1982 Toyota Corolla Reviews

Toyota has added a new sedan to its lineup, but its more than just a Corolla with a boot.

A long wheelbase small car may seem on the oxymoronic side, but tell that to Toyota. The biggest car company in the world has just wheeled out a stretched Corolla in Australia.

An all-new Toyota Corolla sedan has finally arrived almost 18 months after its hatchback sibling went on sale.Priced from $20,740 plus on-road costs it's designed to take the fight to the just-released Mazda3 and the rest of the small-car pack, the biggest segment of the new-car market. Toyota and Mazda have replaced the Holden versus Ford battle as their small cars compete for top-seller status.The Toyota Corolla may be the reigning champion, becoming our favourite car last year, but the Mazda3 has more appeal with private buyers and was Australia's favourite car for the prior two years.The Corolla is typically a favourite among small fleets, rental companies and can be found in the car parks of nursing homes. But Toyota is hoping that the new Corolla sedan's sharp new looks will appeal to younger buyers.VALUEThe new, 11th generation Corolla sedan is the first Toyota passenger car to come to Australia from Thailand (we've been sourcing the HiLux ute from Thailand for decades and, for now, the Corolla hatch still comes from Japan). But don't expect a discount thanks to the Free Trade Agreement with Thailand that eliminates the 5 per cent import tariff.Toyota has instead chosen to load the new Corolla sedan to the hilt, with features previously reserved for luxury cars; a rear view camera and parking sensors are standard even on the most basic model.That's why the Corolla sedan starts from $20,740 plus on-road costs compared to the $19,990 starting price for the hatch that wound back prices almost 20 years."We've chosen to price the car to the market, the sedan customer is a very different customer to the hatch customer," said Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, at the launch of vehicle in Launceston today. "By our estimates, 85 per cent of these customers won't cross-shop these vehicles.Toyota says the new Corolla sedan is still sharp value because the starting price is actually $250 less than the previous model launched in 2007, and the Consumer Price Index has since risen by more than 20 per cent. By Toyota's calculations the true cost of the Corolla sedan should start in excess of $25,000.The range starts with the Corolla Ascent ($20,740) which apart from the 15-inch steel wheels and plastic wheel covers, is generously equipped (in fact, this wheel and tyre combination might not look impressive in the brochure or in the showroom but it helps the base model sedan drive better than the base model hatch, but more about that later).Standard fare includes a rear camera and rear sensors, believed to be a first for the class in this price bracket. Some other small cars don't even come with rear parking sensors. Tut-tut.Seven airbags, cruise control, Bluetooth and a large touch screen for the audio system are also standard fare. One small blot: only the driver's window has one-touch "auto up" or "auto down" functionality, the other windows require a finger to be held on the switch to wind the glass up or down.The next model up, the SX ($22,990) gains 16-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, a sensor key with push-button start. Automatic adds $2250 to both the Ascent and SX. The top-of-the-range ZR ($30,990) is an auto-only proposition, and comes with LED headlights, electric seat adjustment, leather seats and satellite navigation.There are six colours available but all but one of them incurs a $450 premium for metallic paint. Toyota used to charge less than $300 for this but the price has crept up to (a) keep the RRP low, and (b) to get closer to the prices charged by some rivals (Holden stings $550 for sparkles in the paint, Mazda doesn't charge for it at all).TECHNOLOGYThe Corolla sedan reportedly has "bamboo fibre" audio speakers to go with a 6.1-inch touchscreen that links popular phone apps and other functions. The top-end model comes with traffic