Toyota's Biggest Mistake? Why The Corolla T Sport Does Not Deserve To Be Forgotten

[@Gravengaard]

I took my drivers license in the 4-door version of this. A local driving instructor was mad enough to have one of these, and me and my mate actually based our decision on what driving school we should use based on the car. That was a fun piece of kit... Will never ever forget the first time om a motorway ramp. Took it up to 4000-4500 RPM, just like my parents would do, but then the instructor said "Take your feet off the pedals". Then, using his set of pedals, he absolutely ringed it down the ramp. I was so amazed by the performance I nearly forgot that it was me who was actually holding the steering wheel.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

My instructor was like that did my test in a 1.5 diesel fiesta of all things.. whenever we hit an on ramp he would be saying foot down foot down come on boot it 🤣

[@Dan_Cartlidge]

Your driving instructor sounds like a legend 😂

[@Fee.1]

You could always tell who had experience driving before drivers Ed by whether the instructor had to yell at them to speed up more/faster to merge on the freeway for the first time. Ours never took over but he did fuss at a few of them

[@Gravengaard]

@@Dan_Cartlidge He was. A hobby racing driver as well. He was killed on a motorbike a few years later... speeding, of course. May he rest in power.

[@aadi8568]

@@Gravengaard that's a shame to hear

[@Txmpy96]

Having owned a T sport, i dont understand the hate and critisicm. Yes its not an EP3, however its a cheap entry into a fun hatchback that'll take a very generous amount of abuse, stick some coilovers on it, some decent alloys and tyres, better air filter and a decent exhaust, and it'll give the same amount of fun that an ep will (also owned an EP3). Great cars and i would definitely recommend looking into one if you want a cheap hot hatch that offers alot of enjoyment!

[@djdrastic1]

There was a limited TRD version of these with a supercharger and was an absolute hoot. Toyota at that stage was going through their no fun allowed phase and did absolutely nothing to market the thing or get some press about it.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

I was just about to type this very message. However I recall Evo Magazine/Autocar reviewing it and saying much the same as James with regards to a fantastic engine but little in the way of chassis upgrades to separate it from the standard car.

[@TheGoldenSapling]

It was TTE

[@djdrastic1]

@@TheGoldenSapling Aye that's the name.Couldnt remember it offhand since it's been years since I drove one.

[@tundaslug07]

Corolla compressor

[@Golf7CS]

It actually was a TRD version of the Corolla in Japan. It's called Corolla RunX TRD Sports M. It has a 205 bhp 2ZZ with TRD 13:1 piston, lightweight flywheel, suspension, short shifter, exhaust and header. Other than that, it is same as the normal T-sport. Also, the 7th-gen Celica had the similar TRD Sports M treatment as well, with 200 bhp only.

[@rsco051]

When you get the gear changes right with this engine it is so satisfying and rewarding to drive.

[@Ep3homda]

Like a ep3 abit?

[@TheGoldenSapling]

Yea i got used to it. Its not really that difficult to keep the engine in lift

[@chrisandreandersen9291]

Have the Corolla sol 2007 it’s the same car witout the engine

[@milankaljevic6484]

I got one of these. Fun car and totally mad after 6k rpm

[@philgreen5316]

About 10 years ago I test drove a Compressor version located at a secondhand car sales place. It had a modified exhaust and sounded fantastic - a truly great drive. I didn't buy it because I really needed a diesel for commuting, but it'd one car I always think about to this day. I now have a GR Yaris and I still think the T-Sport Compressor would make a good car!

[@MrDrpete69]

you should of bought the tte compressor, well worth the higher fuel cost. you'd be lucky to get another chance to bye one.

[@ManilvaRS]

Another car with a MCM Chopped sticker on. Home of the the worlds greatest Off-Road 4X4 youtube channel!

[@jackbarraclough4711]

Lol, one of those if you know you know comments.

