good adaptability between the needs of people and luggage. However, the Verso’s greater cargo volume, with all seats occupied, will be the clincher for many people - especially as the back seat can slide forwards to enhance that space, as well (something the Corolla hatch doesn’t perform). We would be quite happy with the T2 (basic) trim level, except for the absence of any form of air conditioning. Otherwise, its equipment is generous, especially in matters of safety and security. Lovers of their own pre-recorded cassette tapes are finally frustrated, however - every Corolla has a CD player. |
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