2021 Toyota Corolla: premium reliability, modern electronics and safety systems

The 2021 Toyota Corolla seems to be completely copied from its predecessor. However, this opinion is deceptive, since the main changes that the Japanese model has undergone are hidden by its body. Toyota engineers have improved the car's design and steering. At the same time, the Japanese competitor of the Kia Cerato and Volkswagen Jetta received only one “aspirated” engine with 122 hp, while in Europe the sedan is equipped with the same unit with a capacity of 132 hp. After the update, the Corolla price barely exceeded 1.27 million rubles. For that kind of money, you can get a multifunction steering wheel, LED taillights, electrically heated front seats and an audio system. For an additional fee, this list is expanded to include a “rich” security complex, a multimedia installation, ambient interior lighting, cruise and climate control, a 7-inch instrument panel and other equipment.

Toyota Corolla 2021

Options and prices

For now, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is presented in Russia in the same version. But, as expected, the sedan will soon receive a new body, designed in the style of the car presented in the USA. And, as the photos show, the Corolla looks more impressive in this design. Currently, the Japanese sedan is presented in Russia with four trim levels (Standard, Classic, Comfort and Prestige), prices for which vary widely. In terms of technical characteristics, this model is slightly inferior to some of its competitors. But if we compare these cars in terms of reliability, then Corolla can be called the best representative of its class.

Standard

The initial configuration of the Japanese sedan costs just over 1.274 million rubles. This version uses only a manual transmission. In the starting modification there are:

• electronic interior heater;
• stamped 15-inch wheels;
• electronically controlled power steering;
• LED taillights and DRLs;
• halogen head optics with light sensor;
• electrically heated external mirrors with turn signal repeaters and servo drive;
• steering wheel adjustable in two directions;
• electrically heated front seats.

When purchasing a 2021 Toyota Corolla, the basic version offers 4 electric windows, central locking with remote control, 4 airbags, as well as slip warning and brake locking systems, hill assist and electronic stabilization control. Ease of driving the sedan is provided by tire pressure monitoring sensors, air conditioning and audio equipment with four speakers. There is a full-size spare tire hidden in the trunk of the car.

Classic

The Classic version, priced at a minimum of 1.363 million rubles, is available with two gearboxes. The manufacturer asks 56 thousand rubles for installing a variator. In this configuration you can find a full-fledged audio system with six speakers. The Classic modification complements the basic one with an electrically heated windshield and steering wheel (complete with leather braid), a 4.2-inch on-board computer screen and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Comfort

This and subsequent trim levels are offered exclusively with a CVT. The Comfort version costs at least 1.534 million rubles. It contains:

• LED fog lights;
• windshield wipers with rain sensor;
• 7-inch screen in place of the instrument panel;
• front seats with developed lumbar support;
• side curtain airbags;
• sport driving mode;
• Cruise control;
• climate control equipment for 2 zones.

The Comfort modification comes with a multimedia complex with an 8-inch touchscreen monitor and a parking camera. A navigation system is available for an extra charge. In addition, the sedan's interior features LED lighting, an auto-dimming mirror and separate air ducts for rear-row passengers.

Prestige

The Prestige modification costs almost 1.677 million rubles. The 2021 Toyota Corolla in this version is equipped with a platform for wireless charging of gadgets, several parking sensors, an engine start button and a heated rear sofa. The seats in this configuration are trimmed with combined materials. Externally, the sedan differs due to LED headlights and 17-inch wheels.

For an additional payment of 119 thousand rubles, official Toyota dealers will offer an optional package that significantly expands the safety package. It includes systems for lane keeping, adaptive speed control, head optics control, road sign recognition, driver monitoring and frontal impact prevention. Also included in this package is a head-up display.

Options and prices (summary table)

* — information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for exact pricing.

Interior

The interior of the new version of the Corolla is equipped with sports seats with embossed side support bolsters and built-in headrests. They have a combination of fabric and synthetic leather upholstery. Contrasting red and white stitching runs vertically through the center of the seats; the same decor is used on the second row seats. The stitching on the gear knob and the perforated leather steering wheel are exclusively red.

