Toyota Corolla review

Oh, it’s only the best-selling badge in the whole car industry, having recorded more than 50 million sales across 12 generations since its launch in 1966. The more astute among you will note it has only recently rejoined the fold in the UK, replacing the Auris having itself departed in 2006. After two generations out it would appear Corolla is more trusted, and the badge returned in 2018.

Attached to arguably the best-looking iteration of the car in its sixth decade of existence, too – though some of the iterations aren’t putting up a strong challenge on that front. It was developed on a fancy brand new platform this time round – Toyota said during development that it prioritised good looks and decent handling, and the car was freshened up in 2023. At one glance, the former appears to have been nailed, more on the latter on the Driving tab.

That fancy platform is shared with the C-HR crossover, which is about as handy to drive as such crossovers get, but the Corolla has stiffer competition from other hatchbacks on the market. You feel the benefit of the lower centre of gravity, but the car’s ambition is held somewhat in check by its eco-minded powertrain that rewards a gentler, smoother drive. 

What are the engines like?

In keeping with the current climate, there are no diesels. These days your choice comes down to 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre hybrid options only. The 1.8 produces 138bhp for a 0–62mph time of 9.1 seconds, while the 2.0 gets there in 7.4 seconds thanks to its heady 193bhp output.

The small battery isn't designed to get the car very far in EV mode, but is supposed to make the engine as efficient as possible, scavenging energy under braking and helping out where it can.

Both engines offer fuel efficiency of around 60mpg and CO2 ratings around 100g/km depending on which spec you go for – the size of the alloys makes a bit of a difference to economy, it gets worse the larger you go. While the 1.8 is the more efficient on paper, the 2.0 goes about its business in a more relaxed fashion, which we prefer here.

There are paddleshifted gearchanges via steering wheel paddles, but given both cars use a CVT transmission, these are effectively simulated gears.

Got it. What else do I need to know?

There are two body styles to choose from; the hatchback is 40mm longer than the old Auris, every millimetre contained in the wheelbase to make it roomier. You can also have an estate – clunkily named the Touring Sports – about which you can read by clicking these blue words.

Both are manufactured in Burnaston, Derbyshire, with the 1.8-litre engine produced in Toyota’s plant in Deeside, North Wales. So if you want to give the British car industry a bit of a shove in the right direction then, like the similarly Jap/Brit fusion Honda Civic and Nissan Qashqai, you can feed your patriotism by buying one.

What's it up against?

Um, virtually every hatchback that dares to exist? Kidding. Although crossovers and SUVs are so prominent now that the humble hatch looks like the rebellious choice these days. Think Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic, VW Golf, Kia Ceed, Peugeot 308, Renault Megane... you get the idea. Though few of these use hybrid tech nearly as well as the Corolla does for real-world fuel saving.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £30,795 for the 1.8-litre and £32,595 for the 2.0-litre, with four trim levels (Icon, Design, GR Sport and Excel) available. It comes pretty well equipped as standard – full details on the Buying tab.

The Corolla looks more striking than ever, and proves Toyota is really on a roll with making its cars less boring (by its own admission). The looks alone may tempt some people away from competitors like the Focus, Astra and Civic, as might its British-built status.

What they’ll find is a car that now exclusively offers hybrid powertrains and thus is angled away from keen drivers, no matter how sporty the trim. Instead, the Corolla is about as quiet and calming as hatchbacks get, so long as you don’t work its coarse CVT transmission too hard.

That – and its cost saving for business users – is the area it stands out from its many, many talented rivals. Because in terms of tech, practicality and simple enjoyment, it falls short of the best in class.