Logo frontrunnerzmotorcycleclub.com
Test drive 2023

Toyota Corolla: In The & Nbsp; Shadow Of An Older Sister. Detailed Test

Table of contents:

Toyota Corolla: In The & Nbsp; Shadow Of An Older Sister. Detailed Test
Toyota Corolla: In The & Nbsp; Shadow Of An Older Sister. Detailed Test
Video: Toyota Corolla: In The & Nbsp; Shadow Of An Older Sister. Detailed Test
Video: Бюджетная альтернатива Camry. Toyota Corolla | Подержанные автомобили 2023, February
Anonim

If we can freely translate Coroll as "inflorescence", then ToyotCoroll is a withering flower in the Russian climate. The sedan is selling well around the world, but in the domestic market it is several times inferior to the class leaders. Are there any chances for the new (already twelfth!) Generation to become more frost-resistant?

But there were times! The times of the 10th generation, when the Corolla and the 5-door Auris were not leaders either, but they sold well - better than all other foreign golf-class cars that were produced outside of Russia.

Alas, over the years the brand “Made in…” (Corolla and Auris were assembled in different countries) turned from a competitive advantage into a sinker pulling the Japanese car to the bottom: without localization, it became too expensive. And while expanding production in Russia, the Japanese relied on Camry - and they paid off. To understand the benefits of the Russian assembly: a large Toyot with a two-liter engine is now cheaper than a new Coroll in a rich configuration. We took just one for the test, in order to understand what else, besides the legendary Japanese reliability, you need to pay 1,700,000 rubles without taking into account the color and accessories.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

Interior

The interior is beautiful, and the materials are of high quality - leather, soft plastic, metal-like edging. The touchscreen sticks out of the panel in a fashionable way. If you cover up the emblem on the steering wheel, at first it is hard to believe that you are sitting in a massive Japanese car. Then, however, Toyot is recognized - in the buttons scattered around the cabin and small letters on the screen. But the driver's seating position is comfortable and overall the ergonomics are good.

The interior is nice, finished with soft plastic and leather. The gloominess of the black interior can be diluted with beige inserts on the panel and doors. But in the cheaper versions, the materials will be simpler, and instead of a "tablet" - an ugly "build-up" on the panel
The interior is nice, finished with soft plastic and leather. The gloominess of the black interior can be diluted with beige inserts on the panel and doors. But in the cheaper versions, the materials will be simpler, and instead of a "tablet" - an ugly "build-up" on the panel
The only design puncture is this ridiculous panel ledge (and the only piece of hard plastic). A cup holder directly asks for its place
The only design puncture is this ridiculous panel ledge (and the only piece of hard plastic). A cup holder directly asks for its place
But in fact, the front passengers only have holders in the center tunnel, which are too wide for small bottles
But in fact, the front passengers only have holders in the center tunnel, which are too wide for small bottles
The seat is a little soft, but holds the driver perfectly. At the base, it is covered with fabric, in expensive trim levels - a combination of fabric and leather
The seat is a little soft, but holds the driver perfectly. At the base, it is covered with fabric, in expensive trim levels - a combination of fabric and leather
But even in the top, the seat has no electrical adjustments - only the lumbar support is adjusted with a button
But even in the top, the seat has no electrical adjustments - only the lumbar support is adjusted with a button
The left button block is hidden from the driver behind the steering wheel. It is convenient that the "near-far" machine gun can be turned on with a separate key - once and for all
The left button block is hidden from the driver behind the steering wheel. It is convenient that the "near-far" machine gun can be turned on with a separate key - once and for all
To wirelessly charge your smartphone, you need to shove it deep under the center console. The USB connector from the driver's seat is not visible at all. And he is
To wirelessly charge your smartphone, you need to shove it deep under the center console. The USB connector from the driver's seat is not visible at all. And he is
There are many buttons on the steering wheel, but the most necessary - the volume control - is located the most inconvenient of all
There are many buttons on the steering wheel, but the most necessary - the volume control - is located the most inconvenient of all

Practicality

Two worlds - two childhoods … The ideological section in the Corolla runs along the B-pillar. The driver may not be surprised at the price of 1.7 million, but passengers will feel that they are in a budget sedan for half the price. Conveniences are minimal, and even cramped: Coroll does not belong to the class leaders in terms of practicality.

