Toyota Corolla Trek: the cross-station wagon we didn't deserve


Toyota Corolla 2021 is the twelfth generation of the sedan, which is considered the most popular car in the world. The car is chosen for its excellent quality-price ratio, high reliability, efficiency and equipment. And, although other parameters of the Corolla, such as interior and trunk volume, quality of finishing and engine power, are at an average level, its advantages are enough to remain in the TOP 10 and even TOP 5 in different countries, including Russia.

Appearance and dimensions of Toyota Corolla 2021

The model that received a new body still looks quite conservative and is easily recognizable on the road. In some ways it even resembles a smaller version of the Camry. Among the exterior features are the following details:

  • front optics, fully LED in top versions, but even in budget trim levels quite “predatory” in appearance;
  • a massive front bumper and a large radiator grille located above it with small, blind-like slits;

  • stylish taillights connected by a chrome bridge;
  • a squat silhouette, which is emphasized by a sloping hood and a smoothly sloping roofline.

The car belongs to the C-class, which is confirmed by its length of 4.63 m, of which 2.63 m is the distance between the axles. The width of the model is 1.78 m, the height is 1.435 m. The front and rear tracks are 1.53 and 1.54 m, respectively. The weight of the equipped car, depending on the version, is in the range of 1.37-1.44 tons. Standard wheels are R15.

2021 Toyota Corolla Engine and Transmission

With the change of generation, the engine range was reduced to one engine. This is a gasoline, four-cylinder engine with a transverse arrangement 1ZR-FE. The new product inherited it from its predecessor (it first appeared in 2007). The all-aluminum engine with 4 valves per cylinder is equipped with a proprietary Dual VVT-i variable valve timing system on both shafts.

Engine power 122 hp. at 6050 rpm. The maximum torque of 153 N•m is achieved at 5200 rpm.

Depending on the configuration, the engine is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or a Multidrive CVT. Front wheel drive.

The engine, coupled with a variator, performs well during quiet city driving - it imitates “shifting” gears well and reacts quickly to pressing the gas pedal. At highway speeds there is a lack of power.

VersionAcceleration 0-100 km/h, secMax. speed, km/h Consumption, mixed, l/100km
1.6 6MT111956.6
1.6 CVT10.81856.4

6MT — manual transmission (6 steps); CVT - variator;

The engine meets Euro-5 environmental standards and consumes AI-92 gasoline. Fuel tank capacity is 50 liters.

Salon

The interior of the car is quite modern and, at the same time, solid. This can be seen in the large (7 or 8 inches, depending on the version) screen of the multimedia system, under which the climate control controls are located. Or a 3-spoke steering wheel and a 7-inch diagonal on-board computer information display. Although the dashboard will look modern only in the top versions - the basic version has a monochrome screen or even a plastic plug on the dashboard.

The salon is distinguished by good ergonomics, high-quality finishing (albeit using cheap plastic) and the presence of comfortable front seats with a well-defined side profile. The first row seats can be adjusted, are heated and have ventilation deflectors - everything that rear passengers do not have when purchasing the budget version of the Corolla. However, the second row sofa is quite comfortable, with 3 armrests and a good supply of free space.

2021 Toyota Corolla Suspension, Brakes and Wheels

The transition to a new platform has somewhat changed the suspension architecture. If at the front, as before, an independent suspension with McPherson struts is used, then at the rear, instead of a semi-independent beam, a multi-link independent suspension is now installed.

The fully independent suspension made the sedan more grippy in corners. Smooth running and energy consumption are also at a good level when compared with competitors such as Cerato and Elantra. When you go too fast in a corner, the front axle drifts smoothly.

All Corollas for our market are equipped with a package for bad roads - different springs and front shock absorbers are installed. Ground clearance increased to 150 mm.

The electric power steering is light and precise. There is a good feeling of “zero” and a clear increase in effort at speed. A special damper on the shaft reduces vibrations on the steering wheel.