[@BlueXonar]

Had two of these, and two Celica T-Sports as well. Another reason why they didn't sell well was that the published 0 - 60 figure was over 8 seconds, whereas in reality it was closer to 6.5 seconds, I still don't know why they did that. The VVTLi crossover is only an issue with the 1st to 2nd gear shift. In all other gears it really is rather easy to keep it in "lift", at least once you have driven one for a short while. They really do need a cold air intake to really make the most of that induction noise though. I think the 2ZZ is a much more fun engine than its Honda counterpart, the crossover is more aggressive, and it has a nicer induction tone. They are also a much better package, way more kit as standard, and the interior is better screwed together. The EP3 usually doesn't even come with AC, whereas the Corolla comes with automatic climate control as standard, as well as auto wipers and other things. Cheaper to buy and insure as well. But the steering feedback on the Corolla leaves a lot to be desired when you are pushing the limits (i.e there is none), and the suspension could use a little tweak as well. The Celica is better in this regard because it has hydraulic power steering and is a little firmer. That said, being Toyotas, I absolutely wrung the necks of all four of mine, and none of them missed a beat, not once. I just kept them serviced with good quality fluids and filters, and let them come up to temperature.

[@bunkaaa8726]

You cant make this stuff up, Jay, I was literally about to email you as I just purchased a Face Lift Corolla T Sport for you to review, and here you are !!

[@dougsinnamon3135]

My brother has a T sport Compressor had it 12 years daily driver for 8 of them Great sounding car Toyota reliability 👍

[@YTSsport]

I had one of these. Best car I've owned by far. I were able to give it as much stick as I wanted to and it never let me down. Just regular maintenance and it were running awesome. Had a couple of modifications but nothing drastic. Lift were so much fun and better than vTec in my opinion.

[@numbereightyseven]

I hope you can track down a "Toyota Blade Master" to review. The 2007 Corolla shape, with the 3.5-litre 276bhp V6 plonked in it. I have one, and it's awesome. 0-100 in about 6 seconds.

[@davisdesigns1153]

It's Called a RunX in South Africa and people really love these things

[@jaschaschaub676]

every one who knows this one knows its as good as a civic... this engine is so good

[@jo05dk]

You're right. We were spoiled for choice back then, and the T-Sport didn't look all that interesting in that mix. ..but looking at it now, hearing that amazing engine rev, looking at prices, i'd rather fancy a T-Sport tbh. This was a welcomed eye opener. Thanks. ..but i do agree.. Power band needs to start earlier for the car to be truly usable irl.

[@trif55]

I've had one for 10 years now and love it, heating packed up years ago but I just put up with it for the fun of driving it, there's a fairly local Lotus place and they said a couple of years ago they were looking to get the codes for the 2ZZ-GE in the corollas as people had asked, they'd do a re-map to lower the lift cut-in as mentioned

[@buzypea2]

I owned a Compressor model for 4 years. Took it from 50,000 to 100,000 miles and the only issues I had were leaking Eibach shock absorbers (unique to the Compressor and a well known issue). Replaced them with adjustable coilovers. The exhaust also needed replacing, and again being unique to the Compressor, you can’t get a replacement so had a custom one made. I really enjoyed the car, it was a great all round package and felt extremely quick higher up the rev range. Replaced it with a Mk7 Fiesta ST and MASSIVELY regretted it. Should of kept the Compressor.

[@princedesouza69]

What was the reg of your compressor?

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

@@princedesouza69 That's a very personal question. I don't know why you even thought he would actually tell you his reg.

[@jimmyfarley5581]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior I think they meant what year? Otherwise yes very personal

[@g.bergervoet4505]

I believe the only the (lowered) springs are from Eibach, the dampers are OEM.

[@Cole_King]

@@princedesouza69 They were only made for 2006 reg

[@flak42]

I had a facelift as my daily for 5 years, did over 100k and it never let me down. I had Tein coilovers fitted which really improved the handling but the ride was awful! Great little car and I liked that people did not really know what it was. Thanks Jay for the content

[@therandomlifeofcon5173]

Got a facelift tsport myself and I love it. Tbh I have modified it . Custom exhaust ,blitz sus air intake, k brace, rear arb , compressor front strut and completely stripped it. Completely diffrent car. Climbs revs much better and handles well 👌

[@trif55]

do you have any pics of yours online? esp interior

[@WorthlessNickores]

I had the 2005 Corolla XRS brand spanking new and liked how it was geared so I could hear it change over. It's not like you're racing every single time you take off, jfc it's a daily driver COROLLA!

[@rikfranks2933]

I've still got mine! 18 years on and still just as good as the day I got.

[@tulliopinter7412]

Any reliability issue? What mileage now?

