2018 Toyota Corolla Review

The Toyota Corolla is one of the longest-running nameplates in the automotive industry and is often referred to as ‘the world’s best-selling car’. Since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has held a special place in the hearts of many drivers due to its reliability, efficiency and practicality. The Corolla is also renowned for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It competes with the Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Axela in the New Zealand market. 

2018 Toyota Corolla Front View

2018 Toyota Corolla Front View

Introduction

The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966 and is currently in its 12th generation, which was introduced in 2018. The 12th generation Toyota Corolla has a more dynamic and modern design than its predecessor. It is also built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which offers improved structural rigidity and handling dynamics. The result is a more comfortable and engaging driving experience.
The interior gets a well-deserved upgrade. Higher quality materials, improved ergonomics and better sound insulation contribute to a more refined cabin.
The infotainment system is modernised with touchscreen displays, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Engines
The 2018 Toyota Corolla comes with a single engine option, the 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2018 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport– This is the base grade that comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, a USB port and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
2. 2018 Toyota Corolla SX– This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
3. 2018 Toyota Corolla ZR– This is the top-spec model and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
Interior
The 2018 Toyota Corolla has a spacious cabin with plenty of room for five passengers. In the first row, the seats are supportive and well-cushioned for the driver and front passenger. The second row also has plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. The Toyota Corolla’s seats are comfortable for long journeys.
The dashboard is well organised with controls and buttons within easy reach. The controls are straightforward and the touchscreen is responsive, if a little too sensitive.

Cargo space

The 2018 Toyota Corolla sedan offers 13 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offers 17.8 cubic feet. This is enough to carry small items such as groceries. If more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down to a 60/40 split.

Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Corolla has a modern and stylish exterior design in line with Toyota’s current styling language. The front end features a horizontally elongated grille with chrome accents, flanked by angular headlights. The side profile is characterised by clean lines and gentle curves, contributing to the overall sleek appearance, while the rear end is simple yet refined, with vertically positioned tail lights and a hidden exhaust pipe.
2018 Toyota Corolla exterior

2018 Toyota Corolla exterior

Safety features: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Auto High Beam, Road Sign Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Active Cornering Assist

Performance

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is not a performance car, but it does offer a smooth ride. It is equipped with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, tuned for comfort. The suspension absorbs bumps perfectly and gives the Corolla a smooth ride.
The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver in traffic and when parking.
The 2018 Corolla’s braking performance is good. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing plenty of stopping power even in emergency situations.
The Corolla is also equipped with a range of safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes, which improve stability and handling.
2018 Toyota Corolla gear

2018 Toyota Corolla gear

Reliability

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is generally regarded as a reliable car as it is one of the longest-running nameplates. Toyota has refined the Corolla over the years, making it a reliable car. However, some owners have reported problems with cruise control over-revving, fuel pump failure, noisy air conditioning, and steering wheel lock.

Regular maintenance can address any underlying issues in your Toyota Corolla. If you are planning to buy or currently own a Toyota Corolla, we recommend that you read the owner’s manual and buyer’s guide for detailed information.

Pros

– Spacious interior
– Advanced safety features
– Comfortable ride

Cons

– Slow acceleration
– Not very exciting to drive

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is a great option for buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable sedan or hatchback. The Corolla also offers a long list of features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which makes it one of the safest cars in its class.

2018 Toyota Corolla rear view.

2018 Toyota Corolla rear view.