The 12th generation Corolla represents a major milestone for the Japanese car maker, which makes a serious effort to shake its reliable, but boring, image.
The new car’s sharp looks are combined with Toyota’s latest TNGA GA-C platform, which is more rigid than before and promises to offer more engaging driving dynamics thanks to its lower center gravity and multi-link rear suspension.
Out of the three available bodystyles, it’s the hatchback that offers the sportier character on the road, as Toyota has applied different chassis settings for each version, depending on their respective target group.
The new Corolla is the only car in its segment that’s offered with two different hybrid powertrains: a 122PS (120hp) 1.8-liter version and a range-topping 180PS (178hp) 2.0-liter model. Toyota promises that both can offer up to 50 percent all-electric driving on the everyday commute.
For those who don’t want a hybrid just yet, there’s also a turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder with 114PS (112hp) and a six-speed manual transmission as standard.
Everything sounds pretty promising so far for the new compact Toyota: it looks sharp, features pretty fuel efficient powertrains and claims that it’s not boring to drive anymore. Does it deliver on all those fronts? Carwow investigates on the video linked below.