Completely understand where you're coming from Bob. I've been driving Toyota and Lexus for over 25 years and every one of them has been brilliant. As you say, they may not be the most exciting but they offer excellent value for money when you look at what you get and are rock solid in terms of reliability.
Yep, Toyota don't do exciting, they do reliability. Selling my (now unreliable) Superb for a Corolla Estate after Covid dies. I'm a taxi driver, love the comfort of a Toyota as well.
Actually I disagree with you! Toyota specially before the millenium was making lots of exciting cars that helped her build her reputation! Toyota celica supra corolla Sr and ae86 and all the models with 3s gte and 2jz engines! Nowadays yes toyota are boring! I have a 99 corolla with 340000km as a daily but I would never consider buy a new corolla because it makes no sense to me to buy a new car just to go from point a to b! My old corolla does that just fine
@Georgi Karamihaylov no I drive everyday taking my kid to school and going to work! My corolla is only 1.3cc so the full consumption is low! If the prices get high I'll just put an lpg kit and get over with
panos323 no worries still a good choice, with waiting order now is awful. Good luck with yours . I did not get it your first Comment existence in first place
I too can't understand the current obsession with expensive and inefficient SUVs, when you can have the practicality of a more efficient and better to drive family estate car.
It's called advertising and marketing. Car manufacturers have worked out they can make more money from SUVs so have convinced people that they are the thing to have. Plus you sit up high and haughty, feeling special and safer. Meanwhile, they are inefficient and bad for the environment, and expose pedestrians to a greater chance of head injuries.
Sometimes suv is needed when you live in rural area or village that road has many potholes, but in modern city with good road, its useless to drive suv. Altough i drive old 4x4 in city because i want be different. But thankfull its diesel so its pretty economical compare to v6 suv
Do your back in and you too will have to go to a higher up car , I am a disabled ex service man and need an SUV due to injury , a lot of SUV market is down to Motability drivers , Motability has a lot of power now in the car market and is a main player now in new car sales and in the second hand market .
I’ve been driving one of these for 4 months now and I absolutely love it! Strangely relaxing but confident handling and far from boring. Quality build (apart from the volume and tuning controls) and it’s returning an average of 60mpg on mainly rural driving, a great alternative to diesel.
@@barnabaskevin the b mode is used essentially when you are going down a steep bank or hill. Just put the stick into b mode and it will initiate engine braking. Taking the strain of the brake pads.
Hello folks. Having a look at these. Can someone advise how long these run on electric on a town drive (say 5mile round trip) and also vs a longer 20mile rural drive on A type roads? For longer drives I assume it sticks to petrol and only using electric once you get back into slow speed urban environs?
I have owned one for 8 months and already driven it for over 10,000 km. It is a great car and I love it: great fuel economy, space, comfort, very well equipped (I have the top trim) and very relaxing to drive. The boot is really big and well shaped and the sport seats in my car are really comfortable. The safety package is really top notch and I love the head up display. There are only a few things that I am not happy about. The first is that the buttons for the inner lights on the roof are not backlit; the second is the input system of the sat nav, which is really outdated and annoying; the third thing are the roof handles at the back, which are badly positioned and passengers can hit their head against them (and the cover of the hanging hook is really cheap and poor); and finally because of the thin windows and bulky shape of the front seat, the back passengers do not get much light and front view. But these are small things. And the eCVT transmission just needs to be understood and then gives you a very relaxing driving experience. For overtaking and more winding roads (especially if they have a lot of steep ups and down) use the sport mode: it gives you a nicer driving experience and optimizes the battery management. All in all it is a really good and great value car.
Iv been running fleet of these are only things don’t like are: Doors don’t open very wide. Bash your knee on protruding dash when getting in. Car is very low so if suffer bad back not good. No sensor for windscreen washer fluid. Cannot use EV mode switch if above 25mph yet if cruising can back off throttle and drive ev. Mpg summer 60-70 winter 50. Mpg on screen not accurate. USB port for apple car play in daft place. Rear leg room poor. Rear side headroom tight due to roof slopping inwards. In eco mode very slow acceleration and pedal response yet much better in normal and get same mpg. Mirrors don’t fold in. Car tax not cheap even though emissions are great. Good points: Reliability. Steering very light. Turning circle. Mpg in summer great. Good visibility. Good ride quality. Small and easy to park. Led headlights standard and ok but not Audi, bmw levels. Would I buy anymore? If they bring out a plug in version like they have with Prius then definitely. Icon tech is best of bunch as has all need and not huge wheels.
Getting one next week for my wife(touring sports) Just by the ensurance were saving like 1300 euros a year because its an hybrid Saving like 65% fuel Its insane
Thanks for the plain, honest review which I thoroughly agree with. Had my Corolla Touring Sport for a week and I have to say after 25 years of Toyota ownership I can't put my finger on what it is either but, this is by far the best I have had
Toyota are the best at hybrid technology and manufacturing. CVT can groan but it's damn reliable. Toyota have it sorted on the transfer of power between battery and ICE. Others suffer starter motor issues after a short few years. I've had issues with Toyota diesels in the past and had my battles with Toyota Toyota Ireland who helped me sort issues out and that is where you have piece of mind, a good support network and an escalation point if dealer lets you down. Give me reliability over fancy any day. Wife changed from Toyota diesel to Lexus hybrid, same Toyota 1.8 hybrid engine, the one Bob hates, but is the most reliable car in 20 years we've owned. They're holding there value well also second hand. Perfect car for shorter trips. If doing large mileage, regular 100km speed, fuel economy won't be as good as diesel. Nice review Bob.
