ile the new Toyota Corolla Sedan will hit the U.S. market this year, potential customers can catch a first glimpse of what to expect by checking out the hatchback version.
It starts from just under $20,000, comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 168 horses, is available with either a six-speed manual or a CVT, and can be had in two trim levels, SE and XSE.
Consumer Reports says the CVT does a good job at keeping the revs low while driving at slow speeds. Also, the handling is said to be agile and the suspension somewhat tight yet not uncomfortably so. This shows that engineers seem to have done a pretty good job at minimizing body lean through corners without sacrificing comfort.
Also Read: The 2019 Corolla Hatch Might Just Bring ‘Fun’ Into Toyota’s Mainstream Vocabulary Again
The interior of the new Corolla Hatchback feels upmarket. There are plenty of good quality materials and an infotainment system that provides access to various functions. Nevertheless, the touchscreen is sometimes slow to respond, and the buttons on the side of the screen are hard to see in direct sunlight.
The backseat is tight on room, and the cargo area is not that great either, but fold down the rear seats and you’ll be able to haul some large cargo.
The test car came at $24,263, and featured a satellite radio, upgraded audio system and Blind Spot Warning. However, even the most basic model gets a lot of gear, including Toyota’s advanced safety suite.
In the end, though, choosing the new Corolla Hatchback means sticking to the winning recipe which, in the case of the Japanese automaker, is simple, safe and, most importantly, reliable. But let’s see CR’s verdict on the car in their video review shared below.