Here you have the test of the Toyota Corolla 2023 and, okay, everything may seem the same to you as before, but of course, now I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of those responsible for Toyota and have the mission of updating a product that is the most successful of your range (last year it rose as the best-selling compact in our country, close to 20% market share in its segment).
Surely your pulse trembles so as not to screw up. For this reason, from the Japanese brand they have decided to be extremely conservative in the restyling of their new Corolla. On the outside, only the design of the grille, the light signature of the headlights and the rear bumper are modified. New alloy wheel designs and three body colors are also released. Anything else? No, nothing else…
And inside? Well, things continue more or less the same as they were, although there are also news. One of them is the fully digital dashboard with a 12.3” high-definition screen. And best of all, its level of customization is very high.
I also have to tell you about the Toyota Smart Connect system, which has a 10.5″ touch screen and has updated software both in terms of response and functionality (although in my test unit the browser was not as fast as one want).
What is certain is that it is now compatible wirelessly with Apple CarPlay (for Android Auto it is still necessary to use the cable), it can receive updates, it has an improved voice assistant and compatibility with the brand’s MyT app.
In this sense, and in addition to the typical functionalities of this type of mobile application, such as checking the general condition of the car, you can now remotely turn on the air conditioner to heat or cool the passenger compartment before getting into the car (you need to start the engine). .
Another of the sections that Toyota has done well in its new Corolla 2023 is to increase the technological endowment at the security level. These are supported by a new system of cameras and radars with greater detection capacity, so much so that the range of the system has doubled.
In this sense, the pre-collision system now works at intersections, offers emergency assistance to the address or can avoid low-speed impacts when, for example, we accidentally over-press the accelerator.
For its part, the traffic sign recognition system has been optimized, as has the blind spot warning system, which is now capable of reacting to avoid collisions.
The good thing about these systems is that they work predictively, that is, for example, when you approach a roundabout or the vehicle in front of us slows down, the Toyota Corolla 2023 does too.
More powerful and saving mechanics
It is time to talk about what is hidden under the hood, all of them with the DGT ECO label. There are two fifth-generation hybrid alternatives that have a more powerful electric motor, to achieve more contained consumption and emissions.
The 1.8 hybrid engine of the new Corolla 2023 has increased its power by 14%, going from 122 to 140 CV, thanks to the incorporation of an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with higher performance.
The time to go from 0 to 100 km/h has been reduced by 1.8 seconds to 9.1 in the new Corolla 140H. And that is clearly perceived when it comes to picking up speed to, for example, overtake or join a fast lane. And all this with improved efficiency.
For its part, the Toyota Corolla 200H, the most powerful version with a 2.0 engine, has increased its power by 6% from 180 to 196 hp (it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds).
Although I have to say that of the two engines, in which the improvement is most noticeable is in the 140 CV. So much so that now I do consider that it is the engine to choose for its unbeatable combination of sufficient features, low consumption and access price.
2023 Toyota Corolla Prices
Available in the three bodies, 5 doors, Sedan and Touring Sports, the prices of the Toyota Corolla 2023 start at 29,200 euros. Especially notable are the discounts of the brand, in addition to the promotions (for example, in case of financing it). The most expensive Toyota Corolla corresponds to Touring Sports 200H GR Sport, which goes up to 36,900 euros.
