New Toyota Corolla

The New Toyota Corolla rates among the best of the luxury sedans in India and worldwide. It is economical, comfortable, refined and has great * Fuel Economy. This is the ninth generation of Corolla since its introduction in 1966. Toyota has spread its tentacles worldwide and the Corolla is sold in 140 countries. Toyota is known for no adventures in design but good engine technology. The recent Corolla has all the simple cues and is spicy in the front. Time made Toyota realise that even looks matter and the current generation Toyota cars look far better than the earlier ones. Toyota won accolades and trust of millions of users for its quality and reliability. Focusing on the second and the third generation car buyers in India, Toyota introduced the Corolla that was launched worldwide with a 1.8L engine mated with a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic.

The New Corolla has seven trims: H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6 Limited Edition and the HE, all of which come in optional metallic colours. The Toyota Corolla remains unchanged and continues on the same platform as that of its predecessors, after receiving a restyled front end in 2005 with a new bumper design, a new grille, new headlights, new taillights and a limited edition. It comes with features like air bags for all passengers, Anti-lock Braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Toyota's USP, VVT-i.

Below the hood is a potent 1.8-litre Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) VVT-i engine that shells out 123 bhp @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 158 Nm @ 4,200 rpm. Toyota's VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing intelligence) technology optimises valve timing by calibrating air intake and exhaust timings to deliver powerful torque at low and mid-range engine rotations. This controls fuel consumption to drag the 1,160 kg car. The engine computes the throttle demand and produces substantial torque during passing, cruising and idling, keeping the fuel consumption minimal. This allows the Corolla to stretch a litre to over 13 kms on highway, which is the best in its class. Peak power is achieved at high rpms, which is typically a Japanese car character and makes the engine a bit noisy at high revs. It sprints to 100 kmph in just 9 seconds and crosses the 150 kmph mark in the next 11 seconds.

Power is transferred to the front wheels through 5-speed manual that is more refined, yet there is room for improvement. The optional automatic is fine, after all it is a Toyota make.

Seats are comfortable to absorb the road undulations. The dual linked rear suspension and the McPherson Strut-type front set-up have improved the suspension geometry and quality of the sedan. But the springs are stiff, making city drive a bit uncomfortable. The power steering is quick and handling is easy at any given speed.

The front fascia is a carryover, with slanted headlights and a smooth-curved bodyline. Toyota is stepping away from the 'not-so-adventurous' styling; the Corolla is pretty and not as bland as compared to its earlier models. A long wheelbase of 102.4 inches and short overhangs give it a contemporary look.

The Toyota cars always have an attractive cabin; the Corolla's cabin is also practical, user-friendly and spacious. Its interiors are light and airy but lack the richness offered by its contemporaries. The white dials of gauges leave no scope for distraction; the controls on the four-spoke steering wheel and the centre stack are well-placed and uncluttered. The seats are well-planted for perfect road view.

The fit and finish is flawless, in a typically Toyota style. To add to the interior elegance are the inviting dual-tone colour scheme, leather upholstery, wood trims and chrome highlights. The Corolla Limited Edition features extra audio controls on the steering wheel, high-performance automatic air-conditioner, premium wood finish steering, rear sunshade, automatic headlamps and chrome-plated alloy wheels.

Features available on the Corolla are power retractable outside rear view mirror, 10-spoke alloy wheels, printed antenna, automatic air-conditioner with heater, power steering, power windows, driver side one touch up/down window with jam protection, in-dash six-CD changer with MP3, six speakers, lumber support, driver seat height adjustment and 60:40 split foldable rear seat. Some of the standard safety features include ventilated disc/solid disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), SRS air bags for driver as well as passengers and keyless entry with alarm system.