Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT [Bi-tone] Review
Category: Family car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewAll things considered, the Toyota Corolla is a brilliant family car. It's comfortable, well made, well equipped and remarkably frugal in real-world driving. True, rear passenger space is decidedly below par, but as long as that flaw isn’t a dealbreaker for you, it's a fantastic buy.
The trim
See full equipmentThis range-topping trim is too pricey for us to recommend, even though it adds part-leather seats and bigger (18in) alloys to everything that comes with cheaper Design trim.
The engine
See full engine specsThe entry-level 1.8-litre engine has a modest 120bhp, which translates to a leisurely 0-60mph time of around 11.0sec. That's almost a second slower than the Ford Focus 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid 125, but it’s still more than sufficient for everyday driving and getting up to motorway speeds. The only time you’ll really wish for a bit more oomph is when you need to overtake a dawdling motorist on a country road.