Other interior features of the GR Sport version include a black headliner and polished aluminum trims with the GR logo on the door sills. As an option, the sedan is equipped with ambient lighting.

Specifications

The basis of the Corolla has recently been the proprietary modular TNGA platform. Unlike other models of the Japanese brand, this sedan has a low center of gravity, which improves the car's stability on the road. At the front there are standard McPherson struts, which are replaced at the rear by a multi-link design with two wishbones. The total length of the Japanese new product reaches 4630 mm with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The width of the sedan is 1780 mm, height - 1435 mm. Ground clearance is 150 mm.

As noted, the Corolla is equipped with only one naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter engine. Its maximum output is limited to 122 hp, and torque does not exceed 153 N*m. The starting motor is complemented by a distributed fuel supply system and gas distributors at the inlet and outlet. This unit can be combined with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. The sedan has disc brakes all around.

Equipment Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2021

The new “sports” Corolla for Europe and Russia is technically unified with the base model. In the Old World, the car will be equipped with either a naturally aspirated 1.6 Valvematic petrol engine (power 132 hp) or a hybrid unit based on a 1.8-liter unit (total output 122 hp). On the Russian market, the GR Sport will receive a 122-horsepower 1.6 Dual VVT-i engine.

Since there are no improvements in technology, the dynamic characteristics will not change. This means that the version with a manual transmission will reach “hundreds” in 11.0 seconds, the modification with a CVT – in 10.8 seconds.

Handling and off-road performance

When it comes to handling, the Corolla outperforms many of its competitors. This was achieved partly by reconfiguring the steering mechanism, which quickly responds to the driver’s actions. The lowering of the center of gravity also played an important role, making the car more stable on the road. Car owners also note the good maneuverability of the Japanese sedan.

Off-road features of the 2021 Toyota Corolla are not available as such. The ground clearance of the Japanese sedan is only 150 mm, and the front bumper, due to its configuration, makes it difficult to overcome even minor protrusions.

Maintenance costs

Toyota Corolla, despite the fact that it costs more than a million rubles, also stands out due to its excellent endurance. The starting engine and manual transmission do not require major repairs for at least 250 thousand kilometers. The suspension is also able to withstand many years of use without breaking. Corolla parts are relatively cheap. But a clutch in a manual transmission will cost about 30-40 thousand rubles. And the variator requires special attention, since it does not tolerate overheating, and its repair costs a fairly significant amount.

Design

The new Corolla is designed in an aggressive manner. This effect is created by the front part of the body, on which there are narrowed headlights with long strips of LEDs and a fairly large bumper with side cutouts for fog lights framed by a metal frame. The image is complemented by a massive radiator grille combined with an air intake. The side of the body is designed in a more classic style and is complemented by voluminous wheel arches. At the stern, you can highlight a noticeable spoiler located on the tailgate and long lights.

The salon has a classic design. The interior space is decorated in a minimalist style. Almost all built-in electronics controls are located on the touch display, which rises above the center console. Just below it is a compact climate control unit with a TFT screen. The central part of the dashboard is occupied by a large speedometer. During the latest modernization, Toyota engineers improved the quality of finishing materials. The luggage compartment volume of the Japanese model does not exceed 470 liters.

External design of the new product

The “sporty” Corolla is designed on the outside to attract the attention of young people. Instead of chrome, black is used - the radiator grille, mirror housings, central roof pillars and side moldings are painted in it. The C-shaped sections at the corners of the front bumper are also black. Dynamic Gray enamel has been developed specifically for the GR Sport version. Taking this into account, the total number of color options reaches eight, and seven shades can be combined with a contrasting black roof.

Another distinctive feature of the Toyota Corolla GR Sport is the presence of a neat spoiler on the trunk lid. The model also has a characteristic nameplate on the rear. And, of course, wheels. They are exclusive to the sedan: by default 10-spokes measuring 17 inches, optionally 18 inches.

Competitors

The Japanese sedan competes in Russia with the following models:

• Hyundai Elantra;
• Volkswagen Jetta;
• Kia Cerato;
• Skoda Octavia.

In the near future, Opel Astra may be added to this list.