The Toyota Corolla is a long-standing icon of reliability and value for money in South Africa. Toyota itself describes it as "the nation's favourite and truly reliable driving companion". In other words, they're boring but dependable cars.
However, Toyota took a step away from the conventional 'Japanese cars for Japanese people' design with the diesel-powered Corolla Advanced D4D. The looks have moved beyond functional to a beautifully streamlined body. Wraparound lights are now in use and some now have raised curves while others have been indented to break up the jelly-mould appearance of previous models.
With styling that leans toward the upmarket Lexus brand it differs significantly enough from previous Corolla models to keep people guessing. I was often approached by someone whose face was marked with a puzzled expression, which would soon change to wide-eyed surprise as they drew up close and remarked: "It's a Corolla!"
Obviously diesel
The D4D is very obviously diesel. The clatter of the engine is audible both in the cabin and from outside, but the two-litre engine's performance is more than enough to make up for the rumble. Plenty of torque lies in wait - no matter what the revs - and acceleration is rapid enough to leave drivers of other petrol-powered vehicles sniffing diesel fumes as the Corolla becomes a speck in the distance.
The six-speed transmission also means that it will comfortably cruise along in at 80km/h in top gear while ticking over at only 1400rpm, or 100km/h at 1800rpm.
Having ample power on hand (93kW at rpm, 300Nm at 2000-2800rpm) also means that the 450 litres of boot space can be filled without resulting in a sluggish performance. The Corolla is, after all, a working car at heart and it would be disappointing if this model couldn't cope with the rigours of urban driving as well as long road trips for the family holiday.
Low-key interior
No matter what the destination, everyone will get there comfortably. The Corolla, like its predecessors, has rather a 'Plain Jane' interior but is nonetheless very comfortable and ample legroom in the rear will keep the peanut gallery satisfied.
There's plenty of storage room inside the cabin, including spaces on the left and right of both front footwells. Toyota has even been so kind as to consider that the front passenger is likely to be a significant other and the storage space above the rear-view mirror has room for two pairs of sunglasses.
Controls on the centre console are in keeping with the low-key theme and are clearly marked and easy to operate. Two features that impressed me, though, were the air conditioner - which feels like it could spit ice cubes seconds after being switched on at its lowest temperature setting - and the instrument cluster.
The cluster consists of two dials, speedometer and rev counter, each marked by a raised circular dial, that indicate fuel level, temperature, distance travelled and information such as time or fuel consumption - depending on the chosen setting. The outer dials are backlit in bright orange and centre dials in yellow. The layout and design is just so far removed from the rest of the Corolla's conservatism it is pleasantly refreshing (It's also kind on the eyes).
Performance and fuel consumption are so good that for a few days I thought there was something wrong with the centre dials because none of the displays changed a bit. It was only when the fuel gauge dropped by a bar that I was satisfied the instruments were in working order. All the other information displayed - including a reported consumption of 6.7 litres per 100km - remained static for the entire road test.
Invisible ends
One thing that has remained the same is the ominously invisible boot and bonnet when viewed from the driver's seat. I've experienced this when driving earlier Corolla models and it provides the rather eerie sensation of driving in a little bubble that consists only of the passenger compartment.
I would have eventually forgotten about it were it not for the irritating difficulty in judging where the ends of the Corolla were when reversing or negotiating my way through a tight spot.
Still, it's a small blemish on an otherwise remarkably stylish car that is a pleasure to drive.
Prices
- Corolla 1.4 Advanced - R164600
- Corolla 1.4 Professional - R149500
- Corolla 1.6 Advanced - R177900
- Corolla 1.6 Advanced MMT - R182900
- Corolla 1.6 Professional - R164900
- Corolla 1.8 Advanced - R184900
- Corolla 1.8 Exclusive - R207500
- Corolla 1.8 Exclusive A - R215900
- Corolla 2.0 Advanced D-4D - R203900
- Corolla 2.0 Exclusive D-4D - R226600
Prices include a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.