By Ané Theron
The aggressively styled Toyota CH-R has already shown us that the Japanese auto-giant's 1.2-litre turbocharged engines aren't lazy by any means. This time we experience this very engine in the smaller, sexier, Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2 Xs 6MT.
Styling
The Corolla Hatch's good looks are testament to CEO Aikido Toyoda's promise that the company won't gift the world with any more boring cars. Riding on the new TNGA chassis (specifically the GA-C), the Corolla hatch looks longer and sleeker than its Auris predecessor, and also hunches lower to the ground. Full LED headlamp clusters with integrated daytime running lights underline the clamshell bonnet while flowing into the narrow upper grille. The Corolla Hatch's lower mesh grille "mouth" looks like its about to tell you off for driving too slowly in the fast lane...
At the back, Toyota also opted for more rounded edges to impart a sporty and compact appearance. The shapely LED rear light clusters are set far apart to make the rear look wider. I have to admit that I immediately thought of the Opel Astra when I saw the taillights and general rear design of the Corolla hatch. When an Astra parked next to me in the shopping centre yesterday, I could compare the two rear-ends properly. They are very similar, indeed. (Read: 5 Reasons why the Opel Astra deserved Car of the year 2017)
The Drive
Toyota says that the above-mentioned GA-C platform is lighter and torsionally stiffer (by 60%), with a lower centre of gravity. I could certainly feel its sure-footedness as I followed invisible racing lines through the twisty bends of Clarence drive. The new multilink rear suspension system aids handling stability too, and the new shock absorber valve design (in both the front and rear suspension systems ) also helps to make the ride smoother and more comfortable. The hatch rides on sensible 16-inch alloy wheels which won't fall victim to potholes too easily. (Have you read our Corolla Hatch launch report yet?)
Another enjoyable feature is Toyota's slick six-speed manual gearbox (with Toyota's selectable iMT rev-matching functionality) that allows for quick, short gearshifts (available only in the entry-level model I tested). It's the perfect fit for the spritely little engine. (The other two models in the range are fitted with 10-speed CVT gearboxes.)
Performance
The 85kW 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivers 185Nm between 1500 and 400 rpm. 85kW may not sound like much, but in a small, light hatchback like this, there's enough 'oomph' on offer; 100 km is reached from standstill in a relatively swift 9.5 seconds. What's more, you won't be dreading the card machine's appearance at the petrol station either, as consumption figures are still budget friendly. The Corolla hatchback's zesty engine and pliant chassis make for an enjoyable drive in the city as well as on the highway. The engine itself is so quiet that you won't even hear it running!
Space and Comfort
In typical Japanese fashion, Toyota crammed the Corolla Hatch full of comfort and convenience features. Sometimes I think they're just trying to prove a point to the Germans; not that we're complaining or anything!
The interior outlay is very driver-focused and ergonomic, and the combination of the textures and trims used creates an upmarket feel to rival both the Astra and the Golf. The entry-level and mid-spec model both come with sporty-looking cloth seats that are well-bolstered to hug your sides as you turn those corners.
The central touchscreen is rather massive and I think the more compact unit in the CH-R would have been a better fit visually, given the interior dimensions of the hatchback vs. the SUV. While Apple CarPlay/Android Auto isn't standard, you can download the MirrorLink app on your phone which will mirror your smartphone's screen on the infotainment system display.
The entry-level Xs-model comes well equipped with spec such as dual-zone climate control, voice control, cruise control, a starter button, an electric parking brake, smart entry/touch-to-lock/unlock doors, automatic headlamps, side and rear privacy glass, a leather-covered steering wheel (with satellite switches), two USB ports, a tonneau cover in the boot, a multi-information display TFT screen (to the right of the speedometer) as well as a 6-speaker audio system.
Space on the rear bench is about average for this segment, but the boot could be bigger. At least the spare wheel is of the full-size variety.
Safety
The Toyota Corolla hatch has a total of seven airbags, including a knee bag for the driver. ABS, EBD, vehicle stability control, brake assist and hill-assist control are standard. There are ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats and the reverse camera's view (with guidelines) is displayed in the central touchscreen.
Fuel Consumption
City driving returned consumption figures of about 7.8-8.2 litre per kilometres, while a quick return trip "over the mountain" (in other words, the N2 from Caledon to Somerset West over Sir Lowry's pass) gave us 6.8 litres per 100 km, which is rather good. Staying on the right side of the speed limit proved to be quite challenging...
Price
The Corolla hatch 1.2T Xs tested here costs R343 200, and the self-shifting1.2T Xs and Xr (both with CVT gearboxes) cost R353 900 and 373 800 respectively. Other contenders in this price range include the VW Golf 1.0TSI Comfortline at R343 300 with 81kW and 200Nm. (Click here to see VW Golf specials.) Alternatively, the Polo hatch 1.0TSI Highline auto retails for R322 900, while the Polo Highline R-Line auto will cost you R340 750.
The leftfield option is the Renault Mégane 97kW Dynamique (manual, R323 900) which also sports a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with slightly higher power figures (97kW and 200Nm) than the Corolla Hatch.
And let's not forget the excellent Mazda3 Hatch 2.0 Individual which is sold for R352 200 new, which has a naturally-aspirated two-litre engine with 121 kW and 210Nm of torque. (Take a look a this comparison namely Mazda3 vs. Toyota Corolla hatch vs. Renault Mégane: Which is the best value for money? )
Then, let's also think resale value. Toyotas are always in demand, but so are Volkswagens and Mazdas. (Read: Quick comparison: Opel Astra hatch vs VW Golf.)
Verdict
The new Corolla surprises and delights. While the Auris was a good, sensible choice, the new Corolla Hatch brings oodles of sparkle and offers the driver and passengers functionality as well as excitement. While it will probably never have the same street-cred as the VW Golf, it's just as good to drive.
3 pros
- Smooth, refined engine
- Sporty manual gearbox
- Interior design and layout, quiet cabin
3 cons
- Touchscreen seems a little too large for the cabin
- No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Lacks boot space
Expert rating: 4/5
