Toyota Corolla review

Pros: Efficient, quality, sporty style.

 

Cons: Boot space, rear legroom.

 

 

As before, the Toyota Corolla is available as a hatchback, estate or saloon. The hatchback is the sportiest looking of the trio with a modern and high-tech look that still sits well against rivals like the Ford Focus, Opel Astra and Peugeot 308. Cosmetic changes for the 2023 Toyota Corolla are minor - new lights, bumpers, alloy wheel designs and colours. The range has also been simplified with three trim levels for the Corolla Hatchback in Ireland: Luna, Luna Sport and GR Sport. 16-inch alloy wheels come as standard, but the mid-range Luna Sport offers 17-inch and a striking black contrast roof option. Top of the range GR Sport models take inspiration from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsport division, with more aggressive styling, 18-inch alloys and GR badging.

 

 

Materials and seat upholsteries have been upgraded so this new Corolla feels plusher inside overall. It’s a classic, solidly built Toyota cabin that is easily one of the best of the segment. Another welcome change for the Corolla range in 2023 is the new full digital instrument cluster and new infotainment system. The larger touchscreen feels much more modern to use and of course comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as over-the-air updates for the very first time.

 

Standard features also include dual zone climate control and a reversing camera. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance features has also been updated, with new and enhanced features. The Luna Sport adds heated front seats and electric lumbar support for the driver. Top of the range GR Sport models also get wireless smartphone charging and front sports seats.

 

In the back, the Corolla does feel quite tight for legroom for a compact hatchback. If that’s a priority, we suggest you look at the Corolla Touring Sports (estate) or Saloon, as both sit on a longer wheelbase and offer more space. The Corolla hatchback has 361 litres of boot space, which is useful but off the pace of the best in class. The Touring Sports (598 litres) and Saloon (471 litres) do offer more, however. 

 

 

Toyota has dropped the 2.0-litre hybrid from the Corolla range for 2023. The Corolla is powered by Toyota’s 1.8-litre hybrid exclusively, which has also been updated. It’s the brand’s fifth generation hybrid, designed to be quieter, lighter, more compact and more responsive, with low emissions and even better fuel economy. For the most part, it delivers on all that. Power is up now from 122hp to 140hp, with a small dip in carbon emissions. As well as Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes, there’s a full EV mode for a few kilometres in low-speed town driving when the car can run from energy stored in the battery alone.

 

On the road the Corolla is smooth and responsive to drive, offering excellent fuel efficiency. The official figure is 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres and that is easy to achieve in real world driving. Drivability has also been improved with a more refined throttle response offering a natural and pleasant driving feel. The Corolla is also remarkably comfortable across all sorts of Irish tarmac. 

 

 

The new Corolla Hatchback Luna goes on sale in Ireland priced from €32,685, the Luna Sport from €36,880 and the GR Sport from €38,955. The Saloon is available from €33,435 and the Touring Sports from €34,245.

 

 

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback stands out as one of the most efficient compact hatchbacks, matched with a modern cabin and great feeling of quality and refinement. The hatchback is a little compromised on rear legroom but it’s hard to beat the Corolla for style and efficiency. Overall, it’s an easy car to recommend.