Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Review | A Calming Experience

Anthony Murphy reviews the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Hybrid for CarsIreland.ie
The humble estate car has lost out in recent years to the SUV onslaught. We discuss the merits of the Toyota Corolla in estate form.
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Presented and produced by Anthony Murphy

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I had one of these as a hire car on holiday. I fell in love with it and my next car will definitely be a Corolla. It was so calming to drive even in winter conditions in Lapland, and still returned decent fuel economy even at -27C. Wonderful car

[@podge5555]

While you were in the back, you should have pointed out that the soft touch materials on the doors continue to the back doors, unlike some if it’s main competitors.... Golf (cough)

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

You are spot on: driving this car is a calming experience and has a zen quality to it! It is like you become a part of the hybrid synergy drive system: helping to optimise the balance between combustion engine and electric motor.

[@wellingtonduggan7416]

Just picked up my new corolla hybrid hatchback touring sport. Totally understand what your talking about when you say it's a very relaxing car to drive! I noticed it the first time I drove,due to myself being a very nervous driver!. It really is calming. I would say it would be the perfect car for your driving test. Great review 👍

Just got the Touring Sports 1.8 on Monday and I'm in love. I was also surprised by how comfortable and relaxing it is to drive. Previously, I was impatient and always anxious to overtake slower driving cars, even if I wouldn't win much time in my everyday driving. In Touring Sports it indeed feels like I'm in zen mode, just enjoying the calming smooth drive. No rush at all. Sure, it doesn't have that power for quick takeovers when you are already driving 80km/h, but actually, that's something I rarely would really need. Taking off from traffic lights up to 60-70km/h is quite decent in my opinion. It's only after 70km/h when it starts to get slow on acceleration. If you are mostly driving in city and fine not having extra power available on a highway, then, in my opinion, TS 1.8 with its price is in its own league.

[@donkirk5433]

Hi Sam H I am pleased your enjoying your new car :)Touring Sports 1.8 If you read my comment sadly over here in Northern Ireland no Demo model of that car is available how ever I have one on order and all being well should be in N.Ireland around October 2021 but any feed back on your car would be most helpful :) Oh I take it yours is the Hybrid !! as well as the engine. From Don N.Ireland.

[@donkirk5433]

I wonder can any one be so kind to let me know in how many miles to the gallon as I have heard all sorts of comments and I really do follow the mileage in their hand book please advise anyone :) From Don N.Ireland. PS we still use MPH over here ;

@@donkirk5433 I have now driven 17.000km since January when I got the car. Overall the average fuel consumption is 4.8 litres / 100km. Not sure how that converts to mpg. During winter when it was -20 celsius degrees the consumption was close to 6 litres, but now during summer it has been around 4.3 litres / 100km. Still liking the car very much. In high speeds 100-120km/h the steering is slightly too light, but that’s the only small gripe I can think of. I hope this helps.

[@donkirk5433]

Demo has arrived :) as in the Touring Sports 1.8 cc as I tested out the Hatchback engine Hybrid which was great but not enough room in the boot and much less than the Toyota Estate so Sam it would be helpful if you could give your feed back on the estate :)

[@donkirk5433]

Sam try the sports mode lol I did in the Hatch back lol and no I am not a boy racer but yes I drive vehicle's and instruct driving in blue light emergency vehicle's. PS I can see maybe some of the 999 services having a look at the Touring Sports but maybe the 2.0 cc which gives you that extra horse power but less mileage re fuel.

[@01avensis]

Just caught up with this video and it reflects my experience of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports perfectly. Relaxing & comfortable to drive and ride in. Quiet and very well equipped. It's a joy. Excellent around town where the economy is superb. I drove down to Spain last month and a long haul like that also emphasizes the car's qualities. I can see myself keeping this for years. Toyota's build quality and reliability should make that very viable. Great video.

[@narenramachandran]

I bought a 2019 1.8L Corolla Touring Sport recently in Europe, and I am absolutely in love with the car In the past weeks, I noticed a mileage on average 4.6 L / 100 km Ride quality is excellent And the boot space is terrific for a small family 🎉

[@carsirelanddotie]

Thanks for sharing!

[@godfreyd8301]

Exactly what the TSS is like but one warning,. The light coloured dashboard reflect the sun back into the windscreen so I bought a Matt black mat which improved the view 100%. But overall a smooth, quiet run giving 50-60mph without effort.