[@CT-mh9er]

I owned the TTE Compressor version for a few years. I loved it. Especially the wine & howl from the blower.

[@brendanfleming6584]

I drove one of these on a Toyota track day at Brands Hatch many years ago; these things were rapid, but the Celica - with the same engine - was a better drive.

[@johnfgt500]

Ya the corolla has a solid rear axle and a high center of gravity but the celica has independent suspension and lower center of gravity

[@GECKOZFTW]

I have a pre-facelift T-Sport. I’ve had it for just over 1.5 years and it’s fantastic. Considering it’s a 20 year old car with 143k miles, it’s been really good to me. The only major repairs needed in my time as its owner were a new clutch at 127k and a new alternator at 139k. The handling is pretty decent considering how forgiving the suspension is over bumps. I will slowly modify mine the way I always wanted. It’s getting an exhaust this weekend and I can’t wait to hear it in lift

[@KyleJHB]

It was called the RunX RSi in South Africa and there was also a limited edition TRD version that only had 20 or so available here. The engine had to really be revved to be enjoyed which made it difficult to drive in the city if you wanted to have robot to robot type races (that's a traffic light to people not from SA).

[@tellyawhatmate]

Corolla Sportivo in Australia, they handled horribly standard. A set of lowered springs and a proper cold air intake and they were really good to drive. Could hear the lift kick in at around 6000rpm

[@nhlakaniphozimu7086]

💯💯💯💯

[@KDaL3262]

God I cannot express how much I miss mine. It was madness as my second car I'd ever owned with only 9 months driving experience. Above 6k revs it was just mad to drive.

[@trif55]

I went from a 1994 corolla 1.3 GLI I'd driven for about 5 years and 50k miles to this and never looked back, did a 25 minute back roads commute in it for about 5 years, now my commute is a walk and it's a great weekend drive

[@davocarlo]

Same engine I have on my Celica once in lift really puts a smile on your face

[@NarieelDreamer]

Just bought one Facelift T-Sport from late 2004. 274k km on ODO ! Well preserved and serviced, it is still in 2024 a car which gives you a lot of fun, while beeing daily driven. Got a set of used aftermarket 17" wheels for the grip (mounted with 215/45/17 tires) and the road response through the steering wheel feels better. Everything else stock on this car. Really love this car 😊

[@colestacks3235]

These are kinda big in the Caribbean as tuner cars, most people 2zz swap them & there named the runx out here

[@denseljosephs9500]

They love JDM They should be renamed CDM, Toyotas are that popular over there.

[@colestacks3235]

@@denseljosephs9500 truth, the most popular ones are the ae100 & 110

[@buellterrier3596]

The VVT-Li holds the lifted state when you are shifting up above 6000 rpm. Jeremy Clarkson demonstrated this on the Exige with the same 2zz-ge engine.

[@genuine_legend]

I turned 18 in Sept 2002 and i ended up getting the 1.6 petrol version of this corolla in the T3 configuration. I REALLY wanted this version but the insurance just wouldnt allow it. The 1.6 manual version was great, had A/C, Sunroof, CD player with a nice 5 speed manual gearbox. Had it for about 4 years from new but i really wanted the TT sport.

[@gryphon123456]

I like this car. It’s got some fun in a practical package. I’d love to drive the compressor version. These are wonderful cars. I love the Toyotas from that period, bit sleepers.

[@joshae8692]

I have one of these on top of a few other toyotas, they are very rewarding to drive, you do really have to abuse them if you want to get going but they do take it very well with regular maintenance, there are some downfalls with things like lift bolts etc and stretching timing chains. I have a TRD strut brace and BC coilovers on mine and it massively helps with no body roll. I think you have to look at these as their own thing not an ep3 competitor as they really aren’t on par with the ep3 but what they are is fun, cheap and easy to maintain so can’t really go wrong!

[@trif55]

how do you know/test the timing chain? I'm often getting on lift on the daily commute so I wonder how mine's doing at well over 100k miles

[@m7dgz]

I still remember the Top Gear mag review of this and the Civic Type R. "Whilst the Civic Type R is hardly powered by a torquey engine, it feels like a 7.0L pushrod V8 compared to the Corolla" Or something very much like that!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They weren't wrong!

[@BennyJ69]

I have a friend who has one of these and done all the bells and whistles on it. He's just patiently waiting to supercharge it now! Absolutely mad car and really fun to be a passenger in.

