Downsizing invitation

SHORT DRIVE TOYOTA COROLLA 2.0

- What's new?

 

This is the new top-of-the-line Corolla from market leader Toyota, sporting a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with dual VVTi variable valve timing control.

This E20-compatible petrol motor (codenamed 3ZR-FE) is not to be confused with that used in the Wish mini-MPV and Camry mid-size saloon, both getting an older version known as 1AZ-FE.

 

Only one transmission type is available for the Corolla 2.0: four-speed automatic with steering-mounted paddle-shifters to go through the cogs manually.

Outputs are rated at 141hp and 189Nm, compared to 132hp/170Nm of the 1.8 (1ZZ-FE) and 109hp/145Nm of the 1.6 (3ZZ-FE).

 

Exterior features that distinguish the range-topping Corolla from the lesser models include meshed grille, fog lamps and all-round skirts. Interior details include wood panels and three-spoke steering wheel.

There are five versions of the 2.0 ranging from B949,000 to B1.184m. Tested here is the most expensive one getting stability and traction control, keyless entry and go, GPS route guidance, telephone connectivity, cruise control, rear parking camera and a sophisticated six-speaker sound system with various multi-media functions.

Toyota says the availability of three petrol engine variants in the Corolla - the only one to do so in the C-segment (compact) family car sector in Thailand - gives buyers the widest choice.

 

With the 2.0 now replacing the 1.8 as the flagship Corolla, sources noted that Toyota had the chance to strip down the 1.8 and price it lower down (B844,000-899,000) to attract more sales and help clear stocks quicker.

There's a new 1.8 (2ZR-FE) in Japan with dual VVTi; the one sold in Thailand is a dated unit featuring regular VVTi. This means the 2.0 is showcasing a new family of engines for the Corolla in Thailand.

- What's cool?

Since the 2.0 is an all-new block for Toyota cars in Thailand, it naturally shows several strengths. One is refinement which the Mazda 3 lacks and Honda Civic nearly has to match.

 

The other is torque tractability under real-world speeds. In the Corolla's own game, the 2.0 proves to have the most effortless performance and smoothest spinning motor. Getting averages of more than 10kpl isn't difficult at all.

The Corolla is a comfortable car to sit in and drive. The ride is plushest in-class and the steering is light and direct around town.

For those who love gimmicks, the Corolla has got it all inside. The sat-nav is easy to use, the driver gets electric adjustments for the seat and rear passengers get UV protection from the rear blind.

Bland the cabin may look, it has good finish quality and incorporates features that are easy and straight-forward to use - just what Corolla buyers can come to expect of.

- What's not?

Despite those aerodynamic enhancements and racy paddle-shift transmission, the 2.0 isn't that sporty to drive as it looks to the eye.

The engine has apparently been optimised in the low- to mid-ranges, even though it allows the driver to stretch it to the redline without upshifting in manual model. Real action takes place below 5,000rpm.

In fact, maximum power in the 2.0 is achieved at an unusually low 5,600rpm by Toyota standards. That said, don't expect performance to be as spirited as in the Civic.

The Corolla's tradition of being a comfort-oriented car on the move means that there is a slight compromise on handling. The steering isn't crisp in a straight line or accurate when pushed hard in corners where you will also note significant body roll.

While Toyota has taken lots of effort to equip the 2.0 as lavishly as possible, some safety kit is still lacking, like the side airbags the Civic has and head ones the 3 gets.

- Buy or bye?

If price isn't an issue for you, the 2.0 is naturally the Corolla to have. It's got a properly balanced engine (in terms of real-world performance and economy) and reasonably good specification for those needing to feel pampered.

But there will be a handful of buyers out there questioning how could a Corolla at B1.184m be justified when the cheapest Camry costs just B10k more.

True, the Camry may have a larger body, but performance is naturally more inferior and the lavish spec is really only available at B1.679m.

You could say that the Corolla 2.0 is for those who want the Camry's cool specification but don't need its large body. It's like downsizing on sensible grounds and for that reason alone, the Corolla 2.0 can't be a goodbye.

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