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As a car journalist in the UK, I have had the pleasure of experiencing countless cars, from sporty hatchbacks to luxurious saloons. Among them, one car has stood the test of time as a popular and reliable choice: the Toyota Corolla. In this article, we'll explore the unique features, popular trims, reasons to buy a used Corolla, and alternative options available in the UK market. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Eight Unique Features of the Toyota Corolla
1. Proven Reliability The Toyota Corolla has long been renowned for its reliability. With a reputation for excellent build quality and durability, a used Corolla is often a safe bet for those seeking a dependable car.
2. Fuel Efficiency Toyota has consistently focused on improving the fuel efficiency of its vehicles, and the Corolla is no exception. With its economical engines, especially in hybrid variants, used Corollas are excellent choices for those looking to minimise fuel costs.
3. Comfortable Ride Despite being a compact car, the Corolla offers a comfortable ride. Its well-tuned suspension ensures a smooth driving experience, even on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
4. Spacious Interior The Corolla is deceptively spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The boot is also surprisingly large, making it suitable for family trips and grocery runs alike.
5. Advanced Safety Features Toyota has always prioritised safety, and the Corolla comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, even in older models. From pre-collision systems to lane departure alerts, used Corollas often offer a reassuring level of protection.
6. User-friendly Infotainment System The Corolla's infotainment system is easy to use and offers a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
7. Stylish Design The Corolla has evolved over the years, with each generation boasting a distinct and stylish design. A used Corolla can offer a modern and attractive appearance without breaking the bank.
8. High Resale Value The Corolla's popularity and reputation for reliability help maintain a high resale value. This means that if you decide to sell your used Corolla down the line, you're likely to get a fair price for it.
Five Popular Toyota Corolla Trims and Their Features
1. Corolla Icon The entry-level Icon trim is anything but basic, featuring a wealth of standard equipment, including a reversing camera, LED headlights, and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
2. Corolla Design Upgrading to the Design trim adds a touch of luxury, with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and satellite navigation.
3. Corolla Excel The Excel trim boasts even more premium features, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an upgraded JBL sound system.
4. Corolla GR Sport For those seeking a sportier look, the GR Sport trim offers a more aggressive design with 18-inch alloy wheels, sporty front and rear bumpers, and GR Sport-branded seats.
5. Corolla Trek The adventurous Trek trim, designed in partnership with bicycle manufacturer Trek, features a raised ride height, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and rugged exterior styling.
Five Reasons to Buy a Used Toyota Corolla
1. Excellent Value for Money With a range of affordable used Corollas available, you can find a high-quality, feature-packed car without breaking the bank.
2. Low Running Costs The Corolla's fuel efficiency and low maintenance requirements make it an affordable option in the long run, reducing your overall running costs.
3. Versatile Choice With a variety of body styles, including hatchback, saloon, and estate, as well as various engine options, there's a used Corolla to suit almost everyone's needs.
4. Peace of Mind Toyota's reputation for reliability gives you peace of mind when purchasing a used Corolla, knowing you're investing in a dependable vehicle.
5. Eco-friendly Options With hybrid variants available, a used Corolla can also be an eco-friendly choice, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and support a cleaner environment.
Five Popular Alternative Cars in the UK
1. Ford Focus As one of the best-selling cars in the UK, the Ford Focus offers a dynamic driving experience, stylish design, and an impressive range of features, making it a strong alternative to the Corolla.
2. Volkswagen Golf The Volkswagen Golf is a well-rounded car that combines comfort, practicality, and performance in a single package. With a range of engines and trim levels, the Golf is a popular choice among UK buyers.
3. Vauxhall Astra The Vauxhall Astra is another British favourite, offering a comfortable ride and a range of efficient engines. With a variety of trim levels, the Astra caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
4. Honda Civic The Honda Civic is renowned for its reliability, much like the Toyota Corolla. Its distinctive design and spacious interior make it a popular choice for those looking for something a little different.
5. Mazda3 The Mazda3 offers a unique blend of sporty handling, stylish design, and practicality. With its engaging driving experience and impressive fuel economy, the Mazda3 is an appealing alternative to the Corolla.