[@BennyJ69]

Also worth mentioning that Toyota UK made a supercharged version of the Corolla T Sport but only made like 500 or something which is quite cool :D Edit: I spoke too soon into the video and JayEmm mentions this towards the end :P my bad

[@nvl2691]

@@BennyJ69 There's a supercharged version here in Switzerland too, made by Bemani!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

There will be a Corolla GR coming next year. It will be sold in the US and Canada where the Yaris GR isn’t sold. It should come to Europe and Japan as well.

[@daiganzen7794]

I am really looking forward to the GR Corolla

[@tulliopinter7412]

I have two PFL in the garage now, I really love this car. It's great fun for very little money !

[@jonssi1374]

I have been dreaming about this car for a while now. Because Toyotas are realible, this car sounds amazing for what it is, it is quite a sleeper and almost 200hp is more than enough. I have been planning installing dual calibers to rear wheels and hydraulic e brake for winter drifting.

[@iverzen9909]

I currently own a compressor version of this beauty! I LOVE IT!!! I think the great thing about this, is that because it was not known in the early 2000's, it will become a very rare and speciel car in the future and therefore maybe become a hidden classic - but all I know now is that the price will increase and i will just keep on loving mine :) Great video btw

[@tobiasandersson4470]

I owned a T-Sport for many years ago for a daily car. Most reliable car i ever had.. Sold it and missed it. Bought a TTE Compressor a couple of years later. Sold that one to. Actually, i never missed that car. Most of the TTE parts are bad quality and no fun. To me as previous owner, not worth it. Buy the T-Sport instead. 2017 i bought another T-Sport. I only use it in summer. Spent a LOT of time with this car making it, to me, perfect. MWR stage 2 cams is the only aftermarket part needed to gain this nice power in low to mid revs. No map or tune needed. You almost cant feel the change from low to high lift. Works perfect. Will never sell this car. Its a fun sleeper and, to me, a classic car. Makes me smile every time i rew it to the red line. :)

[@zoltanszalai418]

Thanks for this review. I own one of these and i can agree with everything you have just said. For some reason it looks more boring in the video than in real life. I had a little race once with an EP3 Civic Type-R on a dual carriageway coming out of a roundabout up to the next going from 2nd, 3rd and 4th and they were neck to neck really in the straight. However when we came to the braking zone up to the next roundabout the EP3 was just gone. Brakes and the handling need improving massively if anybody wants to enjoy this car to its full potential. It is still a lovable hot hatch even with all of its let down qualities.

[@trif55]

I feel like it's book 0-60 of 8.1 seconds is incorrect and it's much closer to the Civic's 6.x

[@therealdmarco6366]

I had an 03 PFL and loved it! Set of lowering springs was compulsory though lol. Get your gear changes right at it made you smile. Fun fact: Toyota lied about the 0-60 times for the Corolla so it didn’t affect the Celica T -Sport’s sales

[@Dan_Cartlidge]

What is the real 0-60 times of these?

[@ricepop12345678910]

@@Dan_Cartlidge Quotes 8.2 but I've done it in 6.9 in mine

[@therealdmarco6366]

@@Dan_Cartlidge High 6’s have been recorded. Top Gear magazine managed a 7.3 in the wet. Toyota’s official figure is something like 8.4 😂

[@abe3567]

Quicker than a type r especially in wet conditions I used to own one

[@Cole_King]

I had the Supercharged t-sport in this same colour I tinted the windows to the max, I even tinted the headlights and taillights. Got the exhaust de-catted the car looked like a little beast. None of the mods made the car any faster it was all show no go. These cars don't really have any potential in terms of performance. Now I have a turbocharged Championship white Integra type R which is bags of fun.

[@arcanevoid9199]

these cars have plenty of potential, and sounds like something was wrong. Supercharged 2zz go good, most people just don’t know enough about 2zzs

[@garywilliams6890]

I had the original T-Sport, then the facelift, then the Compressor model. The TTE Compressor version was by far and a way the most powerful of the 3, it seemed to outperform it's statistics on paper and felt the most stable, I believe it was even lower than the facelift version as standard, and had additional under floor braces too. My 2005 facelift one was a very lovely car as well. The original 2001 version's handling was no where near that of the other two as Jay describes in this VT. Miss them.

