The 2024 Toyota Corolla, a stalwart in the automotive landscape, continues to carve its niche in the Australian market. While its hatchback sibling often steals the spotlight, the Corolla sedan deserves a closer look. In this review, we delve into the Ascent Sport Hybrid variant, exploring its features, benefits, safety, and overall value proposition.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Ride
Pros
- Hybrid Power: Gone are the days of the thirsty Corolla. The 2024 model comes in two flavours: Ascent Sport and SX, both packing a fuel-efficient 1.8L petrol engine paired with an electric motor. This translates to impressive fuel economy figures – we’re talking around 3.9L/100km for the Ascent Sport and 4L/100km for the SX (hatchback). That’s excellent for zipping around town or weekend getaways.
- Safety First: Toyota takes safety seriously, and the 2024 Corolla is no exception. It comes loaded with top-notch safety features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features will give you peace of mind on the road, especially for new drivers or those navigating busy city streets.
- Modern Tech: Let’s face it, these days a car isn’t complete without some creature comforts. The Corolla offers an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a handy reversing camera, and a comfortable interior with plenty of space for five.
Cons
- Goodbye Petrol Option: If you were hoping for a good old-fashioned petrol Corolla, you’re out of luck this time around. Toyota has decided to focus solely on hybrids for the 2024 model, which might not suit everyone’s budget or needs.
- Not the Sportiest: Let’s be honest, the Corolla isn’t known for its thrilling driving experience. It prioritizes comfort and efficiency over raw power. If you’re after a car that will pin you to your seat around corners, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Price Bump: With the switch to hybrid powertrains, the 2024 Corolla does come with a slightly higher price tag compared to previous models.
How Much Does it Cost?
The 2024 Corolla starts at a price of $32,110 (before on-road costs) for the Ascent Sport Sedan and goes up to $35,260 for the SX Hatchback. While this might be a bit more than some rivals, remember you’re getting the benefit of a hybrid engine which can save you money on fuel in the long run.
Features and Benefits: A Well-Equipped Ride
- Hybrid Powertrain: The 1.8L engine paired with an electric motor delivers a combined output of 90kW. It’s zippy enough for city driving while maintaining efficiency.
- Safety Suite: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision braking. Peace of mind comes standard.
- Comfort and Convenience: The cabin boasts comfortable seats, ample storage, and a user-friendly layout. The 8-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties.
- Practical Boot Space: The Corolla’s boot can swallow a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of suitcases without breaking a sweat.
Safety: Top Marks for Peace of Mind
The 2024 Corolla has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in its class. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
These features can help you avoid accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
See How it Compares
Running Costs: Here’s the Payoff
This is where the hybrid powertrain truly shines. With fuel efficiency figures as low as 3.9L/100km, the 2024 Corolla is a dream for budget-conscious drivers. You’ll be spending less time at the petrol station and more time enjoying the ride. Additionally, Toyota’s reputation for reliability means you can expect lower maintenance costs in the long run.
The Competition: Stacking Up
The small car segment in Australia is a crowded one, with rivals like the Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, and Volkswagen Golf all vying for your attention. The Mazda 3 offers a more engaging driving experience, while the Hyundai i30 might be a more affordable option (depending on the variant). However, the Corolla stands out with its combination of fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Conclusion
A Reliable and Efficient Choice
The 2024 Toyota Corolla might not be the most exciting car on the market, but it makes up for it with its practicality and efficiency. The hybrid powertrain is a major selling point, offering excellent fuel economy and lower running costs. It’s also packed with safety features and offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior. While the lack of a pure petrol option and slightly higher price tag might deter some, the Corolla remains a strong contender in the small car segment, especially for those who prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, and peace of mind.
Rating: 8.5/10
The 2024 Toyota Corolla is a great choice for everyday drivers who value reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety. It might not be the most thrilling option, but it delivers where it counts. If you’re looking for a practical and dependable car that will save you money at the pump, the Corolla is definitely worth considering.