**UPDATED** Controlled Aggression. Review on Toyota Corolla

UPDATED 12-Feb-2004. (Original review below these initial comments)

I'm writing this update after owning a Toyota Corolla 1.8E (H2) model for the past 7 months.

While the car is a superb piece of engineering, the ''ownership experience'' has been completely miserable. For more details read my review of what I was put through at the Toyota dealership in Bangalore at

https://mouthshut.com/readreview/50844-1.html

Mechanically, I only want to add that the VVTi engine continues to delight. I am routinely averaging 12+ kmpl in Bangalore city driving. Long distance, I have averaged around 16.5 kmpl. The engine is torquey and very very responsive.

But ................. the ownership experience of a car is much more than just the responsiveness of the engine. Due to that reason, I'm downgrading the rating from 5 to 3.

Finally, I can only say, it is indeed a pity that it is Toyota Kirloskar Motor Co. that is selling such a wonderful car in India -- since they don't even think or behave like a car company (they remind me of a trucking company in their approach to dealing with customers of premium cars).

Original Review Follows below

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I recently drove the Toyota Corolla 1.8E (fully loaded) manual transmission car. Move over Honda City VTEC -- there's a new challenger in town !

The Corolla's VVTi engine is silky smooth and quiet, yet displays it's power when the right foot gets heavy on the pedal. The 1800 CC 125 BHP engines pours out power on demand -- but unlike a Honda City VTEC this is controlled and refined. In fact, one has to really look at the speedometer to realize that one has crossed into the 3 digit speed zone! Road handling is also superb and the steering is quite responsive.

The interiors are leagues ahead of the Honda, Skoda Octavia or Lancer. Color-coordinated plastics and fabric, a digital 'climatronic' A/C, ample storage space, extremely high-quality soft fabric -- all combine to give the car a superb feel. Outside noise is almost non-existent, and the Toyota-branded music system with a front-loading 6 CD-changer and 6 speakers is excellent.

The car comes with an in-built security, with an ingenious microchip-on-the-key system. If the original key is not used, the engine will not start. Unfortunately, that also means that your neighbourhood key-wallah cannot make you duplicate keys! :-(

The car is also got a higher off the ground seating position -- a distinct advantage if you have elderly family members. Unlike in the Mistubishi Lancer, Honda City etc., getting in and out of the car is a breeze.

Toyota has introduced the latest 9th generation Corolla in India. Airbags, disc brakes on all wheels, height-adjustable steering and seats etc. etc. One only wished they had also included ABS for added safety.

Finally, given the price tag (11.6 lakhs on road in Bangalore as of June 2003), one wishes that Toyota had included an impact sensor and remote locking as well.

But these are minor cribs, which do not detract from a great product overall.

As for me, I think I'll take the Corolla over the Skoda Octavia or the Honda City VTEC anyday.