[@goransvraka3171]

You guy's are lucky! In Australia we only got the 4 door version and never the compressor!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Never knew this version of the Corolla existed. Thank you for making this video. Keep up the good work.

[@nathanchildress5596]

In America we got the Corolla XRS, sedan only, no supercharger option. They're really rare and when you see one you can tell the owners keep them flawless. I'm always jealous of the hot hatches we never saw over here

[@puregsr]

Matrix XRS is probably the more appropriate comparison. I have a 2004 with over 299,999 miles (odometer maxed out, a known Toyota glitch)

[@shredder1uk]

I had one for a couple of years and really enjoyed it. Pretty much bullet proof and surprised a few people as they thought it was just a standard corolla.

[@steezy_shred]

These were badged as a RunX RSi in South Africa, similar specs. Down here we love these cars and they're everywhere!

[@nathanielbanjolewis]

The TTE compressor versions are coming up for sale a lot recently. Because there are no parts around for the supercharger, i have heard stories of people who have blown the supercharger and the car is just sat in the garage years later, as there are no spares available. The standard T-sport engine is also so highly strung that you can not really pull masses more power out of it, and so the supercharged models are known to blow up for that reason. The normal T-sport is an awesome car, i have one as my first car.

[@tinnytinny9272]

had mine since 2005 and still going strong at 180000 on the clock might get another year from it before breakers

[@aidanbracken8706]

Squid work best when damp, unlike squibs, which aren't so keen.

[@Bombaclock]

I had a 2005 Corolla T-sport NA 192bhp,it was so damn fun to drive on trackdays and in the twisties! :D

[@rasch19785]

Fun fact: the swiss got a supercharged Version of this car. Backed by the factory warranty. Same for the 2003 Yaris RS, a supercharged 1,5l

[@QueimaRoscaInsano]

And with the Yaris 1.8 TS, Avensis, Verso and Auris.

[@ODGreenZa]

I have a 2006 model I bought new. Have 90 000km on the clock. Don't think I'll ever sell it. It's become my weekend drive

[@josefgordon7712]

Makes me long for a cheap Corolla XRS here in the US. Now I just gotta start saving up for the GR Corolla.

[@MegaTsport]

I bought one of these in 2004, at that time it was a fun car to drive. I had it for 11 years as a dayly driver without any trouble at all.The only things i didn't like about it was that it hade no Cruisecontrol , and that it was a bit to loud becuase of the high rpms on the highway.

[@heilong79]

Ah yes, The T-sport. The donor car for many an MR2 conversion.

[@ThijsVanDalen]

@Richard Harrold Does it really matter how usable the car is though? There are better options in that category

[@ThijsVanDalen]

​@Richard Harrold I would indeed personally pick the the BMW 130i over this car but also the MK5 Golf, the Clio R.S., the Fiesta ST or the Mazda 3 MPS. All of these (except the Fiesta) are faster than the Corolla T-sport. The car is probably isn't bad but you make it sound like a roadster is somehow terrible because it isn't practical?

[@tylercook7739]

@Richard Harrold yeah because who would want a mid engine car that revs to 8k+ and weighs less than a miata? No me give me the Carolla...

[@tylercook7739]

@Richard Harrold has suspect handling??? That's an interesting take for sure... Also what's up with you and this whole practicality thing? You know people can own more than one car right? Look I'm glad you like your first car and all but you don't need to go around putting others down. Especially when you go around thinking you're matrix or what ever is better handling than a mid engine lighter car that is also happens to be a full second faster in a 1/4 mile when it has the same engine.

[@tylercook7739]

@Richard Harrold comming from some one who races a 2zz MR S, the car is extremely well balanced and that was before the sway bars suspension and the massive tires. Also you are full of it. I have a friend who is over 6 feet and hefty who I have let race with it (stock seat) and he fit perfectly fine, so you are lying or you sit some sort of crazy fucked up way. I have another car for drag racing so I'll pass on the golf and ill also pass on the lotus that cost 5 times as much as the mr2 with the swap lol. I'm sorry you sit like a gangster and yank your foot off the pedal mid turn, if you aren't just lying. Hell you driving like that maybe why kids there can't have anything over 90 hp for a first car. Stop talking shit. Your car is fine but it is not the greatest in the world like you think it is.

