WE LIKE Driving dynamics, the upscale interior
WE DON’T LIKE Small rear seats, tiny cargo area
Most judges agreed on one thing: This is the best-driving Corolla in a long time.
When pushing the Corolla Hatchback on the winding track, the responsive and solid chassis kept asking for more. Rhetorically, we ask when was the last time you could drift a Corolla? Ed Loh attributed the Corolla’s improved dynamics to “the Akio effect,” in tribute to the automaker’s CEO. “The chassis is solid, and you can chuck it into corners,” Christian Seabaugh noted. But is it the equal of the Hyundai Veloster? Alisa Priddle thinks not.
The interior’s upscale feel also stood out—uncommon at this price point. One judge described it as a “mini-Lexus.” Another called it “Avalon-like.” The digital instrument panel screen is large and sharp, and plenty of soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and door panels. Front-seat comfort was so impressive (on the SE model) that Jonny Lieberman said, “The seats are soft to the point that I believe they are part of the suspension.”
As much as we liked the front cabin, everything behind it is a bust. Chris Theodore noted that Toyota put the most money between the A- and B-pillars, thus leaving the rear seats small and barren. Adults won’t enjoy being crammed back there. The cargo area expands to 23.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down, about half of what the Veloster offers. More sound dampening also would be appreciated, as the coarse-sounding engine roars in the cabin.
Regardless, many will like the hatchback’s sporty styling. It’s an improvement over the Corolla iM it replaces. Furthermore, it’s worlds better than the current and dated Corolla sedan—unless, of course, you need a back seat.
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Infiniti QX50
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jeep Cherokee
- Lexus RX L
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Subaru Ascent
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | SE | XSE |
| Base Price/As tested | $20,910/$21,958 | $25,010/$27,823 |
| Power (SAE net) | 168 hp @ 6,600 rpm | 168 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Accel, 0-60 mph | 7.4 sec | 8.6 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 15.8 sec @ 88.4 mph | 16.5 sec @ 85.9 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 135 ft | 129 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.80 g (avg) | 0.80 g (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 27.9 sec @ 0.60 g (avg) | 28.1 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) |
| EPA City/Hwy/Comb | 28/37/31 mpg | 30/38/33 mpg |
| Vehicle Layout | Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback | Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback |
| Engine/Transmission | 2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4/6-speed manual | 2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4/Cont variable auto |
| Curb Weight (F/R Dist) | 2,961 lb (60/40%) | 3,106 lb (61/39%) |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.9 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 169.9 x 69.9 x 57.1 in | 169.9 x 69.9 x 57.1 in |
| Energy Cons, City/Hwy | 120/91 kW-hrs/100 miles | 112/89 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 Emissions, Comb | 0.62 lb/mile | 0.59 lb/mile |
The post Toyota Corolla Hatchback: 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender appeared first on Motor Trend.
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