[@mohammedadel4973]

Love it! And thanks for sharing your experience! I just got it yesterday, model 2019. Still searching for a place in Dublin to install Front & Rear parking sensors at a lower price rather than Toyota itself, as they ask for 950 Euro :(

[@toninocars]

Best car in class no question. The easiest way to compare is with an old Mercedes w124 e200d automatic, but silent 👌🙂

[@robbryant52]

Just received my 2023 corolla hybrid estate and its great

[@rachelyoung9555]

Love your review so I am getting one of these

[@carsirelanddotie]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!

[@vodonnell1]

Passed a 95D plate Corolla salon yesterday shabby but going fine still a lot of the old ones about.

[@MrGrenville]

Like Bob Flavin, great review, makes my decision to change my Peugeot 308 for the Toyota Corolla 1.8 Touring Sports closer, RRG Salford Quays, when everything settles down I will be round

[@peace4myheart]

I bought the Corolla Hatchback, but would have bought this if it were available at the time because it is more practical.

[@Benderswe1]

Few seeem to pick up that the strait line in the dash the metalic thing mirrors the 1978 corolla dash board where u also have a strait line dash

[@ShelbybossV8]

As a petrol head i love a saloon or estate,you can keep your SUV's..farmers,construction workers & people who live in the outback sholud only have suvs. The Toyota looks great,lovely lines ,solid build quality,great mpg. Starts on the button..what more can you ask from your car .

[@carsirelanddotie]

We’re fans of an estate here too!

[@gerryrowe6389]

Ah Jaysus , I don’t know about elegant styling there Ted

[@jjv2554]

I have hybrid 2.0 TS. Nice engine and economical. A bit sad that it's noisy car, too much tire noise. Good side is that for example wind noise does not bother 😀

[@bengoey]

Could I ask, is your car a hatchback (18 inch wheel ) or an estate ( 17 inch wheel ) ? Hopefully the estate with a smaller wheel is less noisy,

[@bojack3827]

Nice looking car

[@danynotonegoro5453]

One thing I don't like about modern Corolla is how long the front overhang is... it's looks good on the hatchback though. But on the sedan and estate, It's doesn't fit well

[@eyunseville1310]

back seat pattern is like something from lamborghini. lol. btw i really like this car

[@danielchristian9833]

Does it sit lower than the sedan?

[@AndrewKNI]

It would be interesting to hear the engine cope with steep hills. Just wondering how annoying the engine drone would be for regular driving in hilly areas. I guess a test drive would sort that sometime.

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

I have driven my TS 1.8 for 10 months and I live in Norway, where hilly roads with steep stretches are very common. In my experience, the car does not have any unpleasant behaviour on steep stretches (but sport mode is recommended on those roads). If you manage well your battery (which is the only thing that driving a hybrid well requires) and do not approach the steep hill too slow or with the electric motor only: everything is fine. Otherwise you will experience a noticeable engine noise. The car suffers a bit when you drive on relentless, long and winding roads, like those in the Alps, but this should not be an issue in Ireland 🍀🙂.

[@AndrewKNI]

@@giovannidegrandis1879 Hello Giovanni. Many thanks for taking the time to provide a detailed reply. It seems that in 'normal' everyday city/motorway driving that the Corolla is relatively at ease and quiet. Plus good use of the Sport button when the going gets a bit tougher (which is a great tip). We do not have anything close to the Alps here lol :-) In fact most of my journeys are town/city based where the hybrid would probably excel. I know someone with the last version, the Auris hybrid, and he can do most short local trips on battery only. I'm all for comfort and ease of driving these days, mainly as the traffic here can be quite heavy (and slow moving) during the day. There is a 2019/20 Corolla for sale near me....might be worth a look when we get out of our lockdown. Regards to Norway. :-)

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

@@AndrewKNI Hi Andrew, it is a pleasure to share my experience of the car. For the use you describe and relaxed driving, the Corolla should be a great choice. I drive mostly in country road or motorway (well, Norwegian motorways often look like country roads and have very slow speed limits) and I manage to have great fuel economy and relaxed driving. In town it is great and it really uses the electric motor a lot. If I may offer a second tip, do not try to use as long as possible the electric motor: it is better to use the combustion engine a bit more liberally and make sure that you have enough battery charge when it is most needed and most efficient to go electric. Think as if it is a dance between the two engines: they should take turns in leading the dance 🕺💃🙂.

[@AndrewKNI]

@@giovannidegrandis1879 Hi, the Corolla does seem to be a great candidate for smooth and ease of driving. Sounds like a wee bit of anticipation is the key. Even having the auto box alone would be a bonus in traffic. Happy motoring :-)

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

@@AndrewKNI Happy motoring too! Absolutely: a bit of anticipation is the key! And hello to Ireland: the most poetic country in Europe, even the names of the trim levels are poetic there! 🌙🙂

[@MiniEggs1999]

Would you choose it over a Skoda Superb?

