Behind the wheel of the All-New Corolla Hatch. What is all the hype about?

The Toyota Corolla has been Australia’s number one selling small car for years now. An impressive achievement – so it has to have been doing something right. Synonymous with reliability and affordability it’s been Australia’s go-to choice for the practical, go-forever, small car.

But the latest iteration of the tried and tested Toyota Corolla brings so much more than a practical approach to the small car class. This bold, new look Corolla Hatch has done a complete metamorphis and now comes with more aspirational attributes, including a new sleek exterior, a refined and upmarket interior and tonnes of advanced and intuitive technology.

Moving to design and features, the exterior has gained a dynamic new grill design and the dash has been totally overhauled. Whilst there are some amazing features on the higher grade models, even the base model Ascent Sports gets alloy wheels and 8inch touch screen, digital speedo and electric park break. Plus, in the hybrid version of the base model you’ll also find climate control and a proximity key.

For just a $2,500 jump up in price, you can drive away in the SX grade which adds privacy glass, a wireless phone charger, sat nav, a 7inch digital instrument display, DAB+ digital radio and blind spot monitoring.

If you have your eye on the top of the line model, the ZR, you’ll be enjoying the luxury of leather/suede seats plus bigger digital instruments, a JBL audio system, ambient illumination throughout the cabin, chrome exhaust tips and head-up display, a projection above the steering wheel that tells you how fast you’re going at detects upcoming hazards.

Perhaps one of the most exciting things about the 2018 Toyota Corolla Hatch is that it is brimming with enhanced safety tech. Now, while safety might not sound exciting, in this case it really is! Every model comes with a reverse camera and active cruise control that actually mirrors the car ahead so it can bring the car to a full stop if needed. All models also come with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. No other car in the Corolla’s class provides this level of advanced safety technology standard across the range.

Of course, it’s not all about the looks. Start the car and you’ll find that the new edition of the beloved Corolla brings a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience as well. It handles corners better than ever before and an entirely overhauled CVT system results in sharper take offs.

There are two engine options – a 2L Petrol and a 1.8L Petrol-Electric Hybrid Option. The new Toyota Dynamic Force 2L Petrol Engine is a step up from the 1.8L unit in the late model Corolla and brings noticeable power with an excellent punch. With more power and less fuel consumption it is a win/win situation.

The Hybrid model is quieter and more refined than ever before and conserves energy to charge the battery whilst driving. Available across every grade, Toyota has made a bold move to bring the Hybrid technology to the mainstream by making it affordable and accessible.

If that hasn’t sold you, low cost capped price servicing and strong resell values (it is a Toyota after all!) might get you across the line. Whilst it’s a whole new car inside and outside, it has still got the go-forever, reliability you know and love the Corolla for.

Come and see for yourself. This iconic hatch has been redefined and is waiting for you to test drive it at Kalamunda Toyota!