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2007 Toyota Corolla 5dr Hatch 1.6 VVTi Prado (CH) |
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Written by Colin Rear
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Saturday, 23 January 2010 11:28 |
Were I to describe the latest test car as a automotive utility, you would probably guess, without reading any further, what this car will turn out to be! Yes, that's right. A Toyota! As predicted, Hertz CH came up with a Corolla 1.6 VVTi, badged "Pardo" (!), with a particularly ill-fitting badge declaring this, stuck on to the rear hatch. Although the Auris is starting to appear in their fleet, there are still Corollas (is the plural "Corollae"?) left, and in the interests of renenwing my acquaintance with this car, and adding some decent pictures to my collection, I did not even try to negotiate anything else.
   
So, what did I think? Well, there's absolutely nothing this car does badly. But, there's absolutely nothing memorable about it, either. It really is a "good enough" car! The engine is probably the weakest point, as although it is smooth, it lacks torque, and power, and gets very noisy once you extend it more than with moderate gentleness! It is quite economical, though, averaging 7.5 litres/100km since the trip computer was reset. I squeezed in just 25 litres at the end of a 385km test, which calculates out at 42 mpg.   
The interior is finished in decent quality plastics - not as good as Audi (or Ford, for that matter!), but better than the hard edged horrors we used to get. Dash is clearly laid out, and intuitive, and there's none of that nonsense with starter buttons etc, let alone stupid electronic handbrakes. it's not over-stylised, unlike the follow-on Auris model. It's comfortable, though the driving position did feel slightly awkwardly off-set, with plenty of space in the back, and a decent and regular shaped boot. This model had air-con with climate control, and a slight upgrade to the stereo system to incorporate a basic sat-nav capability in it (which was programmed in French!).
     
Conclusion, then? Perfectly acceptable, and doubtless would continue that way for mnay years. But exciting? no, not at all! One of my neighbours (recently move away) had one for 4 years, but he has just replaced it with an Alfa 147. And I don't blame him.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 19:11 |