[@SM-co3bv]

Could you put a normal spare wheel in the boot?

[@donkirk5433]

My new model comes with a proper spare wheel :)

[@toninocars]

These cars are made in Uk and Irish variants are way better equipped then what’s available in England

[@donkirk5433]

So I have heard but no confirmation as yet please advise :)

[@dp8685]

Couple pointers you will notice once had for while. Rear headroom is not good as sides of roof slope in which makes you lean head into centre. Legroom in rear is tight and a lot less then a 6 year old Octavia. When getting in dash sticks out and you bash legs, also car seats low so end up climbing out of. Apple play is standard but to connect need to plug in to daft slot by front passenger knee. If don’t use car for weeks small battery in engine bay goes flat and if does car will not run as needs to activate hybrid. Passenger seat no height adjustment, rear boot not wide and curved upwards restricting space. Led lights are ok but know where near as good as every other manufactures led headlights. Screen wash warning it does not have. Cold weather drastically affects mpg and turns 60mpg in summer to 45 in winter. Servicing is every 10k at around £190 so not cheap. Brakes are sketchy and do not feel connected as when come to stop there is a delay between braking and stopping making it poor for passengers. Cabin noise is high at around 75db at 50mph compared to 68 Passat. Cvt gearbox is annoying but get used to it. EV won’t work above 25 mph. If put in normal mode or sport drives much better. Overall not a bad car but Octavia a better buy and cheaper just not as reliable.

[@donkirk5433]

Interesting in that EV will not work above 25mph.

[@miroeight]

That's very helpful, thank you. I'm just about to buy either this one or an Octavia

[@donkirk5433]

@@miroeight Yes but I have still ordered a new one myself :)

[@donkirk5433]

Mind you where I live is full of hills Co Antrim N.Ireland so I am happy with that new Toyota Hybrid Estate :)

[@miroeight]

@@donkirk5433 interesting, what made you choose the toyota?

[@tanner1ie]

Estates are ok, but i wish the only cars made were saloons and sports cars (they're the only ones i like anyway 😀).

[@christhomas5708]

The car is self charging the battery may not be but the car is a self charging hybrid

[@0bzen22]

"Everyone wants an SUV"? hmm I disagree. Estates are actually in high demand, especially the Corollas, it's the supply, but more the high demand. Not necessarily from the general public, altohugh they are popular, but professionals value these cars highly. I still have 6 months wait for a Corolla 2.0L Touring 2023. Damn it's hard :D

[@patrickmcardle6285]

I think there's a Toyota update that needs to be installed to get android auto / apple car play

[@m4dj]

It's already done. Also the 2019 year model here on our country has the android auto and works nice. The my21 model has all the support for android auto and apple car. Already saw it in action.

[@donkirk5433]

@@m4dj Yes your correct as from 2019 on wards had the full update :)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Why does Japan get a Touring Sports Hybrid with an all wheel drive system while Ireland and all of Europe are denied this feature?

[@donkirk5433]

Very good point :)

[@BogdanBogdan-um9zi]

It's not the same car like in Europe. It's a little bit smaller on all directions. They don't offer 4x4 (an electric engine on the back) because of small demand.

[@donkirk5433]

I have one on order but sadly unable to find that model in N.Ireland for a test drive:( as I have been in contact with every Toyota dealership in N.Ireland and sadly no demo cars :( Note Suzuki SWACE SZ‑T HYBRID is a poor copy and very basic inside and yes I had a test drive and walked away afterwards and ordered the Toyota Corolla Sports 1.8 Hybrid which should arrive October 2021 and wait for it that genuine Toyota Corolla Touring Sports model is cheaper by far and has all the extra's I am looking for ) including the Sat Nav as the SWACE you need to use your mobile phone USB led as in goggle maps and to my dismay not all mobile phones will work the the Swace system from your mobile phone :( the salesman suggested I purchase a brand new mobile phone!!! which is not on my shopping list as a free unlocked mobile phone can cost £££££: I will in due course once I have the car will post my honest comments on performance etc. PS: I have never driven any type or model of Toyota but mainly have been a big fan of Fords :) Don from Co Antrim N.Ireland. Your feed back is more then welcome :)

[@donkirk5433]

Pleased to tell you all got my new car :) Very pleased :)

[@frankjoyce6577]

Anthony fine revue as always! I do agree that the term self charging is a bit of a con and most diesels are still more economical.

