2023 Toyota Corolla First Drive

Welcome to my first drive review of the 2023 Toyota Corolla.
The Corolla is the worlds best selling car and Toyota have stuck with their guns with a hatchback (yes I know there is a crossover version on the way). This latest update for 2023 is more than a nip/tuck. It's also a boost to the safety systems on the car as well as an introduction to the brands latest hybrid system, now in its fifth generation.
With this we have a boost in both power and efficiency. Not to mention the battery itself being lighter and moved to under the rear seats.
The car I drove in this review is the 1.8L GR Sport Hatchback.

[@philipbolton2811]

Just traded in my mk8 Golf GTI for the exact model you were driving and am very pleased so far. The interior quality puts the VW to shame and compared to the GTI the fuel consumption has to be seen to be believed.

[@Danificationization]

Obviously the economy is better ones a hot hatch and ones a hybrid ordinary hatch 😂😂

[@AlexanderSmith-lt1eg]

Seems like a crazy swap! Can I ask why?

[@dancooper2072]

This and Renault Clio self charge hybrid should be what people are buying. Sat at lights in electric and sets off in electric, only when you need it will the engine cut in. Engineering excellence

[@ellypsis603]

avoid Renault, unless you want problems

[@dancooper2072]

@@ellypsis603 depends on how you lucky after it surely

[@toninocars]

This is the best car in class. If you are Honda man just stick with Honda but for anyone else try this and you will love it !

[@paulwhalley4746]

Thanks for this. I’ve put my deposit down for one with delivery in September. You’ve confirmed I’ve made a good decision. Thanks again

[@joe80ss]

Good to have you back 👍

[@AutoBears]

Thank you very much. It was a much needed break and the videos will be flowing out soon!

[@garethtalbot8950]

Test drove 2023 saloon version a few days ago. Suspension is really sorted on it and in sport mode the accelerator is really responsive. I'm tempted to change out of my mk7 golf for this. Really tempted. Great review. Thank you.

[@willotoole4118]

I'm a fan of the new Facelift corolla design

[@car_babble]

Such a good little car. Would love to review one. New infotainment is a big leap. Pretty sure you can't get a JBL sound upgrade now though and sadly it was rubbish anyway. Deal breaker for audiophiles probably.

[@mftgdeserteagle]

Hello! I have been trying to decide between this and a Yaris. I will be doing ~60% motorway, ~9k miles/year. The Corolla is 25-30% more expensive than an equivalently specced Yaris. Do you think it is worth the extra, particularly in terms of comfort and refinement? Space is not a key criteria. Thank you!

[@amjadmahmood9243]

Hi i just purchased a new toyota corolla hybrid hatch back excel 2020 model. I did not come with the blind spot sensor, which brings up the yellow mark on the side mirrors to alert u of a car in ur blind spot. Can this feature be fitted to the car??

[@ajomackey]

I sat into one at weekend and whilst I was impressed, both my wife & I hit our heads getting in the back doors

[@AutoBears]

Hi Aiden, thank you for your comment. Yes the sloping roof can have that issue. I'm a bit fortunate being a short-arse!

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

It's Just a nicely pimped Prius, with some updated technical stuff.😂 Still the best car for your money. 👍

[@newda898]

Nice review. I don't remember you mentioning, were you driving a 1.8 or the 2.0?

[@AutoBears]

Hi there. Sorry, I had the 1.8 GR Sport trim.

[@philbacon5707]

That was the 1.8, the 2.0 has the battery in the boot

[@philbacon5707]

Just ordered a 2.0 Excel touring sport, great drive

[@IT-Phil]

I have just ordered a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid ZR from Toyota Australia, unfortunately it is a 6-12 month build order wait from Japan to Australia. I went for the Black roof and Red and the Interior is black and red as well with a Rear Spoiler and Tinted Windows. I am going from a Commodore that is a 71L Petrol tank which uses 10-11L/100 kms and only gets me 700 kms to a tank. I cannot wait for the upgrade, I am very much all for the Hybrid system, it is very viable and where I live there is lots of traffic everywhere so I am keen to see what sort of kms I get out of the Toyota! The Toyota 45L tank can get you 1000 kms, depending how you drive.

[@user-qe1vo9ut3z]

こんにちは😃From Japan。 あまり英語はよく理解できないですが、全体的にカローラのことを褒めてるのは理解できました👍 私は8/3/2023に1.8ℓHybridを契約しました。残念ながら半導体不足が原因で納車は11月になりそうです😅

[@TheExtinctGamer]

I've had to wait 10 months for my 2023 1.8 GR sport

[@NamNam-qq6bd]

Would you say that it would be wise to save the extra money and buy a 2023 Corolla instead of the Honda Civic?

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

It's on my list when I will be replacing my Hyundai Ioniq, I will be after the 1800 Touring

[@AutoBears]

I’m sure you will enjoy your new Corolla. It should be high up on the list.

[@christianmarvig]

Noise ? Have Toyota improved noise insulation. ?

[@AutoBears]

It did feel a bit quieter but was very similar to before.

[@mftgdeserteagle]

@@AutoBears Is it overall a quiet car for its class? Heard the road/tyre noise was on the bad side at higher speeds.

[@Roy-pk4xd]

@@mftgdeserteagle Tyre noise on coarse chip is quite noisy but the Falken tyres are mainly to blame on normal roads they are okay, the Excel has more soundproofing including acoustic glass i have the older model and find it quiet will ditch the Falken's asap for Bridgestone/Goodyear's

[@marcrobert2603]

Following our recent purchases we would like to know which engine oil type is recommended for the corolla 196hp. Please do not refer me to the garage because opinions are divided there. Can one use the 5W30? Or should one use the toyota oil 0W20 or 0W16? with thanks Robert Mark

[@mftgdeserteagle]

Where can I find the presentation?

[@AutoBears]

Hi there. Which presentation are you referring to?

[@mftgdeserteagle]

@@AutoBears The one from Toyota, which mentions efficiency gains, engine,...

[@AutoBears]

@@mftgdeserteagle that was a press release presentation. You should be able to find that (or a version of it) on Toyotas website.

[@mftgdeserteagle]

@@AutoBears I could not find it, but thank you.

[@barrycrosby8602]

This car is out on its own if you want a good looking well built and super economic car, its clear to myself owning a toyota Corolla touring sports that toyota have let the engineers develop this car which is extremely rare with many car manufacturers today who are lead by pen pushing accountants Germany and America im looking at you

[@GK-qc5ry]

This Corolla is just a bit too small. It needs to be closer to Civic, Golf, Focus size. Rear space is limited.

[@remco3819]

Love the car but it's the price that's the problem for me unfortunately