Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.5GLi with Deluxe Pkg
Price as tested: HK$178200

Performance: When it comes to engineering breakthrough, this engine is never going to win any awards. Its not going to win any races with the same proven engine underneath a heavier body. With only 1 horses and 2 lb/ft of torque increase over its predecessor riding on a body that weights close to 1300kg, performance will definitely take a huge toll. This 1.5 liter DOHC VVT-i 16-valve 4-cylinder little mill has 109 hp and 111 lb/ft of torque is pretty much underpowered. While its predecessor has one of the most responsive 1.5 liter engines in its class due to much lighter weight, this latest iteration is crying out for a 1.8 liter motor. Thankfully, North American bound Corolla and Matrix will received a much-needed 1.8 and 2.4, respectively. While Toyota’s usual powertrain refinement remains intact, its level of NVH has gone through the roof in a 1.5. Thankfully, 4-speed automatic gearbox works as it should be. Otherwise, its going to be a performance disaster when merging onto a highway. Shifts are smooth and coordinated, as one expects from Toyota’s proven gearbox.

Handling: The new Corolla is riding on a much stiffer chassis, that also explains its seriously lack of punch. On the other hand, it gives its proven suspension components are much better place to hang its hats. Corolla’s platform has always been considered as one of those which have tons of potential, especially for aftermarket performance upgrades. Latest version is no exception. But for its most humble engine layout with the most conservative suspension setting, this Deluxe version can be considered as a comfortable riding instead of a capable handler. The suspension rides over all those bumps and roughness with ease, it almost have the softness one used to in a more expensive Lexus. The suspension setting is soft although it tends to compose itself when all have been set. That’s a nice tuning job from engineering department consider Toyota suspensions of yore are usually soft but hard to settle after heavy amount of body rolls, worse yet, lots of steering input. The biggest surprise is its standard 16″ wheels. While this 16″ wheels just add frost to snow when it comes to performance, it provides surprising amount of grip through corners. Steering wise, its completely lack of any feedback and precision, although its quite responsive. As expected, there are plenty of body rolls and understeer when pushed. We only wish 1.8 and 2.4 XRS will have a fimer setting if Toyota wants to attract a younger audience, as well as attracting those who love the wonderful dynamics in a Mazda3 and Civic.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Corolla’s pedal feel is a surprising feat. The pedal feels firm and solid, while ABS only kicks in until absoultely necessary. EBD also acts at the right time at the right place.

Interior: Despite of all the luxurious features in our Deluxe Package, Toyota has cut corners when it comes to interior materials. The leather materials feel thin and plasticky. While the center console is nicely layout with ergonomically friendly stereo and auto climate control, there are plenty of hard plastic abound. On the door panels, all are covered in hard plastic. The think A-pillars are blocking the front 45 degrees left and right. If you prefer to sit more in front than far back, your hand could also hit the front pillars. Overall interior space isn’t as spacious as its predecessor Its not without good points, however. The steering-mounted stereo control is user-friendly while everything else placed where it should be.

When it comes to rear seat space, it feels more cramped than its predecessor. The C-pillars at the back hit my hair on the backseat even if I am less than 6 feet tall.

The trunk cut-off is high and swallow. One has to reach deep into the trunk in order to grab cargos due to its narrow layout,. The swallowed rectangular sharp doesn’t help neither. The split fold-down rear seats would help, for the most parts.

Conclusion: When the new Corolla arrives on our shore in the upcoming weeks, we will be expecting it to perform much better than this overseas sample. Despite the fact that Toyota is a car company that never known for any engineering innovations and breakthrough technology advancements, it can’t be riding on its reputation for selling an economy car for too long. Both Mazda3, Civic, Astra and Lancer are all great economy cars with performance and character abound. If the new Corolla and Matrix, with both 1.8 and 2.4 engines, perform not anything better than this 1.5 version, we will be solely disappointed.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.5
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2.25/5