2015 Toyota Corolla Ascent CVT Hatch Review – A Small Hatch Safe-Bet
The Skinny: The top-selling car in Australia has been given a mid-life freshen up with new bumpers and lights, and a cleaner, simpler interior.
There are less-obvious changes beneath the skin as well, but, all told, the subtle evolution works in the Corolla’s favour - it keeps it familiar: tried, tested and true.
Knee-room is still a bit tight in the back, and there are no air-con vents there. The CVT auto is also a bit drowsy, which takes the edge off performance.
Debits aside, buyers will find plenty to like in a safe and secure package that offers reliable, no-frills motoring.
Vehicle Style: Small five-door hatchback
Price: $21,790 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 103kW/173Nm 1.8 4cyl | CVT automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.1 l/100km | tested: 6.6 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Corolla is the world’s favourite small car, provided you count the versions that wear Auris badges in Europe and Japan and Scion iM badges in North America.
To keep that momentum, the Corolla hatch has come in for a quick nip-and-tuck giving it tidier front and rear styling, and a more up-to-the-minute interior.
Arguably the go-to choice for buyers seeking fuss-free, low-maintenance motoring, the Corolla needs to be nothing more than a Corolla - good buying, comfortable, well-featured and reliable.