Disc brakes on all wheels, ventilated on the front axle. ABS, brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BAS) are standard.

Depending on the configuration, the Corolla is equipped with 15, 16 or 17-inch wheels. The first configuration Standard is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with decorative caps. Richer versions boast 16-inch (Classic, Comfort) and 17-inch (Prestige and Prestige Safety) alloy wheels. Tire sizes: 195/65R15, 205/55R16 and 225/45R17. The full-size spare tire is hidden in the trunk underground.

Technical specifications of Toyota Corolla 2021

In Russia, the new Toyota Corolla 2021 model is sold with only one powertrain option. This is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a performance of 122 hp. It is equipped with one of two gearboxes – a CVT or a 6-speed manual. The engine provides a car speed of 185 or 195 km/h for CVT or manual transmission, respectively. Acceleration time to hundreds for the same versions is 10.8 and 11 s, fuel consumption is from 5.3 on the highway to 8.2-8.7 liters in city mode.

The trunk size of the car is quite large, although not the best for its class. 471 liters of cargo fit inside. If you fold the second row of seats, there is more space - but a step is formed that interferes with the convenient distribution of things. But even in the basic version there is a full-size spare wheel hidden under the luggage compartment floor. Ground clearance is 150 mm, sufficient for a sedan intended mainly for city trips and good roads.

High body rigidity and the presence of many safety systems (even in the basic configuration there is a light sensor, 4 airbags, ESP and ABS) make the car safe. And confirmation of its strength and workmanship are the results of the Euro NCAP crash test - 5 stars out of 5. Moreover, the first row of seats is protected by 95%, and a child in a child seat in the back is protected by 84%.

The new Toyota Corolla 2021 is larger inside than outside.

There is sufficient space in the front, but the rear of the hatchback is somewhat cramped due to its 2.64 m wheelbase and low roof. The three of you won't get far.

When not in use, the rear seat backrest easily folds down to a 60:40 split, but this example doesn't offer a flat floor. There is a set of tools under the floor, see the next photo.

There is still a set of tools under the floor, but, probably, for Russia, the floor will be raised by adding additional equipment. Then the trunk will shrink.

As a fan of transporting windsurfing boards, I noticed the 4.65 m long Toyota Corolla Touring Sports station wagon version developed for Europe. Thanks to the wheelbase extended to 2.70 m, there is noticeably more rear legroom than in a hatchback. True, the space above your head is eaten up by the panoramic roof. The rear door opens electrically with a wave of your foot under the bumper. In the station wagon, the trunk already holds 598 liters (581 liters in the hybrid version), which is quite generous.

If the rear seat backs in the station wagon are folded in a 60:40 ratio, which can be done remotely, a flat loading area 1.9 m long and almost a meter wide appears.

2021 Toyota Corolla Competitors

A good ratio of price, functionality and quality makes the Corolla very competitive in its segment. However, it still has many competitors, and among them are Mazda 3 and Honda Civic cars. The first car stands out for its greater power unit power, dynamics and quality of interior finishing materials. However, the 2021 Corolla beats the Mazda in terms of reliability and number of driver assistance features.

Another popular car, the Honda Civic, gives potential buyers the opportunity to choose from three body styles – sedan, hatchback or coupe. Another advantage over Toyota is the presence of a multimedia system even in the basic configuration. In addition, Honda has more space in the second row, more convenient control and a good range of engines. On the other hand, the Civic will not only cost more, but it is also not officially sold in Russia, therefore it competes with the Corolla, mainly on the secondary market.

Options and prices

The model is available to Russian car enthusiasts in 5 trim levels:

  • The basic (Standard) is equipped with a full set of electronic safety systems, but has only side airbags. Other features available to the buyer include LED running lights and power windows front and rear.
  • Classic configuration no longer has 15, but 16-inch alloy wheels, an audio system with 6 speakers, a steering wheel and leather gear shift knobs.
  • Comfort . Version with two climate control zones, a rain sensor and a multimedia system with an 8-inch screen. There is a rearview camera and ambient interior lighting.
  • Prestige . It features LED optics, external tuning and a keyless entry system.
  • Prestige Safety . The top version, which the manufacturer equips with a 10-inch diagonal head-up display, a 7-inch multimedia system screen and an additional active safety package.