Really enjoying these reviews - I’m in the market for a midsize estate and the quality of this review is very helpful, and engaging. Bob makes the job seem easy, but I’m sure it’s down to good preparation and planning as well. Many thanks Bob for great TH-cam content.
Honest, unpretentious and relable, that's a Toyota. This is a car which is unlikely to set the World on fire, but it will do what it's supposed to do perfectly well. I'd buy one if I was looking for a small-ish estate car just now.
Another great video Bob. I've always drove Toyota as my own car and never an issue. Recently picked up a lovely 172 Hybrid Yaris and it's a dream to drive, fuel economy is brilliant. Agree with your comments about the suspension.
Looks like I’m going to get my second car based on Bob Flavins recommendation. First one was the VW Up and that didn’t disappoint. I have already driven the Corolla Estate and this review has made my mind up. Thanks for a very good and honest review.
ive got a toyota CHR and its amazing ,its effortless to drive ,smooth with very light steering and so quiet ,the seats are perfect and the cabin layout is next to none with its radio and phone controls on the steering wheel ,lots of room in the back and great boot space ,im a toyota lover and highly recommend one .
I rented the CHR for a trip in Germany and just hated the annoying engine sound it made when driving at high speed on the autobahn. It was a 2023 model. Do all Toyota automatics have this issue?
Wow! Somebody else who actually agrees with what I've been saying to the wife! I work for a taxi company who have a fleet of these & they have been a revelation to me! Instead of getting out of my old diesel Focus at the end of an 8 hour shift ready to hit somebody I feel like embracing the nearest person! Toyota genuinely worked some kind of magic on this car, it is, without doubt, the most relaxing, enjoyable, competent, sensible estate that I've ever driven! I was trying to pin down exactly what it is about this car that makes me feel so relaxed and apart from the automation I think it might have something to do with the absolute tranquility and silence in the cabin. I've been so impressed I've actually now got one on order! The company have been running them for over 3 years now and some have got over 100,000 miles on them and to be honest, you can't really tell the difference between ones that have got 11,000 on them and ones that got 110,000 on them!
Great comment and I'm leaning towards getting one of these as I'm a taxi driver myself. If these will do 60mpg then this will save me nearly £2k per year in fuel. At my age I need something that's relaxing with a good ride. Thanks again.
You have took the words out off my mouth mate... I have a Vauxhall insignia 2016 cdti elite... My knee kills me after 8 hours off driving doing the big heavy clutch... I had to get work done on my car and I was using a Toyota Corolla 1.8 hybrid sports tourer... Till mine was fixed it had 100,000 miles on it and drove like a dream... I took a test drive in a 2022 Toyota Corolla with 13000 miles and they feel the same I'm buying the one I took for a test drive.... They are perfect for taxi work
Driving a new one since January. Totally love it. A very honest review. Stuck with Toyota over the last 30yrs main reason being reliability. But this model is by far is my most liked above all the other models . A total pleasure to own and drive. Thank you to Walshes Toyota Kilkenny. As their value and expertise could not be matched in Dublin. Thank you Bob simple review.
A point of correction, it does not have belt drives and cones, it has electric motors which are much more reliable and used for regeneration. I have the 1.8 Sport Tourer (estate) I don't find it noisy at all
Drove one last year very impressive especially how smooth the transmission is couldn't tell when you go from petrol to electric seamless felt solid got nearly 80 mpg
@@ali_haq20 - honestly depends on how you're driving and where you're driving - there's plenty of other private hire drivers around here that are getting 70+ mpg out of them. My Kia Niro is currently reading 66.1mpg on the clock and I know it reliably gets between 60 and 70 to the gallon depending on the time of year, but it's definitely not 60 if I was doing motorway runs in it all the time.
@@iamaduckquack - in my 2018 Niro? Probably looking more at 55-58 if you're sticking around 65-70mph. Although it can be quite aggressive, probably best just using cruise control. On the flatter and downhill sections, the engine will be running on its own and charging the battery, but uphill or more demanding sections the battery will be used in addition to the engine. And of course if there's enough battery charged up, it'll knock the engine off and cruise on the battery for a bit.
Update on my previous post just ordered my new Toyota Corolla touring sports today but due to chip supply issues etc. Won't actually get it until April 2022 wow 6 months to build a car everyone is in the same boat lead time is ridiculous but something to look forward to love the styling and how it drives previous test drive nearly 80 mpg my current diesel only gets 47 mpg so should save money there
I'm just waiting for one (company car). Was disappointed at first that I couldn't go like-for-like with Kia Niro due to unrealistic contributions this time around. Test drove a Corolla, loved it, ordered the estate soon after. Loved my drive in it.
Thanks for the review, Bob.Interesting that they tune suspension there in Ireland. Same here in New Zealand.In fact it was Chris Amon who worked with Toyota back in the 80's developing and improving rideand handling.There was Amon Edition models.This new estate looks better than previous models,but I will stick to my 09 Honda Accord tourer ,ticks more boxes for me.
I hate it when you see a panel of switches, usually the ones to the side of the steering wheel, and there are so many blanks! Even on a Lexus, the premium models you will see blanks! Two things with this ; what have I not had included and why; and the second - why not just make the switches bigger to fill the space. That’s what some other companies do.
