Toyota Corolla Touring Sports long-term test: report 6

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 5222 List price £35,120 Target Price £32,295 Price as tested £35,120 Official economy 60.1mpg Test economy 59.9mpg

26 July 2025 – The car is the star

I’ve made it no secret that I work my Toyota Corolla Touring Sports hard, relying on it to get myself and my videographer gear to shoots around the country. It’s often left out of the spotlight, though, parked up and lying in wait while I go about my day of filming.

The reason I only say 'often' is because, last week, the Corolla was given its big break. It scored a starring role in a comparison test for the What Car? YouTube channel. The video follows a simple premise: the Corolla and a close rival, the Seat Leon Estate, are driven 200 miles to see which car proves the easiest on fuel (and which is the better car overall).

Both estate cars cost around £35,000, but the interesting variation is that while my Corolla is a full hybrid (HEV), the Leon is only a mild hybrid (MHEV). 

So what did we learn driving both cars back-to-back? Well, unfortunately we must start with something negative: road noise. 

Now, the Leon isn't dead quiet in this department, but the Corolla was certainly the noisier car of the two. And wind noise also proved more noticeable in the Corolla than it did in its rival. 

On the other hand, the Corolla’s excellent efficiency shone through, just as I’d expected. You’ll have to wait and see what the Leon returned, but I think you’ll agree that a 59.9mpg average from my car is a great result, especially seeing as we were sat at 70mph for the vast majority of the 200 miles; at that speed, the Corolla is unable to drive on electric power alone for long periods of time. In total, the Corolla only racked up a fuel bill of £20.48.    

A nice bonus was that the Corolla also doubled as a ideal tracking car. Its large boot and low ride height meant I could film out the back of it (while fully harnessed, of course) with ease and get some really picturesque shots of its rival, the Leon. 

I came away from the shoot feeling like I had a more well rounded view of my Corolla. Putting it in the spotlight had reminded me of some of its flaws – the road noise being its main kryptonite – but also reinforced my appreciation for its astonishing versatility. 

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