The latest Toyota Corolla is available to Ukrainian buyers at a price starting from UAH 477 thousand. with a manual transmission and from 518 thousand - with an automatic transmission. Top configurations will cost the buyer from 574 and from 615 thousand UAH. with manual transmission and automatic transmission, respectively. There is only one engine in all versions - a 1.6-liter with 132 hp.

Table 1. Characteristics of car equipment.

Car versionsEnginecheckpointAuto transmissionPrice, million rubles
Standard1.6 l, 122 hp, gasoline"Mechanics"Front wheel drive1,273
Classic1,362
Comfortvariable speed drive1,533
Prestige1,676
Prestige Safety1,795

Car reviews

Mikhail S.: I was choosing a car for a trip around the city, focusing on an affordable price (no more than $20,000), an average-power engine and an attractive appearance. The latest generation Corolla was perfect for all these parameters. I liked it right away – the face, the optics, the rear view. After a couple of months of use, I would like to add to the pluses good fuel consumption, a large trunk and a heated steering wheel. The only things I didn’t like were the low-quality plastic trim and the heavy hood, which requires effort to lift.

Vitaly V .: Corolla is not the cheapest car in its class. But it has such advantages as reliability, a spacious interior, almost the same size as a Camry, and a good appearance. And also - convenient microclimate control. Although the protruding screen of the multimedia system looks somehow wrong. There is no standard navigator, and the performance of the system itself is average. But in the future I will be able to sell this car more profitably on the secondary market - it is popular and does not lose much in price.

Maxim L.: The design of the 2021 Corolla is very stylish - this has become almost the main reason for purchasing. I also liked the safety features and crash test results - 5 out of 5 stars is very cool. True, I would like to see a more powerful engine - but for the city, in principle, this is enough.

( 1 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Flight magazine Toyota Corolla 1.6 (2019)

Greetings to all!

I decided to stop by here to look at the new generation of Corolla. Firstly, I probably haven’t tried anything for a long time, and secondly, this is the first body of the Corolla, which, from the photographs, not only did not cause me rejection, but even liked it, it became very interesting what else the new car could surprise me with.

First I sat in the cabin, looked around, and later went for a test.

There are already quite a few reviews of this body online, and there will be more to come. Even though I’m writing this as a test drive, I obviously don’t pretend to have such a big name, just personal feelings.

In the interior as a whole, it is noticeable that Toyota, to a certain extent, is drawing conclusions and working on mistakes. The front panel is covered with leather-like material and is quite pleasant to the touch. To me it looks quite expensive, and I hope that she will not lose this over time. Of course, I don’t like its design too much, just as I don’t like the free-standing screen in the middle. But Toyota is not alone here; this solution is also found in other manufacturers.

For example, the same A4 from Audi suffers from this, well, it looks completely alien, is it really not clear to the one who came up with it? The fashion will pass, but these screens will remain and stick out ridiculously.

The tidy will please fans of multicolor, but there is a problem with readability. Intuitively not at all informative. The projection onto the windshield probably helps to some extent, but to be honest, I don’t understand why it’s even here? This is not a sports car. 1.6 and projection - my personal opinion is that this is just another tribute to fashion. A smart, informative, intuitive tidy is a hundred times more useful.

Are the power window buttons now apparently backlit? Fine.

I’ve been reading something very often lately about polished black plastic, which manufacturers are pushing everywhere, it looks elegant, but not practical.

The armrest is not adjustable in reach. But I nevertheless reached my hand to the steering wheel, placing my elbow on it.