@@Shithappenswhenu I want the Corolla for the hybrid tech which brings cost savings, at a good price. Superb is a nice premium car but when the mileage got high its actually not very reliable. Whether you have a high spec Superb or a lower spec hybrid you still got to bring Betty home from bingo for €5
I don't know, there's a lot of driving to pay for a new hybrid, and how would it be like to drive with 250k on the clock ??? The Octavia and Superb are only getting run in then. Diesel engines I am referring to, I have absolutely no idea what petrol Scodas are like.. Service, service always on time and if you have good driving, they won't owe you a penny when you part with them 😀
Thank you for such a review! Buying the estate right now in Israel as a first car and biting the lips to be honest. Cheers and let you have a great day!
I think there a lovely looking car, this latest generation of Corolla is proportioned and detailed really nice 👌 The estate is the pick of the bunch for me 👍
Had a brand new one as a hire car in Romania a few years back. Clipped a curb on the way back to the airport. I was cursing the lack of spare wheel then I tell you!
I looked at one of these . It seemed to make sense . But on the lovely driving roads in North Yorkshire it was so boring to try to put a few bends together . That and the weird cvt gearbox Flared revs and all that . Ended up with a Leon Cupra estate . Try one of those before you buy this !
I know. But 300bhp and four wheel drive whoohooo . In ten years these cars won’t exist. So get one now before it’s too late. I got a low mileage demo which was £5000 cheaper than the Toyota . So what’s not to like
This current Corolla eludes a solid design feel to it, inside out. The estate just looks great. We need more of such body styles over the boring all SUVs era.
Another superb review Bob! I have driven a few Toyota corolla hybrids over the last few years and your comments are bang on! It's a great car - I think the only downside is the 122bhp 1.8 engine - it's ok just lacks that bit of goo. Lucking forward to GR2.0 hybrid corolla, & also I would love to see a comparison between the new corolla and a 2015/16/17 Lexus is300h - are they very nearly equal now or does the Lexus just have the upper hand - what's your opinion 🤔
The new design language from Toyota has been brilliant, they stand out now rather than the beige of the past. I really like them now for head and heart. Maybe run this and the Suzuki swace back to back.
Thank you for your informative video. I’m a lover of all things Toyota; I think it’s the best value & most reliable of all car brands, having owned Toyota’s for 40 years. Now here comes a request: Whenever I am in the market for a four-door car, back seat comfort & roominess is a main consideration! Shy else would I be purchasing a four door? I travel with adults and need a back seat comfortable for adults. So I ask: How is the back seat in the Toyota Corolla Cross? For children? Or adults?
I just subscribed to the channel. I was thinking about this car,but you sold it to me :) just looking for a good dealer in Dublin,so I can choose the colour and extras myself.
Do they carry out the same checks or adjustments for the roads in N.Ireland please advice as the roads here our much the same as S.Ireland thanks from Don Co Antrim N.Ireland
Ride will be comfier on the smaller alloys. As for the noise you hear when you accelerate, thats just the engine. It’s the nature of the eCVT that gives a different dynamic to the experience when accelerating. Floor it in a manual version if they did one and the engine would have the same sound, it just wouldn’t stay at the same revs as long. Also, it’s not like a rubber band either, it’s a planetary gear set. No steel belt.
Thanks for sharing the video and you views Bob. Can I ask which model or as Toyota call them 'grade' of Corolla did you have on test please? All the ones I've seen have a very dark interior and head lining.
I have an Auris Estate. Totally unremarkable in a way that is totally remarkable. It does not excite, but does everything you would expect very very well. This is the replacement.
Good looking and honest car. Is it exciting? No. But I find the engineering very well done. And indeed, estates is where it’s at. I drive the Auris estate hybrid now, and this is next on the list. Great and honest review too. Hang in there in Ireland. Warm regards from the Netherlands
Well people I am off Wednesday 29th September at 2.30pm to have my brans new Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Estate :) Of course I will post an open and honest opinion etc on the car :) I have carried out a lot of research on a lot of different cars in N.Ireland band yes as you can note I have opted for this model and there was short delay as I required a spare wheel fitted at the factory which is not on board.
Planning to change my taxi in Jan/Feb & have a 2015 Toyota Corolla saloon. This is one of two Corolla I am considering. Also like saloon. Just trying to get answer to a question. Can this model accommodate at 6ft long by 4ft wide Ebike with seats down or am I better to a towbar & bike holder in a saloon model
Anyone else notice how clean the roads and pavements are around there? It's not London though is it, so they would be. Lucky people. Good looking car esp the profile.
My dad used to own a corolla estate many many years ago back in the 80s and it was very reliable but the only thing I'll say/ask is how did you find it on the motorway from an MPG point of view? My reason for asking is I watched a review of this very same car on Cars Ireland as I recognised the colour of the car and the reg number and they got 7l/100km and whilst I can't remember what that is in mpg I know it was no better than my current diesel Kadjar. I know when I do come to change my car in about 5 years time I'll have no choice but as I'm doing alot of motorway driving, a self charging hybrid may be my only choice but I hate CVT gearboxes with an all conquering passion having driven a Nissan note with the same type of gearbox tho' having said that great review as ever.
@@gavin6385 yep I have to agree. My main concern is that in 5 years time what am I going to do if I'm left with no option but to buy a hybrid simply because the British government will tax the shit out of diesel despite my wanting to remain a diesel driver due to my now regular schleps up and down the motorway. I should explain I live in Northern Ireland and so that's why I'm concerned.