alert and, when tethered to a phone, will use Google search to find nearby restaurants, local weather, petrol stations and other points of interest.DESIGNNo body panels are shared between the Corolla sedan and hatch. In fact, the 'twins' are a different length, height and width from each other. The result is a longer, roomier Corolla sedan than before. The distance between the front and rear wheels has grown by 100mm, which has given back seat passengers more leg room and created a bigger gap between those in the front and back seats.The new Corolla sedan has a bigger boot (470 litres, up 20 litres), although "goose neck" hinges still impinge on luggage space when the boot is closed. At least the back seat spilt-folds 60:40 to stow bulky items, and the boot aperture is larger and the space between the wheel wells is wider.The sharp creases on the front and rear bumpers are not just for looks, they're designed to help the Corolla sedan slip through the air more efficiently. Toyota also paid closed attention to the interior. "Since many competitors have upgraded interior quality we made this a particular focus with more detailing and soft-touch materials," said the chief engineer for the Toyota Corolla, Shinichi Yasui.Room for improvement? A digital speed display would be welcome across the new Corolla range (there is a display screen next to the analogue speedometer already there for other functions, it would be good to have an additional mode). And, oddly, the shiny interior door handles reflect in the side glass and slightly obscure the side mirrors.SAFETYSeven airbags (including one for the driver's knee) and a strong body structure equate to what should amount to a five-star safety rating. All seats have height adjustable headrests and lap-sash seat belts, to prevent whiplash in a crash.As mentioned earlier, every new Corolla sedan has as standard equipment a rear camera and rear sensors, believed to be a first for the class in this price bracket. Some other small cars don't even come with rear parking sensors. Toyota deserves kudos for going all the way with the sedan, even on the cheapest models. Now it just needs to do the same on the RAV4 SUV range and the Corolla hatch.DRIVINGToyota proudly says it tuned the steering and suspension on Australian roads, which presumably is why the company chose the demanding roads of Tasmania for the media preview. It's a bold claim given that Toyota isn't exactly known for its dynamic handling or road-holding. But first impressions of the new Corolla sedan are good.The base model Corolla sedan actually drives better than the base model Corolla hatch. I thought it was a figment of my imagination, but a quick check revealed that the Corolla sedan is on slightly narrower and slightly smaller in diameter 15-inch tyres.The tyres, combined with a larger overall footprint, mean the base model Corolla has a supple feel over bumps and yet nicely responsive and sure-footed in corners.On smooth bitumen, the tyres and the engine are relatively quiet. But on coarse chip back roads at highway speeds there can be a bit of tyre roar, not unusual, not unbearable and not a deal-breaker in my opinion.The seven-speed continuously variable transmission didn't drone or over-rev as much as other CVTs because Toyota has added a torque converter to it. I don't pretend to know how it works but, in practice, it appears to be better than other CVTs and doesn't feel or sound like it's struggling.In every other regard, the Corolla is entirely predictable which, for familiar buyers, is a good thing.  All buttons and dials are well placed and easy to use. Visibility all around is good, although it's even easier to park now that it has a rear camera as standard (helpful, too, given that it's the biggest Corolla ever built).VERDICTAfter a mildly disappointing effort with the Corolla hatch, Toyota has upped the ante with the Corolla sedan. It's one of the best equipped cars in its class for the money and the Toyota quality is ever present. Unlike some Hondas, you'd never pick this Japanese car came from Thailand.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