[@lancefawcett1809]

LSD from a mr2, bigger 295mm discs and calipers from the avensis, sixth gear and baffled sump from a 140 celica, eibach springs, bilstein shocks, fat rear anti roll bar, short shifter and pilot sport 4 tyres = loads of fun 😁

[@tomelliott9]

I had one of these for my second car. Was really fun to drive on it's own but when you were trying to chase an EP3 or even an ST150 down a back road, it was clearly outclassed. I liked it though.

[@christopherali5975]

Guyana South America have plenty of these but it's called Runx and Allex equipped with a crawling 1.5L 1NZ-FE snail of an engine due to high customs tax and duty on higher CC engine. Most of these are used as taxi because it's fuel efficient and don't break down even through storms although most of them are over 300,000km.

[@GTFour]

Such a shame Toyota didn't release it as the facelift version from the start, I think it would have sold much better. Adding a few comforts like maybe cruise control would have really helped too. One featured is a really nice example.

[@stuartchristie654]

Loved mine, sold it to my brother and he still has it. It just won’t die….you have to work so hard to keep it on cam but when you do it is surprisingly swift

[@evildiesel1709]

I have a 2004 model and love it. It has been so reliable and so fun to drive. The lacquer is gone off it (it's red) so it looks like a shit heap. Apparently the head of Toyota asked the guys in Yamaha to make him an engine that would do 10,000rpm for 24 hours straight and this is the result.

[@zallas_99]

Here in South Africa, these are called RunX RSi, and they're very popular & sought-after cars. Most car enthusiasts love them, although they do carry quite a hefty 'Toyota Tax'. Out here you can buy a Hawkeye WRX or even a GT86 for about the same, or in some cases, less than 1 of these, lol. But they're great fun.

[@OldSonyMan]

I knew someone who had one of these (on lease) and managed to put it into 1st gear at 80 mph which did not end well ! My own Toyota got 'treated' to 3 services in 248,000 miles and still didn't let me down for anything more than battery failure !

[@R03333]

Into 1st at 80? How'd they manage that?

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@R03333 Momey shifting

[@allouttagum4919]

Wanted 3rd

[@R03333]

@@freddieparrydrums I guessed as much but a 2-3 becoming a 2-1 wouldn't usually be 80mph, unless it is really geared that long?

[@freddieparrydrums]

@@R03333 Yeah that’s true. That really should be 4th gear. And I don’t see how putting it into 1st was possible, he would’ve gone into 3rd

[@organiccold]

I really like them! Th series with a compressor output 225bhps. Regarding the airbag lights can be two things: clock spring but is very rare or the most normal issue the seats airbags connectors. Battery disconnected, first negative terminal then positive terminal, ignition on for 15 minutes, unplug the yellow air bag connectors under the seats, clean all the connections with contact cleaner, put the connectors back properly, check all the connections and with ignition off connect the battery, first the positive and then negative, and hope will be ok.

[@stjohncross8011]

Thanks I'll have this investigated and see if anything you suggest does the trick.

[@harleygreen8507]

I have a fielder, which is this car in wagon trim. 2zz vvtl-i 6 speed. Great daily, little na screaming wagon

[@burnoutlloyd]

Interesting comment about the 2zz lift zone, I find no issue keeping in lift from 2nd in my gen 7 gt when hammering it, and having recently driven an ep3, they too have 2000rpm on the vtec crossover but its 5800-7800 and strangely didn't feel as aggressive as my 2zz which I was so surprised about

[@retronerd2759]

My parents had one of these as a kid! 😃 In bronze, and had a full leather interior, not particularly fast but a lot of fun and a very revvy engine! But the interior was incredibly cheap, broke easily and just fell apart!

[@scalecrawlnl]

Good fun, lunch time video James, thank you very much! A new car to me, so very interesting. Did almost call out "V TEC yo" hearing the engine.

[@shanebrodeur8641]

I just got one and I love it a 2005 Toyota Corolla sports mode

[@Ayanami_channel]

I've got the 2.0 diesel version of these Corollas. It's not particularly sporty at all, feels pretty heavy compared to the Mazda2 I owned before, but it's an excellent daily driver, very economical and incredibly tough. I'd honestly say the 2.0 diesel suited this chassis very well; as a well specced tourer that handles fairly decently for a regular diesel family car. Would have one of these over any 1.9 TDI Golf, any day.