"I want just D, go" that's what we all want! Brilliant review, thanks! 😊
4 ปีที่แล้ว +2
I agree that Corolla Estate (Touring Sports) is not an exciting car. But am I looking for excitement in my everyday driving around the city and suburbs? No. I want reliability, comfort, safety and economical driving, and oh boy, this car delivers all that in very satisfying fashion. If I want excitement behind the wheel, I go to the GoKart circuit racing with my friends. About the actual fuel consumption, during summer I have been able to get as low as 3.8l/100km, normal avg. is between 4.1-4.5l/100km, and now during winter in freezing weather (below -15 °C), it's gone up to 5.9l/100km. However, just yesterday I noticed that if I have the heater set ≥23 °C the engine stops going into full EV mode, although the electric engine is still assisting. As soon as I dialled the heater down below 23 °C, the full EV mode started kicking in again. Now knowing it, I'm sure that I'm able to get the avg. below 5l/100km, even in freezing weather. Overall, Touring Sports is the best car I've owned or driven in its price range. It does what it is built for perfectly.
Nice estate - Bags of room - Legroom for the taller person I can see the dash being a pain on the knees - And the lower height aint great for the back. Reason I went with SUV type car.
Bob i had drove all 3 types of corrolla,hatch,sedan and estate or karavan,hatch is very tight in the back,althou is most gorgeus of all 3,but i havent notised,is estate more comfy than sedan version?
could you pls make a review of the Lexus UX Hybrid with 4wd ? It should have the same platform as this Corolla but its a Lexus...so there should be noticeable differences.
Hi Bob, how’s your experience with toyta corolla hybrid, i have choosed this for taxi driving, how you rate this for taxi work ? Reliability and comfort wise mainly..thanks
Ah Bob - set up for Ireland - C Mon ......sounds like BS .....sorry ..... are the potholes in Cornmwall or Glasgow different to Laois ..... or Kerry Bob great vids and reviews
Hi Bob, how would it compare, do you think, to a diesel if it had to do around 700km of motorway a week? Would it be a serious mpg contender? And yes, I think it is a gorgeous looking car, especially those slim LED lights at the front.
Great review but these hybrids are not as economical as Toyota would like you to believe. I drove from cashel to portlaoise yesterday and back again. 6.4/100km (44-45mpg) was the best I could get with cruise control set at 120kmph. Around town , yes , they are good. I currently have a focus active x estate diesel and the diesel is far more economical and the ford audio system is far superior but diesels are going away so it’s the way things are going. Disappointed in the audio system , expected a lot better from Toyota
The Corolla doesn't have a real CVT it just behaves like a CVT. It's called eCVT by Toyota but it's actually "just" a planetary set. So no belt or chain
A lot to be said for a car that just does the job and it’s not another SUV which is a bonus 😁
Completely understand where you're coming from Bob. I've been driving Toyota and Lexus for over 25 years and every one of them has been brilliant. As you say, they may not be the most exciting but they offer excellent value for money when you look at what you get and are rock solid in terms of reliability.
Yep, Toyota don't do exciting, they do reliability. Selling my (now unreliable) Superb for a Corolla Estate after Covid dies. I'm a taxi driver, love the comfort of a Toyota as well.
Actually I disagree with you! Toyota specially before the millenium was making lots of exciting cars that helped her build her reputation! Toyota celica supra corolla Sr and ae86 and all the models with 3s gte and 2jz engines! Nowadays yes toyota are boring! I have a 99 corolla with 340000km as a daily but I would never consider buy a new corolla because it makes no sense to me to buy a new car just to go from point a to b! My old corolla does that just fine
@Georgi Karamihaylov no but I didn't pay 25k for it! I wouldn't buy a new car just to have full economy
@Georgi Karamihaylov no I drive everyday taking my kid to school and going to work! My corolla is only 1.3cc so the full consumption is low! If the prices get high I'll just put an lpg kit and get over with
panos323 no worries still a good choice, with waiting order now is awful. Good luck with yours . I did not get it your first
Comment existence in first place
I too can't understand the current obsession with expensive and inefficient SUVs, when you can have the practicality of a more efficient and better to drive family estate car.
It's called advertising and marketing. Car manufacturers have worked out they can make more money from SUVs so have convinced people that they are the thing to have. Plus you sit up high and haughty, feeling special and safer. Meanwhile, they are inefficient and bad for the environment, and expose pedestrians to a greater chance of head injuries.
Sometimes suv is needed when you live in rural area or village that road has many potholes, but in modern city with good road, its useless to drive suv. Altough i drive old 4x4 in city because i want be different. But thankfull its diesel so its pretty economical compare to v6 suv
SUV is more powerful in offroading
Do your back in and you too will have to go to a higher up car , I am a disabled ex service man and need an SUV due to injury , a lot of SUV market is down to Motability drivers , Motability has a lot of power now in the car market and is a main player now in new car sales and in the second hand market .
Kia Niro hybrid …quite efficient fuel wise
I’ve been driving one of these for 4 months now and I absolutely love it! Strangely relaxing but confident handling and far from boring. Quality build (apart from the volume and tuning controls) and it’s returning an average of 60mpg on mainly rural driving, a great alternative to diesel.
Hi, could you tell me, i noticed theres a D and B mode on transmission, im guessing B gives a heavier regen braking? Is it close to a one pedal drive?
@@Shambolicuk yes, I also have the same doubt...what's that B for?
@@barnabaskevin the b mode is used essentially when you are going down a steep bank or hill. Just put the stick into b mode and it will initiate engine braking. Taking the strain of the brake pads.