Toyota Corolla Ascent and Holden Cruze Equipe 1.8 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

At last there is a Corolla with character, engagement and desire. Yes, you are reading me right. No longer is Toyota's top seller a plain Jane with about as much imagination as a fridge. Instead, the 11th generation Corolla is great to look at and drive, while adhering to its traditional virtues of reliability, good

It was only a decade or so ago that motorists who equated car length to masculinity freaked out at the trend to downsizing.The table has turned. Now it's not your masculinity under question for owning a large car, but your sanity. Simply, small cars work.They are quick, comfortable, well equipped, economical on fuel and ownership costs, plus fit into small parking bays or tuck neatly into peak-hour traffic queues.They are also relatively inexpensive and there's about 30 different car models and 280 distinct versions to choose from. More importantly, budget motoring means there are thousands of near-new used small cars on the market.Pick your next pre-owned car carefully and it's likely you'd find one that retains a portion of the new-car warranty. While some car buyers may look at features and paint colour before safety ratings and reliability, even if you've few aspirations to venture outside the city perimeter, it's important to keep safety, reliability, comfort and durability as part of the purchase criteria.Consider also factory-fit Bluetooth and audio streaming. Hands-free telephone calls and portable and interactive music are pivotal to young car owners and increasingly to the people who end up buying your car.PS: Ensure the car has been serviced to the manufacturer's requirements (it's stamped in the service book that should be in the glovebox -- if it's not there, neither should you be. Bent or buckled number plates indicate a prang.Tyre tread worn on the edge or in the centre indicates the car needs a wheel alignment (or may have been in an accident). Always get the car checked out.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDon't be put off by high kilometres if it's a country car. Later models will have full safety and current tech upgrades. Check that service record.2010 Mazda3 MaxxEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 8.2L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSWell-equipped version of Australia's most popular car appears to have covered a big distance given its age. That may be due to use as a country car, thus the lower price compared to a similar model with lower mileage. Mazda's 3 is a very good all-rounder with excellent safety standards and generally a nice ride, though cabin noise is intrusive. Twice yearly servicing needed and no capped service program means it may be a bit more expensive to maintain than, say, a Corolla. 2010 Toyota Corolla AscentEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSSecond series of the Z-code Corolla that started in 2000 just improves year after year. It's solid, dependable (no camshaft belt to break), inexpensive to own and fuel, roomy and holds its value. Capped service can save money but Corolla still has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule. In a five- and six-speed auto world, the Corolla's four-speed auto is ordinary. But it's strong and reliable. This car is in line with average driving distances. 2010 Hyundai i30 SLXEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 4-speed autoThirst: 7.6L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis former Carsguide's Car of the Year is a smart buy, even two years down the track. It retains some three years of its five-year warranty. The i30 is simple, secure and fuss-free. It's relatively economical but not as sprightly as the Mazda3 that has a similar engine. Mileage is a bit high and the car may be due for a new camshaft belt. But it looks good with 16-inch alloy wheels, has a high five-star safety rating and a comfortable cabin. 

