Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review

There are four trim levels and two powertrain options available for the Corolla estate. The estate carries a premium of around £1.3k over the hatchback model, which means prices start from £32,145 for the base-spec Icon with the 1.8-litre petrol engine.

Design spec begins at £34,450, GR Sport (don’t get excited, it’s just a trim level) costs from £36,100 and Excel from £38,045. The 2.0-litre petrol engine comes at a premium of around £1.8k over the lesser-powered unit. 

What are the specs like? 

All cars come with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam headlights and wipers, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, 12.3in touchscreen infotainment with smartphone integration, dual zone aircon, keyless go and heated front seats.

Design adds folding door mirrors, a powered tailgate, ambient cabin lighting, partial leather trim and swaps out the silver 16in alloys for 17in black wheels.

The GR Sport car mostly adds cosmetic sporty touches, like 18in 10-spoke alloys, leather interior touches and red stitching. Finally, Excel trim comes with a head-up display, 18in alloys, leather seats, extra safety tech and even throws in a rear USB-C plug. 

Which one should I go for? 

It’s rare that we recommend an entry level car, but the Icon model comes with an entirely respectable equipment list and smaller wheels that keep the ride comfortable. We’d go for the 2.0-litre engine – not for the welcome extra power, but because it only suffers very marginally when it comes to economy and emissions (61.4mpg and 103g/km respectively).

What else can I get for similar money? 

If you’re going green for environmental or company car cost reasons, we’d suggest having a look at the fully electric VW ID.7 Tourer, Peugeot e-308 SW, or Vauxhall Astra Electric Sports Tourer – the latter equally as dull as this.

If you'd prefer a plug-in hybrid, the Skoda Octavia estate is also worth investigating.