Hello folks. Having a look at these. Can someone advise how long these run on electric on a town drive (say 5mile round trip) and also vs a longer 20mile rural drive on A type roads? For longer drives I assume it sticks to petrol and only using electric once you get back into slow speed urban environs?
You have the 1.8 or 2.0?
I have owned one for 8 months and already driven it for over 10,000 km. It is a great car and I love it: great fuel economy, space, comfort, very well equipped (I have the top trim) and very relaxing to drive. The boot is really big and well shaped and the sport seats in my car are really comfortable. The safety package is really top notch and I love the head up display. There are only a few things that I am not happy about. The first is that the buttons for the inner lights on the roof are not backlit; the second is the input system of the sat nav, which is really outdated and annoying; the third thing are the roof handles at the back, which are badly positioned and passengers can hit their head against them (and the cover of the hanging hook is really cheap and poor); and finally because of the thin windows and bulky shape of the front seat, the back passengers do not get much light and front view. But these are small things. And the eCVT transmission just needs to be understood and then gives you a very relaxing driving experience. For overtaking and more winding roads (especially if they have a lot of steep ups and down) use the sport mode: it gives you a nicer driving experience and optimizes the battery management. All in all it is a really good and great value car.
oh i agree on the back lit thing....dont understand whyyy they havent done that when basicly every button is backlit
Picked mine up end of October and totally loving it. Best suspension ever as well.
Don't you find it too narrow at the drivers seat? I am 185cm 199kg
@@sakadabara You're only 6ft and weigh over 400lbs and you're complaining you don't fit in the seat? huh, very surprising! 😂
@@MrCrazyjoe259 believe it or not I do fit in Toyota Aygo and Ford Fiesta!
Iv been running fleet of these are only things don’t like are:
Doors don’t open very wide. Bash your knee on protruding dash when getting in. Car is very low so if suffer bad back not good. No sensor for windscreen washer fluid. Cannot use EV mode switch if above 25mph yet if cruising can back off throttle and drive ev. Mpg summer 60-70 winter 50. Mpg on screen not accurate. USB port for apple car play in daft place. Rear leg room poor. Rear side headroom tight due to roof slopping inwards. In eco mode very slow acceleration and pedal response yet much better in normal and get same mpg. Mirrors don’t fold in. Car tax not cheap even though emissions are great.
Good points: Reliability. Steering very light. Turning circle. Mpg in summer great. Good visibility. Good ride quality. Small and easy to park. Led headlights standard and ok but not Audi, bmw levels.
Would I buy anymore? If they bring out a plug in version like they have with Prius then definitely. Icon tech is best of bunch as has all need and not huge wheels.
Getting one next week for my wife(touring sports)
Just by the ensurance were saving like 1300 euros a year because its an hybrid
Saving like 65% fuel
Its insane
Thanks for the plain, honest review which I thoroughly agree with. Had my Corolla Touring Sport for a week and I have to say after 25 years of Toyota ownership I can't put my finger on what it is either but, this is by far the best I have had
Wish they had this car in the states.!!! Seems ideal for most drivers.
Toyota are the best at hybrid technology and manufacturing. CVT can groan but it's damn reliable. Toyota have it sorted on the transfer of power between battery and ICE. Others suffer starter motor issues after a short few years. I've had issues with Toyota diesels in the past and had my battles with Toyota Toyota Ireland who helped me sort issues out and that is where you have piece of mind, a good support network and an escalation point if dealer lets you down. Give me reliability over fancy any day. Wife changed from Toyota diesel to Lexus hybrid, same Toyota 1.8 hybrid engine, the one Bob hates, but is the most reliable car in 20 years we've owned. They're holding there value well also second hand. Perfect car for shorter trips. If doing large mileage, regular 100km speed, fuel economy won't be as good as diesel. Nice review Bob.
Really enjoying these reviews - I’m in the market for a midsize estate and the quality of this review is very helpful, and engaging. Bob makes the job seem easy, but I’m sure it’s down to good preparation and planning as well. Many thanks Bob for great TH-cam content.
Bob you’ve got a fantastic way about you….a pleasure to listen to you, very informative…..thank you.
Honest, unpretentious and relable, that's a Toyota. This is a car which is unlikely to set the World on fire, but it will do what it's supposed to do perfectly well. I'd buy one if I was looking for a small-ish estate car just now.
A fit for purpose car, does everything you need, when you need it too. What's not to like? Badge snobs need not apply.
Another great video Bob.
I've always drove Toyota as my own car and never an issue. Recently picked up a lovely 172 Hybrid Yaris and it's a dream to drive, fuel economy is brilliant. Agree with your comments about the suspension.
Nice to hear about the good suspension
Looks like I’m going to get my second car based on Bob Flavins recommendation. First one was the VW Up and that didn’t disappoint. I have already driven the Corolla Estate and this review has made my mind up. Thanks for a very good and honest review.
ive got a toyota CHR and its amazing ,its effortless to drive ,smooth with very light steering and so quiet ,the seats are perfect and the cabin layout is next to none with its radio and phone controls on the steering wheel ,lots of room in the back and great boot space ,im a toyota lover and highly recommend one .
I've just ordered one.
I rented the CHR for a trip in Germany and just hated the annoying engine sound it made when driving at high speed on the autobahn. It was a 2023 model. Do all Toyota automatics have this issue?
Wow! Somebody else who actually agrees with what I've been saying to the wife!
I work for a taxi company who have a fleet of these & they have been a revelation to me!