[@wakaflockaproject]

The 1. 9 tdi drives well n pulls well

[@DC3Refom]

You can get those chipped if its the D4D turbo model

[@1972dsrai]

In the late 90's unbelievably my parents let me buy whatever car I wanted and paid for it and the insurance. I opted for a red Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI. The insurance was nearly as much as the car itself. It was one of the best and most fun car's I've ever had. Between myself and my friends I think we had all of the most popular hot hatches of that era. It's the only Peugeot or even French car I've ever owned, I moved onto Alfa Romeo 147 and now Audi's the last few times. The Pug was great for it's time, but I'm sure if I drove it now it wouldn't give me the thrill it did then. I never thought of ever getting a Japanese car for some reason.

[@maximilianboost8498]

Have one of these as my shopping car, good fun. They are overgeared, I solved this by fitting 195/45/16 tyres which reduces the overall gearing by about 10%, reduces the unspung weight, lowers the car a tad and reduces sidewall height. Tyres are cheaper too. Good fun and cheap to insure.

[@giannakk]

My brother has this car and the previous owner had 195/45/16, care to elaborate?

[@maximilianboost8498]

@@giannakk it reduces the rolling circumference, weight, ride height. I feel it makes a huge improvement.

[@orbitaaltube]

I have owned a tsport for 8 years now as a daily. Great cars and I will never sell mine. Very safe as they have the fwd compared to other cars of the same era so even if you are giving it beans there is no oversteer. 6.5seconds to 60 makes it worth every penny.

[@lancefawcett1809]

The book 0_60 is 8.5 seconds, Yea right, the book bhp of a skyline is 278.😁

[@kentprince4851]

There is nothing wrong with the car or engine. One just need to know how to shift within the narrow high rev range. If you dont or cant be bothered to learn get another car. Another option is swap the 2zz ge with a 2zr fe which is also in the lotus elise.

[@jibson0011]

I bought a gen 2 when it first came out and it's worth mentioning that it wasn't just the Civic type R, there was also the MG ZT. At the time these three were considered very close rivals with the civic just getting it. The T-spot logo relates to TTE (Toyota Team Europe). Based in Germany home to to the F1 team and other factory race cars. They also advised bespoke car tuning to the mainstream for any car make, model but it never took off, neither did the F1 team.

[@denero4735]

These cars hammered I remember driving 2 of them and wow. What a car 🚗 awesome motor hardly a failure . Lotus Elise use the same engine borrowed from Toyota.

[@ostry66]

I have this car, use it as my daily and I have to defend the gearbox - if it had shorter gears it would be annoying as fuck to drive in the traffic. The way you overtake in this car is you choose 2nd or 3rd gear and you floor it, you don't need to shift, this car does about 150km/h on 3rd gear. If I were to race in this car, yeah it needs a different gearbox. For road use it's perfect as it is, I can keep the car at 2000rpm and save some fuel, or I can have some fun. It's a compromise

[@crg92]

Good review! I've owned a facelift Tsport and an EP3 Type R and the Tsport was deffinatly the nicer car to live with as a daily. Despite the engine not being as good. Even with 40mm eibach lowering springs the tsport still soaked up the bumps really well and handled much better than standard. Mine also had that leather/alcantara interior which is acctually quiet rare and was a very expensive optional extra from factory

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

VVTL-i stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift intelligent. Not sure why I remember that, but it's in there if it ever comes up in a pub quiz

[@MenaceSociety]

Really appreciate this video, thank you. Fair and honest opinion which really poked my curiosity. I have now test driven 3 and will purchase one this week!

[@EthanRawlins]

I had one as my second car for a couple of years, great car!

[@joshbacon8241]

Why didn’t Toyota offer the facelifted Corolla T-Sport in 5-door form in the UK, like they did with the pre-facelift? Why the facelift was only offered as a 3-door in the UK is beyond me.

[@curtisfebruarie3458]

South Africa got the 5 door version both facelift and pre-face lift. It was called the Runx RXI

[@ChrisKuni]

And don't even forget the Corolla T Sport (TS) Compressor (by TTE), who is even rarer than the normal T Sport.😃😄😁🤩🥰 Btw - The Corolla E12 series is for the most one of the best of its series ever and is even placed above the "sucsessor" Auris with up to MY'13 at least, when it comes to quality - aspecially of the interior and its materials as well as the design (in and out) and useability.

