- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.8i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
100kW, 175Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
4/5 star (2008)
Toyota Corolla Levin SX
Reputation intact
Toyota's Corolla is something of an institution in Australia. And this age of high fuel prices is doing the small Toyota no harm, pushing it into second spot on the list of top-selling models this year.
Now, with the launch of the new 10th-generation Corolla, Toyota is hoping for even greater small-car success. Its new model appears to be equipped for the job, with freshly styled bodies, new interiors and engine, better safety and other improvements.
The price of all this starts $1000 higher than before, with a new base of $20,990 for the Ascent sedan and hatch.
We tested the mid-range Levin SX hatch, which costs $25,500 and adds 16-inch alloys, sports body kit, leather-shod multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and six-stack CD player to the Ascent's rather basic specification.
Unlike the identically priced Conquest, the Levin SX lacks side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, although you can have them for an extra $750.
Step inside and the improvements are immediately apparent. Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment is now part of the package, making for a much more natural driving position than in its predecessor. The pushed-forward windscreen creates a spacious, airy feel and the design is bold and attractive. Fit, finish and material quality are all good, if not quite best in class.
Step into the back and you won't be amazed by the space. However, the flat floor allows above-average leg and foot space, and there's sufficient room for two full-sized adults.
A reclining backrest adds flexibility, but the boot space is just OK.
In spite of the attempts of its body kit to convey a sporty air, the Levin SX is mechanically identical to other Corollas and no more exciting to drive. The all-new, 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine produces exactly the same peak power (100 kW) as its predecessor before new emission laws forced a power downgrade, although it's much quieter and smoother, if still a touch boomy when revved hard and high.
In terms of outright performance, the Corolla is no better than satisfactory. The 1.8 is smooth, flexible and for the most part willing, but it can feel sluggish on long climbs or with a full complement of passengers.
Balancing the ledger is the new, slick-shifting, six-speed manual, which allows the driver to make the most of the engine's ability.
Fuel economy, too, is a strong suit, with our test car using 7.9 L/100 km on test - close to the official claim.
The old Corolla was a bit of a wobbly handler, but this one is a much better device, feeling nicely agile, balanced and predictable through the bends.
However, it doesn't set any standards for keen drivers, lacking the sharp responses, feedback and unflinching body control of the best in its class.
In terms of comfort, the Toyota rates well. The ride quality is controlled but ultimately compliant, so while you are aware of most bumps, they rarely make their presence felt in a rude fashion. Apart from the usual coarse-chip tyre roar, and some boominess when revved, it's not overly noisy, either.
While there's little doubt the new Corolla is a much better mousetrap than before, it also falls considerably short of being a ground-breaker.
It does most things quite well and nothing badly. And that, tied to its golden reputation, will be enough for many buyers.