Toyota Corolla Touring Sports engines, drive & performance
Those expecting a repeat of the Auris' dull driving experience will be pleasantly surprised by the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
| Model | 0-62mph | Top speed | Driven wheels | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8-litre | 11.1s | 112mph | Front | 120bhp |
| 2.0-litre | 8.1s | 112mph | Front | 181bhp |
It's fair to say Toyota's hybrids have generally not been known for blistering performance up to now. That's of course not really the point of cars like this, but Toyota nonetheless caters for those who want a bit more oomph with the 181bhp 2.0-litre hybrid engine in the Corolla. It'll be particularly welcomed by those who plan to regularly drive with their Touring Sports' boot fully loaded, but others will probably be perfectly happy with the familiar 120bhp 1.8-litre.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration
The Touring Sports estate is very slightly slower to accelerate than its hatchback counterpart. Going from 0-62mph takes 8.1 seconds with the 2.0-litre engine and 11.1 seconds with the 1.8-litre, versus 7.9 and 10.9 respectively for the hatchback. Note that the more powerful 2.0-litre engine can only be specified with Design or Excel trim, making it quite an expensive proposition. Those used to 2.0-litre diesel-engined estate cars from other manufacturers may still prefer it, however.
Handling
There's no major impact on the driving experience if you go for the Corolla Touring Sports over the hatchback. Like that car, it's much better to drive than its Auris predecessor, and if you go for the 2.0-litre hybrid engine, there are artificially 'stepped' ratios built into the CVT gearbox, so you can perform manual gearshifts.
Overall, the Corolla isn't as involving to drive as a Ford Focus nor quite as comfortable as a Volkswagen Golf, but the differences are small and it's pretty impressive in its own right. The Trek model rides particularly well, offering a resolutely supple and composed ride even over some rougher surfaces. Body control remains good despite the car’s slightly higher suspension.