There is quite a lot of free space in the back row, but not much in height. I'm not tall, I only have a couple of centimeters above my head. And if the height is at least 190, then how? Apparently you will need to slide down, there is plenty of room for your knees.

The door cards raise a question. Tell me, what can you put in these pockets, both in the front door and in the back?

A bottle of water won’t fit, and in general it’s just some small thing... but then how can you scrape it out of there? Was this difficult to foresee? Look how much space there is, and how poorly it was used! I understand that the designers did this deliberately. I can’t explain it any other way.

In general, there are not many places here for small things, although I, of course, also remember that I myself am spoiled by Golfs.

Interesting floor mats for the rear passengers, trim on 3 sides. If you sit down in winter without shaking off your feet, the snow will melt and flow under the front seat, it’s funny though) But nothing prevented us from making a side on the fourth side. For example, in Golfs there are air ducts for the feet of second-row passengers, and accordingly the ventilation will dry everything out, but not here.

If I were considering buying this car, I would be very disappointed with the way the rear seats and trunk are made. When I go fishing and on various trips out of town, sometimes I don’t hesitate to spend the night right in the car. But this won't work in Corolla. The very thick backs of the rear seats form a huge (!) step between the level of the trunk floor and the folded backrests. And a very small opening in height.

Of course, I understand that a sedan is not the best body option for spending the night, but for example, in the Jetta, I spent great nights when I was too lazy to put up a tent, for example, in the rain. Of course, there is a step there too; I use homemade foam inserts covered with carpet. But here in the Corolla, the height gap simply won’t allow you to lie down. That is, not at all.

A really strange color scheme for the upholstery of the roof pillars, the front and rear are white, and the middle pillar is made of black plastic, why?

The seat upholstery is also strangely done, for some reason they made a zipper, again, why? Well, the Japanese know better.

As for “better visibility,” the visibility from the driver’s seat is good, with fairly large rear-view mirrors located on the doors. The car on test is in maximum configuration, with a rear view camera, and static marking lines.

The route ran through the city. The manager praised the new EUR and its work. Supposedly it is much better than what was on the previous body. The car is more responsive to steering movements. Well, that’s probably true, I didn’t drive last year. The suspension, like in previous Corollas, with an emphasis on comfort, is soft.

They write that the taxiing here is excellent compared to its predecessors. If it's true about the EUR, then probably. But, alas, it was not possible to check how much the car rolls in corners. It also didn’t work to just press the shoe to the floor. I wanted to go on a long straight on the way back, and there were repair works and 40 km/h signs.

Only the lazy didn’t kick the 1.6+variator combination. I won’t say anything except that for normal driving, that is, how many people drive, it is enough. But I don’t understand, if they made a lever at the back (which is a definite plus compared to its predecessors), a more sensitive power steering, a fast design, a much more rigid body, then why not put at least 1.8 on the car? After all, it was in the same body! And even he seems to be quite lively. An inexplicable fact.

The noise wasn't too encouraging either. You can hear the tires even at low speeds; there are no fender liners in front.

An acquaintance lives in Germany and ordered a new Corolla station wagon. Station wagons are assembled in Belgium and Britain, sedans in Turkey. Station wagons will pass by Russia. In station wagons, Shumkas speak much better. Maybe. The car is also noticeably better than the Jetta in this regard.

You know, there may be an opinion that there is essentially one negative thing here. But in fact, these are all trifles and in some places even nitpicking. In fact, overall I really liked the car, but for me personally, the really big minus is the inability to spend the night in it. This moment is very important for me.

Well, these minuses and quibbles, to be honest, are not something that could not be avoided. Toyota just did it this way and not otherwise.

Well, the price. Top for 1.7 million rubles. Diode optics appear at pre-maximum settings. That is, for 1.5 million you will get 1.6 dynamics + variator and halogen headlights. It would be difficult to compete with such prices. Although, according to my observations, Toyota fans do not visit competitor showrooms at all. So all is not lost for the new Corolla in Russia)

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