[@dmk0210]

What I don't understand is why did Toyota put this engine in this car, but not the MkIII MR-2? 🤨

[@antongonzalez4851]

Currently own a TS Compressor best thing I've ever owned and driven. Had it now since 2019

[@ollie-t7862]

Having driven a Celica VVTLI with the same engine I have to agree about the engine. It's so frustrating having the change to lift at such a high RPM.

[@reneeharewood5053]

I have seems guys manage to get the lift come on at 5000 rpm with a management

[@newcareachyear]

Cool review. Another idea fpr a rare JDM car worth checking out is the 2003-2007 Honda Accord Euro R (Japan or Singapore import only)

[@thetezz0001]

Great review bro, love that induction sound that corolla makes seems fun to drive

[@AW8UK]

Daughter had a 140bhp Gen 7 (face-lift so less engine concerns than earlier engine) . I know a very experienced Toyota mechanic .... he said prefered the everyday drivability of the 140 lump over the 190. Personally I would choose Gen 1 Yaris T Sport over the Corolla albeit with the asthmatic exhaust replaced for a free flow catback system (transforms the car). We have had 6 toyotas here ...I like the 1984-2004 (ish) era stuff... Never driven one could be swayed towards a black, face-lift Gen 2 Supra 2.8i (with the lotus developed suspension & digi-dash). Anyway I am digressing somewhat..thanks for review and owner for allowing same.

[@arcanevoid9199]

190 is plenty drivable, just need to use the gears

[@AW8UK]

@@arcanevoid9199 I hear that...albeit some say 190 lacks accessible response without need to swap cogs. Not owned myself so not saying I have an issue with 190

[@arcanevoid9199]

@@AW8UK it could idk, but i feel like people get used to cars which you can just get on it in any gear at pretty much any speed and it will get going fast. and then when they go back to something where you actually have to use the gears and they dont like it

[@AW8UK]

@@arcanevoid9199 Understood albeit many do not drive every journey for the driving. I am happy to swap cogs when "on it" &/or within reason, but sometimes folk want to just make moderate progress with less required interaction. I have owned rev happy petrol cars albeit I currently drive a diesel auto Merc....so by all means dismiss my remarks or at least treat them as you feel appropriate.....all the best 👍

[@jamesg1769]

Owner is also right about the air box snorkel. It's very restricting as standard. I routed a cold air feed from the passenger fog light to the airbox on mine

[@FalconDroppings]

My second car was a 2004 Corolla Sportivo (in my profile pic). I kept it for 3 years until the gearbox shattered into a million pieces. I sold it with a broken box and I regret selling it every day.

[@steveberridge4648]

Test drove a 2004 5 door back in 2008. Frustrating lack of torque in the higher gears but I rather liked it. Slammed into the limiter at the top end sounding like a banshee. Also very comfortable ride for a hot hatch.

[@Manu-Official]

Regarding the airbag that's not giving any codes, start with checking the wires under the front seats, most common failure in most cars with no rear doors, and you constantly have to move the seats back and forth to access the back... Good luck.

[@180toync]

In South Africa the car was sold as the Runx Rsi,I used to own the 2005 facelift for 8years and it was brilliant!!!!

[@02aerio]

Only 2000 of the Corolla xrs with the 2zz were sold in Canada

[@kotarojujo2737]

equivalent of corolla XRS in states, basically this car with 4 doors, come also with 2ZZ-GE and 6 speed manual.

[@deaks25]

Years ago I liver near someone who owned a facelifted Corolla T-Sport in blue and honestly, it looked quite sweet, had that 'sleeper hatch' look that at a first glance you wouldn't know it was a relatively quick car. To me hot hatches have kind of lost their way chasing ever bigger numbers and Lambo-style "Look at me" wings and colours, the whole "Take granny to out and then head home with your hair on fire without bankrupting yourself" is the point of a hot hatch, they're all-things-to-all-people. Definitely have a soft spot for the T-Sport. Also, a Puma and then a Hot Hatch is a damn fine start to car life, very nice.

[@DabDabGoose]

never knew the 2zz corollas came in 2 door, they didn't offer it in Australia in that version, it looks way better.