Toyota Corolla Touring Sports long-term test: report 5

The car Toyota Corolla Touring Sports GR Sport Run by Jonty Renk, Video Production Manager

Why it’s here To prove that you don't have to go German for the perfect estate car 

Needs to Offer impressive fuel economy, reliability and performance while offering all the carrying capacity I need

Mileage 4200 List price £35,120 Target Price £32,295 Price as tested £35,120 Official economy 60.1mpg Test economy 50.6mpg

2 July 2025 – First world problems

In these reports, I’ve made it no secret that my priorities and the key strengths of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports align very well – both on paper and in practice. I need a big, practical boot. It has one. I do a lot of long journeys. The seats are comfortable and so is the ride. I want to spend as little on fuel as possible (although, who doesn’t?). It’s impressively efficient. 

Still, I have my issues, and so does my Corolla. 

Firstly, there’s the boot release. It's positioned under the steering wheel and about at knee height for my driving position. The button protrudes from the dash and I’ve accidentally pressed it more than once — including in traffic jams where I’ve had to scramble to close the boot before the leading car moves away.

Then there's the fuel cap release toggle, or more specifically where it’s located. It’s positioned alongside the door aperture, which isn’t a place that catches the eye immediately. When filling up for the first time, I found myself googling how to open the fuel cap. Granted, this no longer catches me out, but for new owners it could take some getting used to.

I also have an issue with the switches for the heated seats. They’re located right next to the wireless charging pad and I often hit one or the other when putting my phone down. I don’t always notice I’ve accidentally turned a heater on until my derrière starts roasting. We’ve had some hot days recently, so I really don’t need any extra cooking.

The reversing camera also leaves something – or rather a couple things – to be desired. The resolution is unforgivably poor in this day and age, and the tracking markers don't swivel with the wheel like they do in, say, a Seat Leon Estate or Skoda Octavia Estate. This reversing camera is a standard feature on all Corollas but I'd still prefer a high-quality reversing camera, even if that meant paying a bit extra. 

So, there are my complaints and, as you can see, they’re minor annoyances rather than fundamental flaws, and let's be clear that the Corolla Touring Sports' many positive attributes far outweigh these small negatives. We all have our quirks, after all, and my Corolla is no exception.

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