In relation to entry-level fanatic vehicles that may comfortably pull double-duty for commuting and loading up with associates on the weekend, the plain selection is usually a Honda Civic. The Corolla is often for smart those who need one thing with Toyota’s relentless effectivity, worth, and status for reliability. The newest Corolla narrows the hole on the Civic in the case of driving dynamics and spawned the Apex Version. Do not consider it as Toyota’s reply to the Honda Civic Si, though it does include a sport-tuned suspension, a sport-tuned (louder) exhaust, Apex wheels, and the selection of a guide transmission with automated rev-matching expertise.
As an alternative, the Corolla Apex Version is less expensive, much less refined, and comes with the usual 169 horsepower of the Corolla in each SE and XSE basis trim ranges. A Civic Si will value you $28,100 to get into, whereas a Corolla Apex Version begins at $25,960. Do not write the Apex Version off, although, when you’re searching for a enjoyable each day driver. We discovered it fairly entertaining, low cost to run, and as sensible as a Corolla. Nonetheless, it is from excellent.
Styling: Sporty Corolla
The Corolla’s styling is not for everybody with its sloped entrance and rear finish, however when you prefer it, the decrease stance and extra sharp black trim ought to attraction. There’s not a lot happening to assist aerodynamics, although, apart from the strange-looking little spoiler. The Apex wheels are an choice on all of the Corolla fashions for an additional $800, however they’re commonplace on the Apex version. We like that the styling is not excessive, however the massive Apex badge on the again in an odd font feels prefer it was caught on as an afterthought, which is a disgrace because the Apex title goes again to the legendary AE86 mannequin from the Nineteen Eighties and deserves a bit extra care and a spotlight.
Powertrain: We Did not Anticipate Auto Rev-Matching
The Corolla SE and XSE’s engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder lump making 169 hp at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is no pocket rocket, however completely acceptable for a commuter automotive and surprisingly enjoyable to wring out with a guide transmission. The opposite choice is a CVT, however the mannequin we have been despatched was the guide. The zero to 60 mph time is someplace north of six seconds, so it is not a visitors gentle racer. The massive profit is that the EPA-estimated ranking for the CVT optioned mannequin is 34 mpg mixed and 31 mpg mixed for the guide. It positively sips gasoline, even in case you are wringing it out to redline. On the identical time, although, the engine buzzes somewhat than barks or roars.
The transmission is gentle, each within the clutch and the lengthy throw. It is also loopy simple to drive, and you may train somebody in an hour or so to drive a guide with it. The auto rev-matching must be chosen every time you begin the automotive, so Toyota is not nannying new drivers right here. In visitors, we adore it as it should assist make that clutch last more with out having to be a heel-toe-hero in visitors each day.
On The Highway: Too Stiff
Trip high quality over a typical Corolla is diminished by the harsher suspension, which appears like an aftermarket suspension somewhat than an OE one. Youthful lovers might relish it, however the passengers will not. Not that it is rock laborious, it is not; it simply would not have any sophistication in its compliance over bumps. Nonetheless, it is designed for spirited driving on curvy roads and does the job of retaining the chassis flat and the wheels in full contact with the tarmac properly. The tuning is fairly good and provides the Corolla upgraded agility and directness within the steering.
Whereas sporty, it feels secure to push more durable than a standard Corolla, and the grippier tires let you recognize earlier than they begin the slide into understeer. The shortage of energy to make up for finesse means you will must find out about sustaining momentum by means of corners to get essentially the most out of the Apex Version, which is not a foul factor. In that respect, the title is apt. It is definitely no monitor weapon, although.
Round city, it is the identical as every other Corolla however with extra bumps. Once more, that is not a foul factor. It will merge into visitors simply and likes to get slightly hustle on.
Inside: Extra Corolla
The inside of the Corolla is primary, comfy, and constructed to final, and that goes for the Apex Version. The seats are primary however comfy, though they do not assist hold our bodies in place when cornering. The tech is properly chosen for the value vary, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance comes commonplace with the eight-inch touchscreen. The underlying infotainment system is not something particular, nevertheless it’s clean and fast, and the person interface is logically laid out. Area within the again is appropriate for a few children or adults on shorter runs, and cargo house is good for a weekly two-person grocery run.
Verdict: Enjoyable, However Might Do Higher
Put merely, for the cash we might save for the Civic Si. The Apex Version is enjoyable however feels half-hearted within the suspension division. It appears like a automotive borrowed from a neighbor’s child with low cost aftermarket shocks caught on it. The guide transmission is nice for a first-timer, auto rev-matching is a pleasant bonus, and wringing the engine out is enjoyable. Nonetheless, the engine is difficult to get a thrill out of, and the tuned exhaust sounds no totally different from contained in the automotive. On prime of that, the Apex Version is proscribed, however no one can be excited seeing one on the street. Whereas we would not cease anybody from shopping for one, we would not blame a younger fanatic for skipping it to purchase a used Corolla and hitting the aftermarket to discover a higher outcome for much less.
Whereas we do not anticipate the Apex Version to be a midway home to the brand new GR Corolla, we anticipate extra from a reputation that has an icon hooked up to it.