Instead of getting out of my old diesel Focus at the end of an 8 hour shift ready to hit somebody I feel like embracing the nearest person!
Toyota genuinely worked some kind of magic on this car, it is, without doubt, the most relaxing, enjoyable, competent, sensible estate that I've ever driven!
I was trying to pin down exactly what it is about this car that makes me feel so relaxed and apart from the automation I think it might have something to do with the absolute tranquility and silence in the cabin.
I've been so impressed I've actually now got one on order!
The company have been running them for over 3 years now and some have got over 100,000 miles on them and to be honest, you can't really tell the difference between ones that have got 11,000 on them and ones that got 110,000 on them!
Great comment and I'm leaning towards getting one of these as I'm a taxi driver myself. If these will do 60mpg then this will save me nearly £2k per year in fuel. At my age I need something that's relaxing with a good ride. Thanks again.
You have took the words out off my mouth mate... I have a Vauxhall insignia 2016 cdti elite... My knee kills me after 8 hours off driving doing the big heavy clutch... I had to get work done on my car and I was using a Toyota Corolla 1.8 hybrid sports tourer... Till mine was fixed it had 100,000 miles on it and drove like a dream... I took a test drive in a 2022 Toyota Corolla with 13000 miles and they feel the same I'm buying the one I took for a test drive.... They are perfect for taxi work
Driving a new one since January. Totally love it. A very honest review. Stuck with Toyota over the last 30yrs main reason being reliability. But this model is by far is my most liked above all the other models . A total pleasure to own and drive. Thank you to Walshes Toyota Kilkenny. As their value and expertise could not be matched in Dublin. Thank you Bob simple review.
Dublin don't have much to offer to anyone......
A point of correction, it does not have belt drives and cones, it has electric motors which are much more reliable and used for regeneration.
I have the 1.8 Sport Tourer (estate) I don't find it noisy at all
Drove one last year very impressive especially how smooth the transmission is couldn't tell when you go from petrol to electric seamless felt solid got nearly 80 mpg
No way will you ever get 80mpg out of this. Best that the 1.8 can do is about 60 combined. I own a 2L hybrid, and the best I get is around 53mpg.
@@ali_haq20 - honestly depends on how you're driving and where you're driving - there's plenty of other private hire drivers around here that are getting 70+ mpg out of them.
My Kia Niro is currently reading 66.1mpg on the clock and I know it reliably gets between 60 and 70 to the gallon depending on the time of year, but it's definitely not 60 if I was doing motorway runs in it all the time.
@@GaffaTVwhat's the motorway numbers?
@@iamaduckquack - in my 2018 Niro?
Probably looking more at 55-58 if you're sticking around 65-70mph.
Although it can be quite aggressive, probably best just using cruise control. On the flatter and downhill sections, the engine will be running on its own and charging the battery, but uphill or more demanding sections the battery will be used in addition to the engine. And of course if there's enough battery charged up, it'll knock the engine off and cruise on the battery for a bit.
Update on my previous post just ordered my new Toyota Corolla touring sports today but due to chip supply issues etc. Won't actually get it until April 2022 wow 6 months to build a car everyone is in the same boat lead time is ridiculous but something to look forward to love the styling and how it drives previous test drive nearly 80 mpg my current diesel only gets 47 mpg so should save money there
I bought the sedan hybrid & really love mine. It is especially good on fuel!
I'm just waiting for one (company car). Was disappointed at first that I couldn't go like-for-like with Kia Niro due to unrealistic contributions this time around. Test drove a Corolla, loved it, ordered the estate soon after. Loved my drive in it.
Thanks for the review, Bob.Interesting that they tune suspension there in Ireland. Same here in New Zealand.In fact it was Chris Amon who worked with Toyota back in the 80's developing and improving rideand handling.There was Amon Edition models.This new estate looks better than previous models,but I will stick to my 09 Honda Accord tourer ,ticks more boxes for me.
Cracking review, love the honest enthusiasm!
I hate it when you see a panel of switches, usually the ones to the side of the steering wheel, and there are so many blanks! Even on a Lexus, the premium models you will see blanks! Two things with this ; what have I not had included and why; and the second - why not just make the switches bigger to fill the space. That’s what some other companies do.
I've got one of these for a company car, had it since August 2021 love it !!!
Great impersonation of me, Bob. I feel so seen 😜
Just received one today. Can't wait to use it properly when allowed to after lockdown
Great review as always Bob!
One could say that the car is the one you need not the one you'd normally want. "It's a kind of magic?"
Driving at night it’s very pleasant surprise the led lights are incredible.
Love the review, would be interested in the actual mpg you get.
Nice motor, if it wasn't for Covid I would have already traded my Skoda Superb for Corolla estate for use as my new taxi.
Really? wow, I thought the ``````superb would wipe the floor with this.
Even the octavia estate looks and feels more premium.
Why not buy the Suzuki version? more rarer (maybe not a good thing)
@@Shithappenswhenu I want the Corolla for the hybrid tech which brings cost savings, at a good price. Superb is a nice premium car but when the mileage got high its actually not very reliable. Whether you have a high spec Superb or a lower spec hybrid you still got to bring Betty home from bingo for €5
I don't know, there's a lot of driving to pay for a new hybrid, and how would it be like to drive with 250k on the clock ??? The Octavia and Superb are only getting run in then. Diesel engines I am referring to, I have absolutely no idea what petrol Scodas are like..
