Trusted Sprinter gets a splash of Sexy

If you think sedans are boring unless they carry a German name tag, think again. And if you think engines have to be all ‘turbo’d up’ to give you decent fuel efficiency and sufficient performance, you may want to reconsider.

The humble Toyota Corolla Sprinter has just completed a week-long stint in our household, and has caused me to think a little differently about the ‘humble’ Japanese sedan. Toyota is known for building cars that last. I can’t say the build quality on the Toyota Etios will win any awards, but the Corolla is quite a different story. The Sprinter is not new, but it has received an upgrade so mid-level Corolla owners can also have access to the little luxuries, previously found on the more expensive models only. The Sprinter, in particular, has pretty new Anthracite alloys, a boot lid spoiler and a unique colour palette and trim, and some other added tech. All 2015 Corollas also come with Daytime Running Lights, power mirrors and windows, remote central locking, a temperature indicator, a trip computer, air-conditioning (on Esteem and Prestige derivatives), auto climate control (Sprinter and Exclusive variants) and Bluetooth. Exclusive models get an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.

Inside info

The new Toyota Corolla Sprinter, quite literally, shines in this department. Toyota has adopted a stacked or layered dashboard effect with just enough brushed aluminium and chrome accents to remind one of the much more premium Lexus range. Glossy piano black trim around the touch screen (new in this variant) and radio dials helps to create the new slick, modern look. A handy rear-view camera is standard. The steering wheel is dressed in leather, with satellite controls to adjust the various functions and settings of the infotainment system. The seats also get the premium treatment. They’re not full leather, but the material under your backside feels durable and tough. Any spills should be easy to clean with a sponge and some soap.

The drive

I took the Corolla to the depths of the Overberg on my favourite twisty route from Hermanus to Stanford, and then to Bredasdorp via Napier. With regards to road-holding, the Corolla is a champ. Its handling and quiet engine impressed me, and the 1.6 naturally aspirated powertrain, at sea level, is eager to get going. You do have to wind the engine up a bit, though, and be ready to shift down a cog or two when you need to get to the opposite side of a hill. The steering is much better than expected, and I thoroughly enjoyed all my trips, in town and on the open road, very much. In a nutshell, the enhanced Sprinter feels so upmarket that you might easily mistake it for something considerably more painful to your monthly budget.

Niggles

The fact that you cannot open the boot from the outside unless you have the remote in your hand, is a bit irritating - the boot doesn’t have a release button at the back. However, it can be opened from the inside, by pressing a button not far from the driver’s right knee. What I’m missing the most in the cabin though, is cruise control. The Sprinter is only a mid-range Corolla, but if it has a rear view camera, surely cruise control is not such a stretch? It is only standard spec on the Exclusive derivatives, priced from R292 300.

Thirsty, or thrifty?

The Corolla Sprinter 1.6 seems keen on saving its owner money, and the highest litre per 100 km reading I ever got from the trip computer, was 8 litres per 100 km. And by no means am I a slow-coach.

Is it a good buy?

As always, the Corolla is high on practicality, quality, offers good value, space, legroom and reliability. It also keeps its value. It’s a solid family car, and should be even more attractive to busy moms and dads with the addition of the new multimedia touch screen infotainment system and durable seat material. I expected too little of this car but my perception changed as soon as I stepped inside it. The driving experience, quiet cabin and high-end finishes should seal the deal.

Facts & Figures

Price	: R 268 800
Engine	: 1.6 litre, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder
Transmission	: 6-speed manual
Power	: 90 kW
Torque	: 154 kW
0-100 km/h	: 10.5 seconds
Fuel Tank	: 55 litres
Realistic Fuel Consumption	: 7.5 – 8.5 litres per 100 km
Boot capacity	: 425 litres
Safety	: ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Assist Control, stability control, 7 airbags.
Warranty	: 3-year / 100 000 km
Service Plan	: 5-year / 90 000 km, service interval 15 000 km
Roadside Assistance	: Toyota Care, 24 Hour