[@flexairz]

Correct.

[@SaccoLokka]

@@flexairz I don't know wich country you live in, but in sweden they will raise the taxes on new diesel cars this year. It's gonna get crazy expensive to own a diesel, especially the first 3 years. They will raise the taxes on new petrol cars as well but not as much.

[@SM-co3bv]

They will put the price up to charge electric cars, once everyone has to have one.

[@donkirk5433]

@@SM-co3bv I will agree with you Sean on that score :)

[@mikeswain1945]

Love this car but the automatic is new to me. Never having driven an automatic before, is it as simple as putting the gear lever in Drive and pressing the accelerator?

[@carsirelanddotie]

Hi Mike, yep it's that simple. Very handy!

[@rachelyoung9555]

Yes

[@garethtalbot8950]

In 2023, Entry model now 33k 😞 that's 1k over sol model in 2020.

[@MrAlin311]

It is a car that got a built in lithium ion battery which you don't need to plug in to get it charged like full electric cars as an integral part of its powertrain (hence) a self charging hybrid?!

[@neilharding4662]

This one or Seat st Auto.

[@MOSSFEEN]

I have Seat Leon st fr (Diesel) miles nicer than that Yolk

[@lanesworld4000]

Dang, big 🐈😻 Cat 😆

[@ShatNdd]

I had Corolla TS 2.0 hybrid in my short list. Honda Civic 1.5 manual won :)

[@ST-of2uc]

Could you please share what you found better in Honda?

[@ShatNdd]

@@ST-of2uc sure! This is more about passion and taste of driving. Civic HB is almost the same practical, ~same price, but with addition of fun-factor in your life. It delivers more interesting driving experience. You feel as you driving the car not just being transferred from point ot point. Civic Hatchback is a bit bigger than Corolla Hatch and a bit smaller than TouringSport and definitely looks more fun and agressive from outside. Civic also can go faster than 200km/h when hybrids are limited to 180km/h. I never drive with this speeds, but it is still possible :) P.S. there's always plenty of time to go with Toyota Hybrids somewhen later when became older.

[@ST-of2uc]

@@ShatNdd thank you so much :)

[@MH-nr2wo]

Is the steering that dead feeling?

[@MiguelRPD]

Modern Corollas don't have this issue anymore.

[@donkirk5433]

@@MiguelRPD I heard that has been up graded :)

[@MiguelRPD]

@@donkirk5433 yep. My mother has a '13 Corolla. That one has a dead feeling steer. My sister's '16 Corolla steering feels much better. And I did test drive a '20 Corolla hatch at Toyota and it's miles better than the '16

[@donkirk5433]

@@MiguelRPD Many thanks for taking the time to reply :) I have ordered the 16" wheels as from all the reports I have to hand is a great motor and I require an estate car but once this Demo model arrives I will type up my honest and genuine comments :) I am aware there is a back order for most new cars but I am unsure what the real reasons our as my close friend has ordered and MG Estate and it will January 2022 and being honest I was not impressed with that model even though it was an EV 100% Electric :( as in my area we have only 3 rapid charging points and the MG estate was so basic and no sat nav where as the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Hybrid 2021 has loads of extra's :) and don't have to que for a charging point and I am sure they will soon start to charge for topping up the battery even thou I can have a standard charger in and around £700 installed which can take around 6 to 8 hours to charge the car. Yes I have heard Tesco and BP UK will be installing basic charging points but no dates have been given !! Once again can I thank those who sent me messages with their advice :) From Don N.Ireland Co Antrim.

[@mrsmith697]

Well if you are in a hurry,,bye a supra..or a kuningsee

[@NedNew]

6 feet = c. 180cm

[@kris856]

5:14 you know it is basically a lie? A big cupholder bin in the door, though not big enough to hold a 0,5 liter bottle. Pathetic. Compare it with any skoda.... 5:42 you say the seats are comfy, but judging by this image there is no sufficient support for your tights whatsoever. Next week I will be able to check by myself as I am going to get a new car, but I don't think the seats are as comfy as I might expect. Mind you - I am currently driving RAV4 and I am very dissapointed with the driver's position and the seat itself. It is a torture for me to spend in this car more than couple of hours.

[@godfreyd8301]

Whoops 50-60mpg without effort

[@donkirk5433]

Sounds good Godfrey :) all I am waiting is feed back on the battery and distance, From Don of Northern Ireland

[@andwelovearpsychopat7820]

ITS NOT A CVT GEARBOX..do you're homework man

[@matthewdoyle8644]

Its a ECVT ,saying cvt is close enough you get the picture.