Service, service always on time and if you have good driving, they won't owe you a penny when you part with them 😀
@@R-Tap there's a lot of driving and fivers before this car will be paid off !
Great review, hoping to change my Peugeot 308, for a Corolla estate this year, this review helps very much with my decision
Look at an Octavia estate??
Thank you for such a review! Buying the estate right now in Israel as a first car and biting the lips to be honest. Cheers and let you have a great day!
Very informative review, thanks.
I think there a lovely looking car, this latest generation of Corolla is proportioned and detailed really nice 👌 The estate is the pick of the bunch for me 👍
Agree completely with you about plug-in hybrids! The Corolla sounds great, except I don’t need an estate and i love my GT86 so much
Had a brand new one as a hire car in Romania a few years back. Clipped a curb on the way back to the airport. I was cursing the lack of spare wheel then I tell you!
Great review as always easy to follow. But self charging is only true if it can charge to 100% else it's only partially self charging ;)
I really enjoyed this review thank you.
Totally agree about phev, neighbour's bought one and got rid it 8 months later as couldn't be hassled pluging in for 30km range
I looked at one of these . It seemed to make sense . But on the lovely driving roads in North Yorkshire it was so boring to try to put a few bends together . That and the weird cvt gearbox Flared revs and all that . Ended up with a Leon Cupra estate . Try one of those before you buy this !
LOL. They are completely different cars, thats like saying I was considering an Avensis but I went with the Panamera!!!
I know. But 300bhp and four wheel drive whoohooo . In ten years these cars won’t exist. So get one now before it’s too late. I got a low mileage demo which was £5000 cheaper than the Toyota . So what’s not to like
@@robtt997 I have one. Performance is obviously not in question but in every other regard the corrola is better.
The rolla will outlast the leon all day long
Wish Toyota Australia had these on sale downunder. Maybe one day
Wow, you look exactly like Bill Hader!
of course it is good...i have one..same color hehe and it is manufactured in Burnaston, England
Enjoyed this guys review, good honest review, really likeable chap, a bit like Dickie Mint.
This current Corolla eludes a solid design feel to it, inside out. The estate just looks great. We need more of such body styles over the boring all SUVs era.
I have the 2.0ltr Touring Sports (estate). Love it, got my next one in Obsidian Blue on order for next Spring.
Another superb review Bob! I have driven a few Toyota corolla hybrids over the last few years and your comments are bang on! It's a great car - I think the only downside is the 122bhp 1.8 engine - it's ok just lacks that bit of goo. Lucking forward to GR2.0 hybrid corolla, & also I would love to see a comparison between the new corolla and a 2015/16/17 Lexus is300h - are they very nearly equal now or does the Lexus just have the upper hand - what's your opinion 🤔
The new design language from Toyota has been brilliant, they stand out now rather than the beige of the past. I really like them now for head and heart. Maybe run this and the Suzuki swace back to back.
Got one of these 3 weeks ago. Love it.
Thank you for your informative video. I’m a lover of all things Toyota; I think it’s the best value & most reliable of all car brands, having owned Toyota’s for 40 years. Now here comes a request: Whenever I am in the market for a four-door car, back seat comfort & roominess is a main consideration! Shy else would I be purchasing a four door? I travel with adults and need a back seat comfortable for adults. So I ask: How is the back seat in the Toyota Corolla Cross? For children? Or adults?
I just subscribed to the channel. I was thinking about this car,but you sold it to me :) just looking for a good dealer in Dublin,so I can choose the colour and extras myself.
hope u found the right combo
Nice review, Bob! 👍
Great looking car and I want one but I heard that the gearbox is noisy so its putting me off getting one,
I like the model very much, but how did you rate the gearbox ? The shape of the 3 body styles are all first class.
Would prefer the 2.0 hybrid engine, it's more suitable for motorway and overtaking
yupp agree i got the 2.0
Do they carry out the same checks or adjustments for the roads in N.Ireland please advice as the roads here our much the same as S.Ireland thanks from Don Co Antrim N.Ireland
Ride will be comfier on the smaller alloys. As for the noise you hear when you accelerate, thats just the engine. It’s the nature of the eCVT that gives a different dynamic to the experience when accelerating. Floor it in a manual version if they did one and the engine would have the same sound, it just wouldn’t stay at the same revs as long. Also, it’s not like a rubber band either, it’s a planetary gear set. No steel belt.
Thanks for sharing the video and you views Bob. Can I ask which model or as Toyota call them 'grade' of Corolla did you have on test please? All the ones I've seen have a very dark interior and head lining.
Great vid Bob. What MPG were you getting from it?
I really want a Toyota wagon in USA. Preferably lifted slightly. Until then its crossovers for me.
What fuel economy did you get over the period of the test? That's the most important question of a car like this.
I have an Auris Estate. Totally unremarkable in a way that is totally remarkable. It does not excite, but does everything you would expect very very well. This is the replacement.
Hi Bob what’s the fuel like do you fill up much?
I’m waiting My corolla hybrid in 2023, realy LIke pratical car with feeling realible. Gois Job with your video
Good looking and honest car. Is it exciting? No. But I find the engineering very well done. And indeed, estates is where it’s at. I drive the Auris estate hybrid now, and this is next on the list. Great and honest review too. Hang in there in Ireland. Warm regards from the Netherlands
Was about to order one, but hesitating as rear seats are really cramped!
