Toyota Corolla 2020

Toyota Corolla 2020 Review

Filed under Car Reviews

Toyota Corolla 2020 - Selling Strong With a New Hybrid Option

The country’s top-selling small car with over 2,200 units sold last July is determined to maintain its popularity among budget-conscious car shoppers. Following the introduction of the hybrid hatch model, a new sedan variant with hybrid powertrain will be launched in November. Boasting a claimed fuel consumption of just 3.5L/100km, it is anticipated to be one of the most efficient hybrid sedans in the country.

Smartphone mirroring is now standard across the range while top-spec models get additional advanced infotainment and safety features, including rear cross-traffic alert and low-speed/pedestrian autonomous emergency braking. Lifestyle and protection accessory packs are also provided to customise or improve the driving experience.

With the additional features comes the inevitable price increase. The latest Corolla models are available from $27,367 to $38,079.

Toyota Corolla 2020 Specifications and Features

Toyota Corolla 2020 Aggregated Reviews

WhichCar.com.au - 4/5
CarsGuide.com.au (SX Hybrid Sedan) - 77/100
Anynewcar.com.au (Ascent Sport Sedan) - 7.5/10
Drive.com.au (Sedan) - 8.4/10

We Love

  • Sporty and modern styling
  • Smooth ride and handling
  • Powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine
  • Hybrid engine option
  • Great fuel economy
  • Plenty of driver assistance technology

Pain Points

  • Cramped rear seat in the hatchback
  • Limited cargo space in the hatchback
  • Sluggish base powertrain
  • Increased price range
  • No hybrid option for the top spec

Toyota Corolla 2020 exterior

Exterior

Both hatch and sedan models feature a sporty styling with alloy wheels and flared rear wheel arches across the range, as well as automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, and LED brake lights.

The top-spec ZR hatch now comes with an option of a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, pillars, and hatch-top spoiler.

The car also comes with two different accessory packs:

Lifestyle Pack:

  • Roof Rack
  • Bicycle Carrier
  • Tow Bar, tow ball and trailer wiring harness
  • Rear Parking Sensors

Protection Pack:

  • Bonnet Protector
  • Headlamp Protectors
  • Dash Camera
  • Slimline Weathershields
  • Front Corner Parking Sensors

Toyota Corolla 2020 interior

Interior

The compact Sedan has a longer wheelbase than the hatch, which means more legroom and riding comfort. It also has a bigger boot space with split-fold rear seating for extra cargo and passengers.

The car’s interior trim has a plain, neat, functional appearance. The top-spec ZR, however, has a synthetic leather that adds a more upmarket feel.

Standard across the range is the 8" colour touchscreen display with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The car is also equipped with advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies for a safer and better driving experience. These include the Pre-Collision Safety system that can detect potential hazards and avoid or reduce the impact of a potential collision, Active Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist (on auto-CVT transmission models) to provide visual alerts and steering assistance and keep the car staying centred in its lane, and a front-mounted camera, that can recognise Australian speed signs and alert the driver when it's time to change speed.

Optional Toyota Genuine Accessories include:

  • Bootliner
  • Floor mats
  • Rear bumper protection
  • Tow bar
  • Seat covers
  • Dash camera
  • Body side mouldings
  • Rear window spoiler

Toyota Corolla 2020 infotainment

Infotainment and Connectivity

Equipped with modern features, all 2020 Corolla models have:

  • Active cruise control
  • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • A reversing camera with fixed guidelines, lane-keeping assist and speed-sign recognition
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice recognition
  • An MP3 compatible sound system with an AM/FM radio
  • Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music streaming
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone pairing

Meanwhile, the top-spec ZR has a head-up display that shows information like speed and sat-nav directions on the windscreen at eye level. Music is also more enjoyable via an eight-speaker JBL sound system.

Toyota Corolla 2020 in action

What's it like to drive a Toyota Corolla 2020?

Except for the Ascent Sport petrol engine that can be paired with a six-speed manual, all other models are auto-only. The petrol engines are paired with a direct-shift CVT while the hybrids have a planetary CVT.

On the road, the manual variants offer a clean shift feel and light clutch. Meanwhile, the hybrids provide a little extra shove at low speeds despite a lower peak torque. They also have lesser untoward noise or intrusive vibration than the petrol-manual models.

While the hatch and sedan have the same claimed fuel consumption, the hybrid sedan tends to consume less because of its aero refinements and smaller, eco-focussed tyres.

The additional infotainment and safety features make the driving experience comfortable. However, there are some flaws in the driver technology:

  • The voice guidance cannot be turned off when the car is moving.
  • The volume for Siri on Apple CarPlay is only adjustable through the infotainment under voice volume, not via the usual volume controls on the console or steering wheel. It's also non-adjustable while on the move.

Who’s the Toyota Corolla 2020 for?

The Corolla’s first-ever hybrid is projected to achieve a minimum of 50 MPG combined fuel economy, making it perhaps the most efficient model when it comes to fuel. It is undoubtedly ideal for urban dwellers who love to drive an affordable compact car that’s also fuel-efficient.


Toyota Corolla 2020 Car Loan

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