Toyota Corolla 1.8G, the ‘perfect’ companion for a balik kampung trip – test drive
As someone who isn’t particularly fond of SUV body types (except for a few models), the writer feels grateful that the majority of major automotive manufacturers in Malaysia are still trying to maintain sales of sedan models, despite their decreasing popularity on a global level.
Here, we have several options of sedan models, ranging from affordable prices to high-performance luxury sedan models with considerable prices.
Unfortunately, the competition in the sedan models segment is not as strong as it was decades ago.
For example, in the C segment, consumers are only presented with a few models, such as the Proton S70, Mazda3, Honda Civic, and the very popular name worldwide – the Toyota Corolla Altis.
The Corolla indeed needs no introduction, unless you were born during the Covid era and are only more familiar with those lifeless electric cars.
The Toyota Corolla 1.8G that we test drove is a facelift model launched last year.
Despite being a facelift, if you are expecting something ‘wow’, this 1.8G Corolla may disappoint those expectations.
This is because there are not many changes to the exterior of this sedan model, except for a unique bumper design, followed by new 17-inch rims wrapped in 225/45 profile tires.
The design of the front projector LED headlights and rear lights remain the same. Perhaps it’s already perfect, so there’s no need to change those aspects.
However, you need to enter the cabin to enjoy the changes brought by Toyota in this model.
The front seats have been redesigned for comfort, in addition to providing better support for the driver during spirited driving.
The major change is the presence of a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen, providing a concise interface, and most importantly still offering classic analog meter graphics.
In addition to wireless Apple CarPlay support, the Corolla also provides USB-C charging slots on the center console, as well as clips for holding smartphones in the wireless charging slot.
Apart from that, the basic specifications remain the same, such as a cargo space of 470 liters, MacPherson front strut and double wishbone suspensions, electric power steering system, and front and rear disc brake system.
The writer had the opportunity to test drive this Corolla further while on vacation to the East Coast a few weeks ago.
One main thing that the writer noticed was the quieter NVH levels compared to the pre-facelift Corolla.
The 137 hp and 172 Nm of torque produced by the 1.8-liter engine is sufficient to move this 1.3-ton body.
It is agile, and no lack of power was felt throughout the journey.
Perhaps it’s due to the mindset of drivers who consider the Corolla not a sports car, so the driving is done in a relaxed and straightforward manner.
However, you need to experience the magic of this TNGA platform when exiting the highway and entering winding federal roads.
There, you will find the MacPherson/Double Wishbone suspension setup in this Corolla working brilliantly with stable handling every time it encounters twists and turns.
Body roll is still felt, but at a controllable level even though this sedan is not equipped with a sportier suspension like the GR Sport variant.
Additionally, the electric power steering system also assists the driver in handling this sedan accurately without the need for constant correction.
Whatever the driver directs, the Corolla makes it happen.
Attempts to escape from the highway, sometimes with speed trap cameras, seem to have successfully made the writer fall in love with a rarely used road, through driving this Corolla.
Certainly, the cabin atmosphere is not disturbed by engine noise or the whistling of the wind, and even the noise of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires is well-filtered.
For a standard factory sedan, the writer truly enjoyed a more enjoyable drive than a Corolla compared to the Honda Civic and Proton S70.
The standard seats are also comfortable enough to accompany us throughout the journey.
Although at times, this sedan needs to traverse roads with qualities similar to the surface of Mars, the passenger in the adjacent seat still sleeps soundly.
The 470-liter cargo space is sufficient to accommodate essential items during cross-country trips.
Unlike the Vios, you can fold the second-row seats to provide a larger space.
Fuel consumption is also satisfying, where the writer managed to achieve as low as 8.1 liters per 100 km, or approximately 680 km on a full tank.
Safety aspects need not be worried about, because this Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense.
Among the features included are the pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA), automatic high beams (AHB), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), which is very useful on the highway.
Furthermore, there are also seven SRS airbags, seatbelt warning, as well as ISOFIX anchors for child seats in the rear.
At the end of the day, what the writer can conclude is that this Toyota Corolla 1.8G could be a worthwhile option for a family sedan to own and consider.
The facelifted Toyota Corolla offers a complete package for those who prioritize practicality and comfort without sacrificing enjoyable driving.
With a starting price of RM147,800 for the 1.8G variant, it’s not wrong for you to break away from the usual preference for the H logo, for this rather perfect companion for the return to the hometown.
Specifications of the Toyota Corolla 1.8G
Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder (2ZR-FE)
Power: 137 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed CVT
Suspension: MacPherson/Double Wishbone
Rim: 17 inches
Cargo: 470 liters