We use the word ‘competitive’ advisedly, Australians are showing a strong preference for small passenger vehicles rather than the large family sixes they used to love with a passion.VALUEThe Mazda3 has been at the top of the sales tree for the last two years, but is getting on in years and Toyota wouldn't mind a tilt at the crown. Nissan Australia is also in the race with it’s all-new Pulsar. Toyota and Nissan have both priced their entry level models at $19,990.When the big three car makers start to get really serious about maximising sales buyers are the real winners. These cars are all very well priced, but you may still be able to squeeze another few dollars out of the transaction.TECHNOLOGYNew Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that’s based on the one used in the outgoing model. It has significant changes to improve power and torque characteristic and reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.Transmission choices are a six-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic on all models. The CVT can act as a pseudo manual by choosing one of seven preset ratios should the driver feel they need to hold a particular ratio at any time.DESIGNCorollas have long had a reputation for being sensible, logical buys that are on the boring side – until now. Toyota’s new chief, Akio Toyoda, a direct descendant of the man who set up the company, didn’t like the ‘boring but sensible’ tag being given to his company’s products, so he suggested to designers and engineers that more character might be nice.When the big boss says he would like something it makes sense to listen and respond. From a styling point of view the 11th generation Corolla is right up to date, with a clean front where the lights and grille blend neatly and in the side view which has a real Euro look.At this stage the Corolla is being sold only as a five-door hatchback, sedans won’t be seen till fairly late in 2013; for competitive reasons Toyota Australia won’t reveal the date. In the meantime the existing old model Corolla sedans will remain on sale.SAFETYAll models come with a solid range of primary and secondary safety equipment, with stability control, ABS brakes with assistance, seven airbags and lap-sash safety belts on all five seats.DRIVINGOn the road we were impressed by the characteristics of the continuously variable transmission. Some find the ‘slipping-clutch’ sound of the original CVTs irritating. The new Toyota unit is more gradual in the way the engine revs rise when you need power quickly. The result is an efficient engine / transmission combination that should please the revheads just as much as those who care for the environment.Revheads will just love the way the engine is automatically blipped during manual down changes through the preset ratios on the CVT. However, the above comments on the CVT are based on our test drives of the Corollas at the press launch late in 2012. Toyota Australia is very wary of adverse reports on this type of automatic transmission, so gave us a manual for our extended test.We found the manual to be light and easy in its actions. It mates well with the engine, which is happy to pull at low revs if throttle pressures are minimised to save fuel. However, the car wasn’t as economical as we anticipated, typically using nine to eleven litres per hundred kilometres in heavy-duty driving around town. This came down to about seven to eight litres on easy paced country trips.Handling of the new Corolla is excellent, all the more so when you remember it’s a family hatchback with no pretensions to sportiness. Australian engineers were involved in the earliest stage of development to ensure our local drivers got what they wanted.Turning in is neat and the car responds promptly to driver inputs. The Corolla can be steered on the throttle if you want to really push it hard. The electrically assisted power steering is nicely weighted and gives good feedback.Comfort on poor roads, not necessarily unsealed ones, isn’t as good as on previous Corollas due to the sporting revisions to the car’s character. Keen drivers will be happy with the comfort / handling compromise, but if you demand comfort ahead of all else it might be worth checking it out on some rough roads during your own road testing.VERDICTToyota’s Corolla has been a favourite in Australia for almost five decades, even being built in this country for quite a few years. We see no reason why our love affair with this car shouldn't be every bit as strong as in the previous 10 generations. Can it oust Mazda3 and fight off Pulsar to pick up the top spot? Time will tell…

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?This is Toyota's top of the range generation 11 Corolla with all the gear and the best looks too thanks to liberal use of chrome highlights. It's the same under the skin as the others except for slightly sharper steering response compared with other lesser Corollas.How much?This one goes for $28,490 with the CVT auto adding two grand. We would suggest it's money well spent.What are competitors?Too numerous to list - some are Lancer, Pulsar, i30, Mazda3, Civic and Impreza.What's under the bonnet?A revised version of the previous 1.8-litre petrol twin cam four banger with about the same power as before, rated at 103kW/173Nm.Drive is to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual (with annoying throttle flare on up changes) or a silky seven step CVT with paddle shift in the Levin ZR.How does it go?Quite impressive actually. No sports hatch but good, punchy honest performance with no fuss and surprising economy. Smooth running and feels like it will (nearly) run for ever.Is it economical?Yes, we saw 6.6-litres/100km without really trying. And it's 91 RON, not premium.Is it green?It has adequate green credentials - minimal fuel use helps, the manual with a four and a half star rating, and the CVT with a five star rating in the Green Car Guide.Is it safe?Five stars - seven air bags.Is it comfortable?Very. The Levin ZR has plenty of luxury kit and attractive leather upholstery, excellent SUNA satnav, premium audio, large format reverse camera, plenty of seat and driving position adjustment, Bluetooth, you name it.What's it like to drive?Surprisingly good given the disparaging remarks often heard about "Corollas." It's totally unjustified in this case because this one is a relatively engaging drive - to a point of course as it's primarily aimed at general duties. But there's an edge to it and it's is good to steer.Is it value for money?Yes, other makes will struggle to stay with Corolla.Would we buy one?Absolutely. We'd even consider the test car at around $30k. Like the looks, the chrome bits and the striking looks inside and out. Corolla is no longer a shrinking violet.

I can tell you two things after driving the new Corolla. One is that it's very good and two is that we'd take the CVT over the manual any day of the week. That's a big call, especially for a car wearing a "sport" badge  but it's clearly the better performer. Too bad the CVT is going to set you back another $2K.