Among the many changes made to the latest Corolla, the new engine, revised suspension and use of higher-quality sound insulation materials will be most evident to driver and passengers, who will come away with mixed impressions.
Toyota touts the new 16-valve four-cylinder powerplant as being lighter, more powerful and more economical
than its predecessor. Right on all counts. The all-aluminum engine does give the Corolla sprightly performance,
even when teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission as was the case with our test car. Yet it sipped fuel
at a commendably miserly 30 mpg average during our test.
But it is a noisy little beast, buzzing away loudly when accelerating. It is somewhat more muted at cruising
speeds, though a resonance at 3000 rpm--possibly a quirk with our test car--was intrusive. The gearbox, on the
other hand, shifts smoothly and responds quickly when called upon to downshift for hill climbing or passing
maneuvers.
Judged by class standards, the Corolla handles well, especially when equipped with the slightly upgraded
suspension included in the Touring Package. Light but precise power-assisted steering helps as well. Ride quality,