Rear passengers have enough legroom, but there is no headroom above the heads. The folding armrest has become longer, but for some reason it is piled down
Rear passengers have enough legroom, but there is no headroom above the heads. The folding armrest has become longer, but for some reason it is piled down
In addition to the cup holders, the second row relies on a pair of deflectors and heating. Yes, and those are not in the initial configuration
In addition to the cup holders, the second row relies on a pair of deflectors and heating. Yes, and those are not in the initial configuration
The declared volume of the trunk is 470 liters. In fact - 2 large suitcases fit with a margin, but the lid hinges will ram the luggage
The declared volume of the trunk is 470 liters. In fact - 2 large suitcases fit with a margin, but the lid hinges will ram the luggage
When folding the rear seat backrests, a high step is obtained
When folding the rear seat backrests, a high step is obtained
Of the amenities in the trunk - only one hook, and even that one is rather flimsy
Of the amenities in the trunk - only one hook, and even that one is rather flimsy

Technics

By its design, the Coroll is quite conservative, and it evolves from generation to generation. This time, the sedan has hardly changed in size and has retained the same power unit. But the body became stiffer, and the main innovation of the car is the multi-link rear suspension, which replaced the twisting beam.

Despite the modest sales volume, the chassis of the cars for Russia is adapted - with settings for bad roads. Clearance - 150 mm (in Europe - 15 mm lower)
Despite the modest sales volume, the chassis of the cars for Russia is adapted - with settings for bad roads. Clearance - 150 mm (in Europe - 15 mm lower)
The engine on the Russian version is still the same - an atmospheric "four" with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 122 hp
The engine on the Russian version is still the same - an atmospheric "four" with a displacement of 1.6 liters and a power of 122 hp
Over the past ten years, the Coroll has been sold with a robot, automatic, and now - with a variator. The mechanics are also available, but only in the initial trim levels
Over the past ten years, the Coroll has been sold with a robot, automatic, and now - with a variator. The mechanics are also available, but only in the initial trim levels
The Sport button spurs the variator a little, but does not fundamentally change the character of acceleration. The stabilization system is disabled, intervening only in case of sudden breakdowns in sliding
The Sport button spurs the variator a little, but does not fundamentally change the character of acceleration. The stabilization system is disabled, intervening only in case of sudden breakdowns in sliding
The shape and position of the mirrors have changed, but they are still small. And the non-retractable rear head restraints interfere with the interior mirror
The shape and position of the mirrors have changed, but they are still small. And the non-retractable rear head restraints interfere with the interior mirror
The hood is closed, just the Japanese engineers saved on the seal - the Coroll "smartphone test" did not pass
The hood is closed, just the Japanese engineers saved on the seal - the Coroll "smartphone test" did not pass
The front overhang is quite long and low - the Coroll will hook on a 20cm curb
The front overhang is quite long and low - the Coroll will hook on a 20cm curb
But back to the sidewalk, you can safely park, you can only scratch the muffler
But back to the sidewalk, you can safely park, you can only scratch the muffler

Riding

The Coroll claimed the title Driver's car only in the days of the T-Sport version, and today it is just a convenient means of transportation. It is pleasant to drive in the city: it has a moderately loaded and sensitive steering wheel, and Toyot reacts to its turn as expected and calmly.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

But it is worth going faster, and the sedan leaves the image of an "exemplary family man." In corners, he rolls strongly, the steering lacks information content, and the trajectories lack accuracy. The situation is similar with the brakes: smooth decelerations are easy for the driver, but the braking is harder to calculate.

And with the right pedal when driving "on the edge" must be handled carefully. Under the gas discharge, the Coroll goes into a skid - not very sharp, but it manages to scare an unprepared driver before the stabilization system wakes up.