Well people I am off Wednesday 29th September at 2.30pm to have my brans new Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Estate :) Of course I will post an open and honest opinion etc on the car :) I have carried out a lot of research on a lot of different cars in N.Ireland band yes as you can note I have opted for this model and there was short delay as I required a spare wheel fitted at the factory which is not on board.
eCVT not CVT. No belts no pullies, much more reliable than even a manual.
Planning to change my taxi in Jan/Feb & have a 2015 Toyota Corolla saloon. This is one of two Corolla I am considering. Also like saloon. Just trying to get answer to a question. Can this model accommodate at 6ft long by 4ft wide Ebike with seats down or am I better to a towbar & bike holder in a saloon model
Anyone else notice how clean the roads and pavements are around there? It's not London though is it, so they would be. Lucky people. Good looking car esp the profile.
Our tidy towns and town council do a great job around my home town!
interested to know if the1.8 vvt strugles to get up to motorway speeds as its only 121BHP?
This car in particular...do they all come in hybrid or there's a fully petrol engine as well??
Off to test drive this on Saturday. Already leaning towards it given how cheap the finance is. Not found anything in its price class I like better.
My dad used to own a corolla estate many many years ago back in the 80s and it was very reliable but the only thing I'll say/ask is how did you find it on the motorway from an MPG point of view? My reason for asking is I watched a review of this very same car on Cars Ireland as I recognised the colour of the car and the reg number and they got 7l/100km and whilst I can't remember what that is in mpg I know it was no better than my current diesel Kadjar. I know when I do come to change my car in about 5 years time I'll have no choice but as I'm doing alot of motorway driving, a self charging hybrid may be my only choice but I hate CVT gearboxes with an all conquering passion having driven a Nissan note with the same type of gearbox tho' having said that great review as ever.
@@gavin6385 yep I have to agree. My main concern is that in 5 years time what am I going to do if I'm left with no option but to buy a hybrid simply because the British government will tax the shit out of diesel despite my wanting to remain a diesel driver due to my now regular schleps up and down the motorway. I should explain I live in Northern Ireland and so that's why I'm concerned.
"I want just D, go" that's what we all want! Brilliant review, thanks! 😊
I agree that Corolla Estate (Touring Sports) is not an exciting car. But am I looking for excitement in my everyday driving around the city and suburbs? No. I want reliability, comfort, safety and economical driving, and oh boy, this car delivers all that in very satisfying fashion. If I want excitement behind the wheel, I go to the GoKart circuit racing with my friends. About the actual fuel consumption, during summer I have been able to get as low as 3.8l/100km, normal avg. is between 4.1-4.5l/100km, and now during winter in freezing weather (below -15 °C), it's gone up to 5.9l/100km. However, just yesterday I noticed that if I have the heater set ≥23 °C the engine stops going into full EV mode, although the electric engine is still assisting. As soon as I dialled the heater down below 23 °C, the full EV mode started kicking in again. Now knowing it, I'm sure that I'm able to get the avg. below 5l/100km, even in freezing weather. Overall, Touring Sports is the best car I've owned or driven in its price range. It does what it is built for perfectly.
Nice estate - Bags of room - Legroom for the taller person I can see the dash being a pain on the knees - And the lower height aint great for the back. Reason I went with SUV type car.
To be honest with you theirs not that much rear leg room.
I had a good look at one in Toyota showroom.
Hi do you think it will tow a caravan ?
Bob i had drove all 3 types of corrolla,hatch,sedan and estate or karavan,hatch is very tight in the back,althou is most gorgeus of all 3,but i havent notised,is estate more comfy than sedan version?
could you pls make a review of the Lexus UX Hybrid with 4wd ? It should have the same platform as this Corolla but its a Lexus...so there should be noticeable differences.
Amazing car and an awesome review
Glad you liked it!!
Hi Bob, how’s your experience with toyta corolla hybrid, i have choosed this for taxi driving, how you rate this for taxi work ? Reliability and comfort wise mainly..thanks
Ah Bob - set up for Ireland - C Mon ......sounds like BS .....sorry ..... are the potholes in Cornmwall or Glasgow different to Laois ..... or Kerry
Bob great vids and reviews
CVT gearbox ugh! Had one in a fluence max 200k main dealer replacement only . cost 3850 never again stick to manual
Was that a Toyota?
It’s not CVT, it’s eCVT and there’s a big difference, look it up.
I've just bought a 180H
Hi Bob, how would it compare, do you think, to a diesel if it had to do around 700km of motorway a week? Would it be a serious mpg contender? And yes, I think it is a gorgeous looking car, especially those slim LED lights at the front.
@@gavin6385 thanks for your opinion, I'd agree with it.
Estate over suv, all day long.
the tyre warnig could be cuz of temperature change, the pressure changes if its cold or warm...or so my dealer said when i asked
What kind of Adidas sneakers you wearing Bob? They look good mate!
Great review but these hybrids are not as economical as Toyota would like you to believe. I drove from cashel to portlaoise yesterday and back again. 6.4/100km (44-45mpg) was the best I could get with cruise control set at 120kmph. Around town , yes , they are good. I currently have a focus active x estate diesel and the diesel is far more economical and the ford audio system is far superior but diesels are going away so it’s the way things are going. Disappointed in the audio system , expected a lot better from Toyota
When’s the Omegle video coming out Bob 👍🏻
The Corolla doesn't have a real CVT it just behaves like a CVT. It's called eCVT by Toyota but it's actually "just" a planetary set. So no belt or chain
the 2.0ltrHybrid is noticable better; especially on our autobahn. And the updated CH-R is more quiet !