In conclusion, the Toyota Corolla has proven itself as a reliable, efficient, and versatile choice for UK buyers. With unique features, popular trims, and numerous reasons to buy a used Corolla, it's no surprise that this car remains a popular choice. However, the UK market also offers an array of alternative options, ensuring that there's a car to suit everyone's needs and preferences.
A Short History of the Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is an iconic automobile that has become synonymous with reliability, affordability, and practicality over the years. Launched in 1966, it quickly rose to become one of the world's best-selling cars, with over 44 million units sold across twelve generations by 2021. Let's take a brief look at the milestones in this legendary car's history.
First Generation (1966-1970): E10 Series
The Corolla was unveiled in Japan in October 1966 as a small, family-friendly sedan. Designed by Tatsuo Hasegawa, it offered affordability and fuel efficiency for the growing Japanese economy. Its success was almost instant, and by 1969, it was already being exported to international markets, including the UK.
Second Generation (1970-1974): E20 Series
With the E20 series, the Corolla received its first significant redesign, sporting a more prominent front grille and a wider body. It also saw the introduction of additional body styles, such as a coupe and estate. The Corolla began to establish its reputation for reliability during this era.
Third Generation (1974-1979): E30-E60 Series
The third generation of the Corolla saw the introduction of the Liftback body style and the Corolla Levin, a sportier version of the car. Safety features like side-impact door beams were added, and the Corolla continued to gain popularity worldwide.
Fourth Generation (1979-1983): E70 Series
The E70 series saw the Corolla transition to a more angular design language, reflecting the aesthetic trends of the early 1980s. During this period, a rear-wheel-drive sports model called the AE86 gained a cult following for its drifting capabilities and performance.
Fifth Generation (1983-1987): E80 Series
The E80 series marked the shift to a front-wheel-drive layout for most Corolla models. It featured an all-new, sleeker design and offered various engines and trim levels. This generation also saw the introduction of the Corolla FX hatchback, which became popular in the UK.
Sixth Generation (1987-1991): E90 Series
The E90 series Corolla continued to evolve, offering improved safety features and a more refined driving experience. The GTi model, which came with a 1.6-litre, 16-valve, 4A-GE engine, became popular among car enthusiasts.
Seventh Generation (1991-1995): E100 Series
The seventh generation saw the Corolla grow in size and embrace a more rounded design language. Notably, this generation introduced the popular diesel variant, the 2.0-litre TD, in the UK market.
Eighth Generation (1995-2000): E110 Series
The E110 series saw the Corolla move towards a more conservative design. The Corolla WRC, a rally version of the car, participated in the World Rally Championship, garnering multiple wins.
Ninth Generation (2000-2006): E120/130 Series
The ninth-generation Corolla offered a more sophisticated and refined driving experience. This generation introduced the Toyota Corolla Verso, a compact MPV, to cater to growing families.
Tenth Generation (2006-2012): E140/150 Series
The E140/150 series focused on improving fuel efficiency, safety, and overall performance. It saw the introduction of the Auris, a hatchback variant, in European markets, including the UK.
Eleventh Generation (2012-2018): E160/170/180 Series
The eleventh generation of the Corolla saw the return of a more aggressive design, with the introduction of Toyota's "Keen Look" and "Under Priority" design languages. This generation was also when the Corolla nameplate returned to the UK market, replacing the Auris. It offered various engines, including a hybrid powertrain, emphasizing fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Twelfth Generation (2018-Present): E210 Series
The current generation of the Corolla was unveiled in 2018, offering a more stylish and sporty design. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, this generation brings improved handling and a more refined driving experience. The Corolla is available in hatchback, sedan, and estate body styles, with petrol, hybrid, and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
Throughout its storied history, the Toyota Corolla has continuously evolved, adapting to market trends and consumer demands. From its humble beginnings as a small sedan in 1966 to its current iteration as a modern, fuel-efficient, and stylish car, the Corolla has demonstrated why it remains one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. As we look to the future, we can expect the Corolla to continue to innovate and remain a popular choice for drivers around the world.