Toyot also requires strong nerves and a strong hand when avoiding an obstacle that has suddenly appeared on the road. The steering wheel needs to be quickly rotated at large angles and at the same time to work ahead, parrying the sliding of the rear axle.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

In general, Coroll encourages the owner not to drive headlong. Moreover, the "motor plus variator" bundle does not encourage this either. The first simply does not have enough horsepower for powerful spurts, and more or less decent traction for this aspirated engine appears only at 4000 rpm. And the second has the manners of variators from the past, without a rigid connection between the engine and the wheels. Even when accelerating at half pedal, it makes the tachometer needle jump on the scale, and the passengers listen to the boring howl of the engine.

Although overall the background noise is acceptable and the Coroll has clearly become quieter. The engine will only solo during acceleration, and in cruising modes, the main noise comes from the road. But on smooth asphalt and it is quiet.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

And the ride is excellent. Tuned for rough roads, the sedan's suspension successfully combines comfort with energy efficiency.It resiliently swallows holes, does not sway on the waves and allows you to almost not drop speed in front of tram tracks and asphalt joints. I only want to release the pedal for the sake of tires with a 45-profile - and on medium-sized cars with 16-inch wheels (and tires 205/55 R16) it will be possible not to do this.

Equipment

The base Coroll (Toyot calls this "Standard" trim) is a sedan exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. And quite austere: steel wheels, halogen headlights, fabric upholstery, polyurethane steering wheel and audio preparation. However, it does have a stabilization system, LED taillights and heated front seats. But there is little chance of meeting such a person even in a taxi: the price of "Standard" is 1,173,000 rubles.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

For a two-pedal modification, you need to pay at least 1,318,000 rubles, and the car will already have alloy wheels, a simple audio system with USB and Bluetooth, a steering wheel with buttons, heating and leather trim, a color display of the onboard computer.

The best choice is the Prestige package for 1,580,000 rubles. This sedan has LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, parking sensors, combo upholstery, wireless charging and more chrome trim.

The shield of the top version "Prestige Safety" is replete with information. In the literal sense: the display has a bunch of small numbers, symbols and marks of different colors. In Sport mode, the speedometer turns red and reads even worse. Helps out the head-up display with large speed numbers and a tachometer ruler
The shield of the top version "Prestige Safety" is replete with information. In the literal sense: the display has a bunch of small numbers, symbols and marks of different colors. In Sport mode, the speedometer turns red and reads even worse. Helps out the head-up display with large speed numbers and a tachometer ruler
Dual-zone climate control appears in the Comfort trim level. But any Corolla has an additional electric interior heater
Dual-zone climate control appears in the Comfort trim level. But any Corolla has an additional electric interior heater
Rear view camera not protected from dirt, lane lines are static
Rear view camera not protected from dirt, lane lines are static
Multimedia has rich communication capabilities, but from the default navigation there is only a Map button
Multimedia has rich communication capabilities, but from the default navigation there is only a Map button
LED headlights and 17-inch wheels are reserved for the "prestige" versions only. Cheaper - with halogen and simpler discs
LED headlights and 17-inch wheels are reserved for the "prestige" versions only. Cheaper - with halogen and simpler discs

And in the top version "Prestige Safety" for an additional 120,000 rubles, only the ToyotSafety Sense safety package and a head-up display are added. In all trim levels, you need to pay 17,000 rubles for a metallic or 25,500 rubles for a white pearl color. And in the accessories section there is an item "Navigation block" for 89,200 rubles.

Competitors

SkodOctavia

Бестселлер класса, Octaviпродаётся в России с тремя моторами мощностью 110, 150 и 180 л.с., механической коробкой, «автоматом» (для 110 л.с.) или DSG (150 и 180 л.с.). Три уровня оснащения плюс богатый выбор опций. Диапазон цен – от 1 119 000 до 1 578 000 рублей. Кроме того, предлагается универсал OctaviCombi по цене от 1 502 000 рублей " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

