INDIAN COROLLA. Review on Toyota Corolla

NOTE :: I saw first two reviews on Corolla were on the American models. But this one is one the Indian version

Its time for me to say good bye to the sweet '98 Maruti 800 Dx (AC-Model). I have become a car freak now. Its time to get a good car. After much research I got the Toyota Corolla (The H2 version. There is an option for 4-speed automatic in higher priced models but I somehow dont like automatics). This review explains why ::

POWER - ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

I got the H2 edition of the Corolla. The next option included an automatic transmission, which I dont like at all (I mean that I dont like automatic transmissions. I have not tested the Auto version). The engine is same in all the models - 1.8 Litre VVTi 125HP Toyota engine. An extremely reliable pot with 4 cylinders with VVTi. VVTi stands for Variable Valve Timing Intelligent. This means that the intake and the exhaust valves open and close at different times at different RPMs. To a layman, I would say that this means you have a super efficient performance engine. The engine uses fuel in the best possible way bt the virute of VVTi.

I took 12 seconds to reach 100km/hr from rest !! (9 seconds claimed by Autocar, so I need to improve my driving !!)

Be it when pressing down or lifting it, the throttle response is instantaneous. Thus it makes cruising in the city or closing gaps in traffic a pure joy.

Highway driving with all the performance available is also effortless. The midrange and top end of the engine are especially punchy, but the motor however sounds strained and noisy when extended.

The gearbox (5 speed manual) is not so impressive. I mean, the shift is stiff and a touch baulky, and calls for a level of effort you don’t expect from a Japanese gearbox. But the ratios are nicely spaced so driving jostles due to shift are very low.

RIDE & HANDLING

Speakin of handling, it has a better turning radius than most cars of the class (other than the New city). Thanks to the electronic power steering, turning the wheel is a breeze. But dont expect to do the turn that you did on the 800 in one go, to be done in one go here - it will require a 3 point turn or more for the U-turn. Coz its much bigger than the 800.

Stepping on from 800, there are somethings that have changed :::

I never used to watch the speedometer - a habit inflicted by the great maruti 800 :: coz it is'nt worth looking at !!

But the Corolla too inflicts the same habit - it scares the hell out of me !! When I think I am going at 40, the speedo is at 80 !!!. I have spent a year with a Maruti. After 70, the 800 feels loose - pitching all over. But here, it feels just great. But the 800's ''loose'' feeling does come up here too..after 170-180, it does feel a bit loose to me. Not to the extent as the 800, but still it does. The car is supposed to max at 195km/hr.

Though the Corolla has sportier handling, its road manners are flawed. The steering has a strong self-centering action. There is excessive torque steer and the front wheels ‘tram-line’ over irregular surfaces, which means you have to keep a tight grip on the wheel. The suspension is harsh and audible and the ride rapidly deteriorates as the surface worsens. Bumps, potholes and speedbreakers can all be felt and this jostles the passengers. Road noise too is on the high side and you get the feeling Toyota has skimped on sound-deadening material.

The stock tube-type tyres are a culpirt for the harsh ride as was pointed out by a magazine, so recently I installed tubeless tyres and that has improved the ride a lot.

INTERIORS & COMFORT

Comfort is the best of what I have ever seen in any car of this price range. Its better than the Skoda Octavia. The rear seats are great (a drawback of the Octavia). Seating comfort for all in the car is just great. The Air conditioner is very powerful and it makes the effect pretty fast.

The seats are nicely made, controls are drive focused and just great. The illuminated dashboard looks really cool (the feature is there in almost all of the luxury models but still I felt like mentioning it). There is a center armest in the rear which has cup holders too.

The H2 model does not have leather upholstery. I got it fitted by the Stanley. That costs Rs. 30000.

I somehow do not like the Blaupunkt audio system and plan to replace it. The radio is bad !!

FUEL EFFICIENCY

I manage to get 8kms/litre in city and around 14 in the highways (provided I restrict my greed to 100kms/hr)