Review: Toyota Corolla 1.8 GSX
I’ve always considered Corollas to be plain and simple cars, purely a means of transport. The Corolla was always Mom’s car — expected to do the fetching and carrying, tolerating unspeakable abuse at the hands of teenage learner drivers, and generally playing second fiddle to a garage mate that was always an upmarket status symbol reverently referred to as Dad’s Car.
I’ve also always acknowledged that Corollas are solidly built, reliable workhorses. They may be boring to drive, but Toyotas seem to go on forever. I know of a dozen people whose haphazardly maintained and sometimes sinfully neglected Toyotas are still mechanically healthy despite having gone round the clock two or three times.
My immediate impression of the new generation Corolla is that it has grown up. The 1,8 litre GSX bears little resemblance to its ancestors — if this car were a child Dad would be demanding a paternity test. It looks and feels like a big comfortable family car. Wider and longer than its predecessors, it is now rather spacious inside. Noise and vibration levels have been reduced; the five-speed gearbox, power steering and disc brakes all round make driving more a pleasure than a chore; and the 1,8-litre fuel-injected engine produces a satisfying 100kW of power. There’s also a little luxury in the form of a multi-function trip computer, which displays average speed, average fuel consumption or actual current fuel consumption.
Safety has been dramatically improved with dual airbags, driver’s side airbag, ABS brakes and fog lamps. Comfort features include leather seat inserts, driver’s seat height adjustment, electric windows, remote electric side mirrors, aircon, radio/CD and my favourite Toyota nicety — a footrest next to the clutch pedal. Security wise, a transponder key operated alarm/immobiliser system and remote central locking are standard equipment.
The new Corolla GSX is a classy car, with alloy wheels, simulated wood panelling and ivory-coloured trim. It’s still practical and sensible, but stylish and rather enjoyable to drive.
Class doesn’t come cheap, and the GSX sells for R180 120. However, this now includes a five year/ 90 000km service plan that covers specified parts and labour (excluding normal wear-and-tear items).