SkodOctavi The bestseller of the class, Octavi is sold in Russia with three motors of 110, 150 and 180 hp, manual transmission, automatic (for 110 hp) or DSG (150 and 180 hp). Three levels of equipment plus a wide range of options. The price range is from 1,119,000 to 1,578,000 rubles. In addition, the OctaviCombi station wagon is offered at a price of 1,502,000 rubles
SkodOctavi The bestseller of the class, Octavi is sold in Russia with three motors of 110, 150 and 180 hp, manual transmission, automatic (for 110 hp) or DSG (150 and 180 hp). Three levels of equipment plus a wide range of options. The price range is from 1,119,000 to 1,578,000 rubles. In addition, the OctaviCombi station wagon is offered at a price of 1,502,000 rubles

KiCerato

Корейский седан имеет два двигателя – 1.6 (128 л.с.) или 2.0 (150 л.с.), для базового помимо АКПП доступна и «механика». Четыре версии оснащения, самый дешёвый Cerato 1.6 MT Comfort - 1 134 900 рублей, самый дорогой 2.0 AT Premium+ обойдётся в 1 444 900 рублей. Также пока официально продаётся и седан прошлого поколения Cerato Classic по цене от 1 019 900 рублей " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

KiCerato The Korean sedan has two engines - 1.6 (128 hp) or 2.0 (150 hp), for the base one, in addition to the automatic transmission, the "mechanics" are also available. Four versions of equipment, the cheapest Cerato 1.6 MT Comfort - 1,134,900 rubles, the most expensive 2.0 AT Premium + will cost 1,444,900 rubles. Also, while the sedan of the last generation Cerato Classic is officially on sale at a price of 1,019,900 rubles
KiCerato The Korean sedan has two engines - 1.6 (128 hp) or 2.0 (150 hp), for the base one, in addition to the automatic transmission, the "mechanics" are also available. Four versions of equipment, the cheapest Cerato 1.6 MT Comfort - 1,134,900 rubles, the most expensive 2.0 AT Premium + will cost 1,444,900 rubles. Also, while the sedan of the last generation Cerato Classic is officially on sale at a price of 1,019,900 rubles

Hyundai Elantra

Прайс на Hyundai Elantra, построенный на одной платформе с Cerato, стартует с более низкой отметки - от 1 049 000 рублей за версию 1.6 MT Start. Но максимальная цена такая же - 1 445 000 рублей за двухлитровый седан с «автоматом» и дополнительными пакетами оснащения. Единственное отличие: Elantrдоступна также с комбинацией 150-сильного мотора и МКПП " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Hyundai Elantr The price for the Hyundai Elantra, built on the same platform as the Cerato, starts from a lower mark - from 1,049,000 rubles for the 1.6 MT Start version. But the maximum price is the same - 1,445,000 rubles for a two-liter sedan with automatic transmission and additional equipment packages. The only difference: Elantr is also available with a combination of 150 hp engine and manual transmission
Hyundai Elantr The price for the Hyundai Elantra, built on the same platform as the Cerato, starts from a lower mark - from 1,049,000 rubles for the 1.6 MT Start version. But the maximum price is the same - 1,445,000 rubles for a two-liter sedan with automatic transmission and additional equipment packages. The only difference: Elantr is also available with a combination of 150 hp engine and manual transmission

Mazda3

Продажи японского седана нового поколения стартуют в октябре. Пока предлагается только автомобиль с 1,5-литровым мотором (120 л.с.), «автоматом» и в единственной комплектации Active. С опциональным пакетом оснащение «трёшки» будет на уровне тестовой Короллы, а цена - 1 636 000 рублей. Помимо седана, можно купить хэтчбек Mazda3, который стоит от 1 490 000 рублей " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Mazda3 Sales of the new generation Japanese sedan will start in October. So far, only a car with a 1.5-liter engine (120 hp), "automatic" and in the only Active configuration is offered. With the optional package, the three-ruble equipment will be at the level of the test Corolla, and the price will be 1,636,000 rubles. In addition to the sedan, you can buy the Mazda3 hatchback, which costs from 1,490,000 rubles
Mazda3 Sales of the new generation Japanese sedan will start in October. So far, only a car with a 1.5-liter engine (120 hp), "automatic" and in the only Active configuration is offered. With the optional package, the three-ruble equipment will be at the level of the test Corolla, and the price will be 1,636,000 rubles. In addition to the sedan, you can buy the Mazda3 hatchback, which costs from 1,490,000 rubles

