Auto news on Youtube Oct 1 2018

Corolla! For many the name is synonymous with sensible, fun-free transportation,

but this is a Corolla of a different color. Ah, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

Ponder its swoopy compact modernism. If this exact car rolled into hot import nights

way back in the day, heads would have exploded, especially with this Blue Flame

paint job. But underneath that superficial allure hides outstanding

value. The bass SE trim with destination charges starts around $21,000 and

includes automatic climate control, LED head and tail lights, seven airbags, a

5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, a leather steering wheel, and push-button

start with a smart key, so you'll never have to reach into your pocket or purse

to unlock the car. Also, standard is an 8-inch Entune 3.0 infotainment screen

placed near the drivers sight line featuring 6-speaker audio, 2 USB ports,

and OMG Apple CarPlay. Ah, thank you Toyota. Though Android Auto is not

available, but at least I got mine. Toyota's infotainment solution is a

breeze to use and like the best systems these days roughly blends well organized

screens with physical buttons around the bezel. Throughout the rest of the

interior I'm kind of blown away by the material quality. It's much softer and

stylish than the name Corolla hatchback would suggest and on the fancier XSE

trim, there stitching on the dash and doors. Like real stitching!

The center armrest could be more padded, but I love how it slides letting me rest

my elbows while keeping both hands on the wheel. I also dig the nicely

adjustable driving position and front seats that merge long-distance comfort

with superior lateral support. Speaking of support, the available power driver's

seat includes adjustable lumbar support.

Second row seating feels tight, but my knees and head actually do clear

though, that might not be the case with somebody taller driving. Move inboard and

a low center hump and decent headroom make the middle position workable for

short stints. I wouldn't want to live here, but it's okay. Where interior storage is

concerned there's a USB, adjacent phone corral, a damped average-sized glovebox,

bottle storage in the doors, two central cupholders, and a small nook in the

center console. Versus hatchback variants of the Honda Civic and Chevy Cruze the

Corolla's 18-cubic foot cargo area is small. Even so, it's a workable space and

the standard 60/40 split seats fold flat without much pain. I also like how the

headrest flip forward rather than having to be removed.

Another thoughtful touch is an indicator in the gauge cluster that shows which of

the rear seat seatbelts have been latched. As a concerned parents that

matters to me.

All Corolla Hatchbacks utilize a decently powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder

engine. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with sports car inspired

downshift rev-matching abilities, impressive. Personally, I favor the manual

but, there are good reasons to choose the optional continuously variable

transmission. For $1100 the CVT simplifies stop and go commutes while

substantially boosting fuel economy. CVT models also make blind spot monitoring

available while adding full-speed abilities to the dynamic cruise control,

meaning in traffic the Corolla hatch can automatically slow itself to a complete

stop, but the best thing about the CVT is the complete absence of delay at any

speed. When you press the throttle engine revs rise immediately delivering

spunky acceleration. The same holds true when leaving from a stop where

continuously variable transmissions have traditionally struggled. The ingenious

incorporation of a launch gear into its CVT imparts the Corolla Hatchback with

strong smooth power off the line. Matching the powertrain's immediacy are brakes

that are right on the edge of being a little too touchy, but with a little

driver adaptation that immediacy becomes an asset, especially when driving

aggressively. There's a straight road. I can't drive aggressively, yet.

On that note, can a compliant ride coexist with quick steering and playful

handling? Apparently yes. This is the face of man who's having fun driving a car

with a badge that says Corolla. On the freeway wind noise is apparent but not

unacceptable for the category. Thick B and C pillars hinder visibility somewhat

to the rear and sides, but thin a pillars support a clear view forward, and for

strategically blocking your view of the sun there are fully effective sun visor

extenders because, you know, I have to talk about the sun visors. The Corolla

Hatchback's outstanding value is further elevated by a standard collection of

active driver assists called Safety Sense 2.0 that includes pre collision

warning with pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, roadside

detection, dynamic cruise control and lane departure alert with steering

assist. I really like how instead of constantly beeping the system gives you

a visual alert in the gauge cluster, and then for really critical lane departure

warnings it'll beep at you.

Noted! CVT equipped models also get lane tracing assist, which tracks lane

markings and the vehicle ahead to keep your Corolla Hatchback in the center of

its lane, even when faced with curves or less than obvious lane markers. The

system works well, thoughtfully anticipating the vehicle's trajectory and

then proactively steering to keep it within its lane. If you want to live your

best Corolla Hatchback life the roughly $24,000 XSE trim offers upgraded

infotainment, front seat heaters, dual zone climate control, and 18-inch wheels

replacing the base car 16-inch alloys. Just keep in mind that the XSE gives up

three combined MPG versus the cheaper SE trim. Hatchback versions of the Mazda3,

Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, Chevy Cruze and Subaru Impreza have their pluses, but

man the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is compelling. Its competitively priced,

packed with safety features, it's a Toyota so resale value should remain

strong, it's fun to drive, comfortable, practical and most importantly it looks

cool. If I was in the market for a compact hatchback that's the one I'd buy.