Toyota Corolla 2007 test drive - 2009 hatchback

Split personality

In the tenth generation, the sedan and hatchback of Toyota-Korollah became less similar, but they are still ranked to one family. Maxim Sachkov will help customers of popular Toyotot models. Photo: George Sadkov and Toyota.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS
It would seem that parting with a name that honestly earned good glory for several decades is irrational. However, it is conservatism that can be scared away by some customers. Toyota Firm found a reasonable compromise to the practical sedan left the former name of Coroll, and the hatchback was dubbed Auris. At the same time, the five -door car is distinguished by both appearance and character.
However, there is a difference in trim levels. For example, sedans, unlike hatchbacks, supply comfort to us in budget performance. Although in the spirit of the traditions of the company, the interior and the set of equipment is to match the name without excesses, but with all the necessary amenities. In the decoration, solid materials, the seat of the seat in height helps to take a comfortable position at the wheel, as well as the steering column, customized in two planes; Four airbags and ABS with an assistant in braking are protected from troubles. The basic set also has air conditioning, front windows, an audio system that understands MP3 and WMA formats, and even heating the front seats.
One of the undoubted advantages of comfort in this configuration can be selected engines and gearboxes. True, only 5-speed mechanics are assigned to the 1.4-liter. Want to free your arms and legs from excess work, and at the same time add a 124-horsepower modification with a 1.6 liter engine under a horses hood. By the way, Auris has the same choice in a richer (initial) version of Eleans.
In this performance, sedans and hatchbacks are practically no different in equipment, more solid against the background of comfort. Unless the auris with a 1.4-liter engine in the cabin controls the air conditioner, and in cars with 1.6-liter climate control engines. In eleganes, brilliant inserts appear on the radiator grille, and fog lights on the bumper. In the cabin of the doors under the chrome and the skin on the lever of the gearbox and the steering wheel. By the way, from the helm you can control the more expensive audio system, whose sound pours out of six speakers.
The most expensive configuration of prestige is unlikely to appeal to practical people. Judge for yourself: the same 1.6-liter motor and robot as in the previous configuration (and there are no other options), and the options almost useless for our conditions such as cruise control, rain sensors and illumination are added to a completely sensible list of equipment. For example, it would be a pity for me to pay 50 thousand rubles only for a self -clever salon mirror and starting the engine with a button.
One of the shortcomings of Toyota does not have additional devices offered separately. And without them, it is not easy to choose the desired package without them to be pretty overpaying for a more expensive version or limit yourself. Although it is possible that because of this, the company offers quite acceptable prices for its products, as well as for service and spare parts. Just keep in mind that you will have to ride planned every 10 thousand km. And to visit an official dealer makes sense for the first 3 years or 100 thousand km, while the factory warranty is operating.
However, most potential customers do not scare this. Corolla and Auris are captivated by reliability and good running qualities. It is possible that after the senior Kamri and this family will be prescribed at the Russian factory. Then, maybe prices will decrease ._x0008_

Consider the options
SEDAN
Corolla outwardly reminds Camry in miniature (length/width/height 4540/1760/1470 mm). Naturally, it is smaller not only from the outside, but also inside. The back seat is not so free, but quite acceptable for three. The trunk is convenient and quite roomy (437 l), however, archaic loops are ruthlessly eating a useful volume. But the cargo compartment can be increased by folding one or both backs of the rear seat (ratio of 40:60). A completely even floor will not work, but long -termers up to 2 m here will fit without problems (ZR, 2007, No. 6).
Hatchback
A five -door auris is called a car for active and young people. This is emphasized not only by the dynamic appearance, but also by a more rigid suspension and acute steering. In the interior of Auris, the contours are similar with the Corolla, but extravagant strokes are also noticeable, such as cunningly curved a central console or door handles. Hatchback 45 mm above the sedan as a result, a little more than the air above the heads of the driver and passengers. True, at the same time, 320 mm shorter, which affects, first of all, to the luggage volume of 354 liters. But under the floor, a full -fledged reserve, and the backs of the rear seat can be folded for transportation of large -sized lugs. The height of the opening of the fifth door is 820 mm, and the distance in the luggage compartment between the rear wheel arches of 980 mm (ZR, 2007, No. 11).
Ask, answer
I choose a car for every day: what to take, Corolla or Auris?
Everyone tries on the car on himself. In addition to the typical advantages and disadvantages of the sedan and hatchback, these also have different characters. Corolla has a more comfortable suspension and less sharp reactions, so it will play the role of a family car better. Those who like the dishes are more likely should look at Auris. But from him you should not wait for honed sports controllability. Toyota’s policy to make a serial car primarily obedient and comfortable. The suspensions are well smoothed with irregularities, in corners the car obediently goes along the selected path, and the steering in good faith reports where the wheels are turned, and not that under them.
Is the Corolla comfortable?
In the driver's seat there will be a person of almost any complexion at the chair the generous range of adjustments in the longitudinal direction and in height, even in minimal configuration, the steering wheel can be raised and pulled to yourself, over your head and sides of a fairly free space. The seat is generally comfortable, however, long -legged people are visiting a short pillow. High landing the key to a good review. The front racks practically do not interfere, and large external mirrors allow you not to twist your head during rebuilding. The silence during movement is not violated by extraneous sounds thanks to the good fitting of the interior elements and solid sound insulation.
What is the power unit to buy Korolla?
The choice, unfortunately, is not rich. For example, if you do not want to switch the gears, then the option is the only 1.6-liter 124-horsepower engine with a robotic 5-speed box. The motor with adjustable phases of gas distribution perfectly pulls at low speeds, and it will spin. A ride gives pleasure but only if you are in no hurry. It is worth accelerating, as the picture changes: the robot is late with switching, he thinks significantly when they demand to quickly stick the lowered from it. We have to get used to the habits of the box, because the Corolla and Auris have no other automatic transmission. How an alternative is offered mechanics with the same number of steps. You can save when buying by choosing a 1.4-liter version. It loses a little more powerful modification in dynamics and burden, but a convenient characteristic of the engine in combination with skillfully selected gear rates will not disappoint.
Other versions
On the platform, the Corols also release a seven-seater mini-van. Corolla-Versso is shorter than the sedan (4360 mm), but slightly wider (1770 mm) and significantly higher (1660 mm taking into account the relings). The salon is convenient and spacious even for seven seats of the second row have individual adjustments, and a pair of mature passengers will easily be placed on the gallery. By the way, in such a passenger version, the trunk is a miniature 65 liter. But if you fold the two rear rows, the beneficial volume will increase to 1785 liters, and a 1.8-meter long meter will stretch from the backs of the front seats to the trunk cover. A 1.8-liter 129-horsepower engine paired with 5-speed mechanics and robot is installed on the car. By the way, you can choose a box only in the most affordable configuration of terra (723 and 744 thousand rubles, respectively). In a richest performance, Sol (813 thousand rubles) mini-wen offer only with robotic transmissions.
Maxim Sachkov
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"