Peugeot 408

Французский седан уже устарел и продаётся вяло, хотя стоит заметно дешевле конкурентов - от 952 000 до 1 137 000 рублей. И даже за миллион Peugeot оснащён лучше, чем базовая Toyota. Двигателей три, все объёмом 1,6 литра: бензиновый атмосферник (115 л.с.), турбомотор (150 л.с.) и дизель (114 л.с.). Топовый агрегат предлагается только с «автоматом», а дизель - исключительно с МКПП. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Peugeot 408 The French sedan is already outdated and sold sluggishly, although it costs much cheaper than competitors - from 952,000 to 1,137,000 rubles. And even for a million, the Peugeot is better equipped than the base Toyota. There are three engines, all with a volume of 1.6 liters: an aspirated gasoline engine (115 hp), a turbo engine (150 hp) and a diesel (114 hp). The top-end unit is offered only with automatic transmission, and the diesel engine is offered exclusively with manual transmission
Peugeot 408 The French sedan is already outdated and sold sluggishly, although it costs much cheaper than competitors - from 952,000 to 1,137,000 rubles. And even for a million, the Peugeot is better equipped than the base Toyota. There are three engines, all with a volume of 1.6 liters: an aspirated gasoline engine (115 hp), a turbo engine (150 hp) and a diesel (114 hp). The top-end unit is offered only with automatic transmission, and the diesel engine is offered exclusively with manual transmission

Citroen C4 Sedan

Соплатформенный Peugeot 408 седан, с тем же выбором силовых агрегатов. Цены тоже близкие – от 949 000 рублей за 115-сильный двигатель с «механикой» до 1 328 000 рублей за машину с турбомотором, АКПП и полным списком оборудования – он у C4 длиннее, чем у «четыреста восьмого» " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Citroen C4 Sedan Soplatform Peugeot 408 sedan, with the same choice of powertrains. Prices are also close - from 949,000 rubles for a 115-horsepower engine with "mechanics" to 1,328,000 rubles for a car with a turbo engine, automatic transmission and a complete list of equipment - it is longer for the C4 than for the "four hundred and eighth"
Citroen C4 Sedan Soplatform Peugeot 408 sedan, with the same choice of powertrains. Prices are also close - from 949,000 rubles for a 115-horsepower engine with "mechanics" to 1,328,000 rubles for a car with a turbo engine, automatic transmission and a complete list of equipment - it is longer for the C4 than for the "four hundred and eighth"

Output

Buy, not buy, or see competitors? This time, everyone will have their own answer to the standard question of our test.

Because for some, the new Coroll is just a boring sedan. Not the most convenient, not the most practical, not very fast. Yes, and quite expensive. For others - first of all, Toyota, and this fact alone is enough to put it in the first place in the short list of future purchases. Because Toyot is proven, it is reliable, and for many it is also prestigious.

ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test
ToyotCorolla: in the shadow of an older sister. Detailed test

Only there is one rather big BUT - ToyotCamry, which is also tested and reliable. And even in the basic version, it is more prestigious than the Corolla, more spacious than the Corolla, and at the same time cheaper than the Corolla. Surely it is Camry, and not direct competitors, that is the main reason for the Corolla's “withering” in Russia.

But if you do not go to extremes, but calmly weigh all the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, compare them with the capabilities of the Corolla, impose your own priorities on it, then the puzzle may come together. After all, several thousand buyers of a Japanese sedan every year somehow solve this problem. At the same time, you will understand that the future owner will have to answer the constant question "Why didn't the Camry take?"

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Okay

  • - External resemblance to Camry
  • - Economy
  • - Driving comfort
  • - Interior design and decoration
  • - Front seats
  • - Rich equipment of top configurations

bad

  • - Price
  • - Poor basic equipment
  • - CVT settings
  • - Back tightness
  • - Inconvenient multimedia
  • - Not the biggest trunk

Popular by topic