2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback First Drive Review Corolla of a different color1

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback First Drive Review | Corolla of a different color The gold Corolla. You know the one: missing three of its wheel covers, hasn't been washed in a decade, bumper damage assured. It's basically the official car of people who literally could not care any less about cars or driving. This is mentioned because we got stuck behind one during the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback first drive, and it was about a mile before it sunk in that the two vehicles actually shared a name and common lineage — it was inconceivable. The car we were driving was painted a Polestar-like "Blue Flame," wore 18-inch wheels and had impressed with its composure and driver involvement. The bumpers remained unscathed. To be clear, this Corolla Hatchback is indeed an all-new car on the same TNGA platform that underpins the Prius, Camry and Avalon in various guises, plus whatever else comes down the front-drive Toyota pipeline. Exterior dimensions are a smidge greater in some areas, less in others. Toyota didn't release full interior specs, most notably legroom figures, but there has been a reduction in headroom (not really a problem, at 6-foot-3 I was fine both in front and back) and in cargo capacity. The latter might be the new Corolla Hatchback's primary demerit, because at 18.1 cubic feet, it's not only smaller than the Corolla iM's unremarkable cargo area (20.8), but less than the Honda Civic (25.7) and Mazda 3 (20.2). There's so little space above the cargo cover that this is likely one of the least utilitarian hatchbacks. So too, quite surprisingly, is the optional CVT that not only mimics the fixed ratios of a normal automatic (nothing new, the current Corolla does that), but it has a literal first gear. As in there's a cog in the transmission that handles acceleration from a stop before seamlessly turning things over (up to around 25 mph) to the CVT belt. According to chief engineer Yoshiki Konishi, a traditional automatic transmission is more efficient from a stop than a CVT, which is in turn more efficient the rest of the time. We couldn't detect any trace of the switchover. The engine is new as well, displacing 2.0-liters and putting out 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The current 137-hp Corolla, be it iM or sedan, is slow, and you don't need 0-60 times to know it. The new one certainly won't be threatening the turbocharged Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf, but it's now sufficient and perfectly competitive given that the segment's o This is not a hot hatch, though, so don't expect it to be. The Mazda 3 and Honda Civic could still bring more zing to your daily drive. The 2019 Corolla is just a more balanced package now. It still impressively soaked up poor pavement around San Diego despite the XSE wearing 18-inch wheels. The SE and its 16's weren't notably suppler. It really is a well-damped ride, and if it's too firm and exciting for the gold Corolla crowd, oh well. At least the cabin should have more of a universal appeal. Besides the liberally applied SofTex synthetic leather and cross stitching, other materials are nicely textured, and Toyota's latest switchgear looks and feels top dollar. It's also worth noting that the XSE has real leather, in either black or a stain-attracting, but way-cool white accented by a rich gray fabric. The interior itself is pleasingly minimalist for a Toyota. It's also less upright and confining than the current Corolla's design. The focal point is the standard 8-inch touchscreen bordered by actual shortcut buttons and volume/tuning knobs. It's Toyota's latest Entune 3.0 system, complete with Apple CarPlay, and it works quite well. Given that the Civic and Mazda 3 systems can frustrate, the new Corolla should have a leg-up for both tech enthusiasts and those who just want an easy-to-use radio. Other noteworthy standard features include two USB ports and WiFi capability, while the XSE adds a part-digital gauge cluster, a JBL audio system and an eight-way power driver seat that provides more than enough adjustability for even tall drivers. Actually, the SE's manually adjustable six-way seat was sufficient as well, providing notably more under-thigh support than the current Corolla does. The seats' lateral support is quite good as well. A full suite of accident avoidance tech is also standard, and the 2019 Corolla is the first Toyota to get increased speed reduction for the automatic braking system, bicycle detection, and a lane-keeping assist system (Lane Tracing Assist) that factors in the movement of the vehicle ahead should lane markers disappear. Full-speed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability is included on CVT models, while the manual's ACC will shut itself off around 15 mph. That's understandable, but curiously, you can't get blind-spot warning or Lane Tracing Assist with the manual (or wireless smartphone charging). That's be https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIHRxaQ6qZCq6O_R0uab7pQ?sub_confirmation=1 Video by Abuut Automotive.