Optra vs. Corolla - Who Wins? . Review on Toyota Corolla

Ok. As an ex-Autocar editor, I know what I means when it comes to cars. My Skoda Octavia conked out in an accident recently, and I needed a similar car. No more Skodas-too expensive. Forget the Elantra - my previous Hyundai (Santro) gave me a horrible time. Therefore, I had to choose between the Corolla H2 and the Optra LT.

EXTERIORS

The Corolla combines classic styling with modern looks, as shown by the headlights. It comes in a wide range of colours and it really is a pleasure to follow in traffic. Chrome door handles on the outside add to its looks.

The Optra has a great new grille, but that's about it; the headlights fail to create an impression. You get to pick between a lot of colours though. Outside chrome handles look good on the darker colours.

COROLLA:8/10

OPTRA:6.5/10

INTERIORS - COMFORT

The Corolla had its basics right - it's interior is comfy, feature packed and is of good quality. The seats are made of high quality fabrics, and look great. You can practically 'sink' into the seats - they're that comfy!

The Optra has comfy leather seats that offer a great seating eperience. THe leather is of good quality and they let you relax through your journey.

COROLLA:8/10

OPTRA:8/10

INTERIORS - FEATURES

The Corolla, as usual, has a host of features; from the high quality wood finished centre console to the Toyota branded CD Changer, the Corolla has LUXURY written all over it.Some people complain of plastics feeling tacky, but I found them just fine. The AC is powerful and it has a Climate Control System.

The Optra too is full of features; it too has the wood finished centre console and a CD Changer (Blaupunkt!). The Optra has a sunroof, but I consider it a waste of money-no Indian is a stargazer and during the day, when you've just turned on the AC with Climate Control System (which isn't as good as the Corolla's), who want's to let sunlight stream in?

COROLLA:9/10

OPTRA:8.5/10

INTERIORS - QUALITY

Both the brands provide high quality interiors, although I personally feel that the Corolla has a more solid interior (remember-it's Japanese!).

COROLLA:9/10

OPTRA:8.5/10

RIDE QUALITY FOR FRONT AND BACK SEAT PASSENGERS

The Corolla, I must say, offers exceptional ride comfort in the front and back. The backseat legroom is class leading, while technology takes care of the rest to take you to your destination in peace and comfort. Head and shoulder room can compare with a Merc's.

The Optra has marginally less legroom than the Corolla, but it gives you great ride quality. Head and shoulder room are less too.

COROLLA:10/10(!!)

OPTRA:8.5/10

DRIVE

Both the cars are a pleasure to drive. Tilt and power steering make driving all the more easier. The Corolla lacks in braking (slightly), though, but nothing that's fatal. The Corolla's gearshift is slightly harder than the Optra's.

COROLLA:8/10

OPTRA:8.5/10

SAFETY

Both cars have airbags in front for both passengers

COROLLA:8/10

OPTRA:8/10

VALUE FOR MONEY

I live in Chennai. The Optra LT is round about 10-10.15 lakhs while the Corolla H2 is about 10.5-10.6 lakhs. I think that for the offered feautures, both cars deliver th goods.

COROLLA:8/10

OPTRA:8.5/10

VERDICT

But I feel that on a long term basis, a Corolla is a better buy. After all, 3 million owners can't be wrong!