Launched in April this year, just after the Covid-19 lockdown was really starting to bite, it has taken a while for the latest Toyota Corolla sedan to become a regular sighting. Yet the new Corolla was worth waiting for, as it is easily the most dramatic-looking Corolla sedan launched since Toyota first introduced the nameplate way back in 1966.
This is the 12th generation Corolla, and it is built on an all-new platform, which Toyota stylists say enabled them to come up with a far more dramatic shape than has ever been possible in the past.
We had a taste of things to come with the launch last year of the Corolla Hatchback, which has a similarly dramatic frontal styling.
The Sedan has a very useful boot!
The sedan versions will appeal to Toyota fans with more traditional values, and these customers will be immediately impressed with the very deep boot, with a generous capacity of 471 litres. On the RX model we sampled recently the boot is un-latched remotely by the key fob. The rear seats also offer fold-down backrest facilities to increase the loading ability further, if and when required.
Just three Corolla Sedan models available for now
At launch the Corolla sedan is available in just three models. These are the 1.8 XS Automatic entry model at R3890 200, the 2.0 RX Manual at R420 500, and the 2.0 RX Automatic at R433 700.
The 1.8 XS Automatic model
The 1.8 XS model uses the 4-cylinder engine that is currently fitted to the less-expensive Corolla Quest model. It has a 1,8-litre capacity, is a non-turbo (naturally-aspirated) petrol engine and produces 103 kW and 171 Nm of torque. It is interesting that, at this stage, Toyota is only offering this model with in automatic form with a CVT gearbox. This CVT ‘box has seven steps in the constantly variable transmission operation to simulate seven speeds, as you would find in a more conventional automatic transmission.
The 1.8 XS model is identified by 16-inch alloy wheels, shod with 205/55 R165 rubber, which are more conservatively styled than the larger rims and lower profile tyres that adorn the XR versions.
The 2.0 XR manual and automatic models
The XR models have a more powerful 2,0-litre 4-cylinder engine. This is the so-called 2.0 Dyna Force TNGA unit, as first seen in South Africa in the RAV4 SUV. It develops a useful 125 kW and 200 Nm of torque. It is a very free -revving unit, and actually surprisingly vocal once you rev it up towards its 6 900 rpm redline.
We recently sampled the 6-speed manual version of the 2.0 XR and found it a surprisingly energetic sedan. Toyota rates the 0-100 km/h time at 8,0 seconds at sea level, and the top speed at 200 km/h.
The 18-inch alloys fitted to the XR models are said by Toyota to feature a “Turbine” design pattern. Wrapped with low profile 225/40 R18 rubber they give the Corolla XR a very sporty appearance, which perfectly suits the very aggressive, low frontal treatment of the new model.
The 6-speed manual gearbox is an absolute pleasure to use, featuring one of the smoothest shifting operations we have ever encountered in a Corolla. The clutch is light but easily modulated, and the power is also progressive enabling a very smooth driving style.
The automatic CVT transmission fitted to the RX is known as the 10-speed Shiftmatic, and again simulates gear changes as one would experience on a more traditional automatic, or indeed a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Trim and safety equipment
The principal difference in interior trim between the 1.8 XS and 2.0 XR models is that the XR has a larger, more sophisticated infotainment screen. The XS has a 4,2-inch screen, while the XR has a 7-inch screen, as well as digital speedometer and rev-counter. The XR also has a reverse camera. Nether of the infotainment systems feature embedded navigation, however, so you will need to pair up your Apple or Android form to the system.
While both XS and RS models have 7 airbags and eletcronic safety devices such as ABS braking, EBD traction control and corner assistance, the XR includes a full driver aid safety package that includes pre-collision braking, a blind-spot monitor, cruise control, lane trace assistance, and LED headlamps.
All three models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 6-services/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are 15 000 or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Our top trim winners
As there are only three latest-generation Corolla Sedan variants currently on sale here, it figures that they all feature in our top 3 listing. In third place we would rate the 2.0 RX Automatic, followed in second spot by the 1.8 XS Automatic. The 1.8 XS beats the 2.0 RX auto because, at a saving of some R53 000, we feel it has all the essentials you need for a conservative car like the Corolla in automatic form, and that the 1,8-litre engine will do nicely married to a CVT gearbox.
The overall new Corolla range winner in our book is the 2.0 XR Manual. The reason is that it has a set of well-chosen ratios and, as mentioned earlier, lovely shifting action thanks to a well-designed gear linkage and clutch operation. And with that free-revving engine, as well as extremely precise handling from a sophisticated suspension, you get driving dynamics that are surprisingly sporty, and make you realise how much fun you would miss out on, if you opted for a bulky SUV.
The 6-speed manual is the choice for us
The manual gearbox gives the RX an added touch of sportiness that its appearance deserves, so in our book it is a clear winner.
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