[@philcaffrey]

It's not you're. Do your grammar homework man. 🤓

[@danifer1981]

Why does this guy sound like a Swede speaking English?!

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

To me, he sounds like what he is...an Irishman speaking the English language...and I must say he has a very nice and relaxing Irish accent.

[@stevencampbell1150]

I have to be honest and say one thing about it and that is no! I get that it's a hybrid and as such it's an automatic but I detest CVT gearboxes with an all conquering passion. This comes from driving a Nissan Note with said type of gearbox fitted and it was truly awful. I only had it at the time because my own car was in for a service but man alive CVT gearboxes are terrible. Also regarding the economy it's not great really since I'd get that out of my manual 6 speed diesel Renault Kadjar plus tho'the price of the car wasn't mentioned I'd imagine it wasn't that cheap either.

[@henningk.4236]

The gearbox used in the HSD drive train is completely different to the common CVT.

[@stevencampbell1150]

@@henningk.4236 call it what you want but a CVT is a CVT when u put your foot down the engine revs go up, very little happens apart from the fuel gauge sinking a few millimetres as the engine guzzles fuel and then eventually it decides to change gear resulting in a lot of frustration from behind the wheel. Give me a manual gearbox over a dim witted CVT anyday!

[@christhomas5708]

Diesel cars are far worse for en viroment than hybrids most makers are being sued for falsifying readings plus price of fuel is dear and getting worse every year

[@stevencampbell1150]

@@christhomas5708 problem is hybrids are useless for the motorway! So your point is? Also exactly how environmentally friendly is the making of a battery for a hybrid and if you're going down the route of emissions you'll also find that many of the readings for hybrids have been falsified and are in fact much higher than stipulated plus for a plug in hybrid where does the electricity come from? A coal fired power station! So remind me again how environmentally friendly a hybrid is again? 🤔

[@giovannidegrandis1879]

@@stevencampbell1150 Toyota e-CVT is different from a CVT, and works rather like a differential. You need to understand how it works and then you realize that it makes no sense to push down the accelerator, just like with a manual gearbox you do not shift down when you are already in high rev or with a diesel you do not push the rev as with a (non turbo) petrol engine. It is a very different kind of transmission that needs a different driving style (a more zen style, as the reviewer aptly said! 😀😎).

[@gporourke627]

Here's the thing about the Corolla. If you go on a date with someone who drives a Corolla, you can expect the following. They are probably a geography teacher or civil servant but def someone who'll get a state pension. They are already eyeing up the baby seats ( ugh ! ) and a small dog ( for the boot, ugh again ! ). You'll end up living in a 3 bed semi detached house in some god forsaken estate full of pony tails and leggings ( women ) and track suits ( men ). Who wash their Toyota in the driveway and hoover it out. . If that's your dream then go for it. And Anthony your just not ready for that yet...or , are you....🤔👍

[@robertreid9079]

You have just summed up my life 😀Only joking I drive an Arteon and a 140i. Comfort and performance !

[@gporourke627]

@@robertreid9079 👍👍

[@MOSSFEEN]

Toyota Corollas OAP cars

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

Well, GP O'Rourke, thank you for making me laugh on this miserable, rain-swept day, with your graphic description of someone who drives a Corolla...such as me 😂 (proud owner of a Corolla Touring Sports 2.0 Excel, with panoramic roof, and, yes, I will get my State pension at some point in the future... 👩‍⚕️ if I live long enough to keep up with the changes in age of eligibility!). Aah, but I don't live on a housing estate; I live in a very nice detached house in the countryside (surrounded by sheep, of course). However, the housing estate in the nearest town is made up of semi-detached houses, and exactly as you described regarding how the residents look. The only difference is that their driveways are full of high-powered SUVs, Golfs and Audis. I'm so glad I'm past that "keeping up with the Joneses" stage and caring what anyone else thinks. I've realised there's far more to a car than a badge...and I love my Toyota far more 😉😊

[@flexairz]

Love my Niro Hybrid. Toyota, nah.

[@thomasclarke304]

Sorry nearly fell asleep.....the car is god awful boring!!!!!😴😴😴😴

[@robertreid9079]

Maybe that is it’s USP.😀

[@colmreilly21]

It’s a Toyota what were u expecting

[@TheLifeEvents]

Love the UK 2.0 Litre EXCEL model. But Sooo expensive,.