South Africa’s Most recognisable car brand has done something special. Toyota has been a car brand that most people can rely on and the Corolla is one of the most popular cars in SA, with this latest Corolla being 12th generation. Its been a first choice car, a reliable, affordable family car for millions of people and to be honest in my eyes that’s all its ever been, nothing special, just a good car. The Latest Toyota Corolla XR sedan, however, has changed my view dramatically as I got to spend some time living with it.
Toyota doesn’t really do desirable looking cars, its functional and the people that buy it over generations it’s more often due to its reliability. If you want something more flashy you go to the Germans, and that has been enough for Toyota. With the new Corolla XR, they have done their best to make this a pretty looking car and I really like its design. Starting with the headlamps that are unbelievably attractive with LED lights that make it look aggressive in a way, the whole front is aggressive with a big grille and chiselled lines on either side of the grille. It is noticeably wider than any Corolla as well adding to its Sporty looks, with 18-inch alloys wrapped in low profile tyres that look absolutely fantastic. I completely adore how this car looks and its the first times I’ve ever said this about a Toyota.
Moving on to the inside of the Corolla XR the sporty nature continues with sporty seats in the front with blue stitching and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. It’s a great place to be in, with the blue stitching on continuing to the dash as well. The simple setup of the infotainment system gives the interior cabin a minimalistic feel that is very welcomed as the dash is beautifully designed with no need for clutter. A 4,2-inch digital instrument cluster is in place but I really didn’t struggle with it and finding different menus, I just decided to stick to one and leave it there.
On the go the Corolla XR is really smooth, the ride is comfortable and doesn’t drive as it looks. The sportiness you would expect looking at it is nowhere to be seen on while driving, its a very mature ride, while it is out of character with its looks, it is something you would expect a new Corolla to be like. The paddle shifters are really there for show, the CVT gearbox, however, has progressed over the years getting better with time and in the Corolla XR is as good as it has been. Just not a very sporty gearbox, which again you would think this based on its looks.
The 2.0-litre engine produces 125kW and 200N.m, it has enough power to get you into trouble with the speed cameras. The delivery compliments the ride but does get noisy on high revs. I would like to see a more powerful engine in the future though as I truly believe the looks deserve it.
This Toyota Corolla XR then is not your typical Corolla and I like this new direction. Its gives the market more to choose from and for those that might be bored of the Corolla after some time and want to switch over to the Germans for something that looks more sporty but still love the brand, this XR is something to think about because based on looks, it steals the show.
Specs
- Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
- Power: 125 kW @ 6600 rpm
- Torque: 200 Nm @ 4400-4800 rpm
- Transmission: CVT
- Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h 8.6 sec
- Top Speed: 195 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 6.0 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R442 400
