The 2011 model Toyota Corolla Ascent hatchback will be reviewed.

This will be an ongoing, continuously updated review, resource and blog for the 2011 Toyota Corolla. I have just purchased one and this will be photographed and reviewed here over the coming weeks. The car will be delivered in a couple of days.

Topics covered will include 2011 Toyota Corolla Hatchback:

Performance:

A sophisticated 100kW 1.8L dual VVT-i engine makes getting behind the wheel a pleasure.

It’s hard to write much about performance in the early stage of the cars life but it has enough torque to keep most motorists happy. I will be going into more intensive testing in the future once the car has been run in.

Quality:

Impressively equipped with great features and advanced technology . You feel like the car has evolved a lot and is solid.

Style:

Built on Corolla’s heritage with intelligent design, comfort and convenience. Well you can see from the pictures that this model has a lot of style and oozes with personality. Obviously it helps to add your own touches to it and personalize the Corolla to how you like it. I just done a few little things like using premium number plates, putting some new wheels/tires on along with tinting the windows. Everyone that has seen it has been blown away. It’s amazing how a little bit of extra effort on some of these accessories can make such a difference.

Let’s take a look at some images, all the pics of the graphite colour car is the one tested.

Comfort
Style
Engine
Transmission
Wheels
Interior
Exterior
Trim
Glass
Body
Lights
Audio
Accessories

2011 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Specification:

INSTRUMENT & CONTROLS

Power steering: STD …
- Power steering type: Electric …
Steering wheel: STD …
- Steering wheel type: Plastic/urethane …
- Tilting adjustment: STD …
- Telescopic/reach adjustment: STD …
Cruise control: O/PACK …
Trip computer: STD …
Door mirrors – driver’s side: STD …
- Exterior mirror adjustment type: Electrically adjustable …
- Exterior mirror colour: Body colour …
Door mirrors – passenger’s side: STD …
- Exterior mirror adjustment type: Electrically adjustable …
- Exterior mirror colour: Body colour …
Rear view mirror: STD …
Windscreen wipers: STD …
- Intermittent windscreen wipers: Variable …
Rear window: STD …
- Rear window wipers: Intermittent …
Headlight control: STD …
Main dashboard display: STD …
- Type: Analog …
Tachometer: STD …
Low fuel level warning: STD

FEATURES

Air conditioning: STD …
Ventilation system: STD …
Power windows – front: STD …
Power windows – rear: STD …
Vanity mirror – driver’s side: STD …
- Illuminated vanity mirror: STD …
Vanity mirror – passenger’s side: STD …
- Illuminated vanity mirror: STD

DIMENSIONS

(Note: Some figures are approximate only and may vary due to options/accessories fitted.)

External dimensions: STD …
- Length (mm): 4245 …
- Width (mm): 1760 …
- Height (mm): 1515 …
- Wheelbase (mm): 2600 …
Off road specifics: STD …
- Approach angle: 15 …
- Departure angle: 28 ….

STORAGE

Glovebox: STD …
- Illuminated glovebox: STD …
Sunglass holder: STD …
Console – floor: STD …
- Console type: Full …
Seat back storage – behind front seat(s): STD …
- Seat back storage – type: Pocket …
Door pockets – driver’s side: STD …
Door pockets – passenger’s side: STD …
Door pockets – rear: STD …
Beverage holders – front seats: STD …
- Number of cup holders: 2 …
- Number of bottle holder/s: 2 …
Beverage holders – rear seats: STD …
- Number of bottle holder/s: 2 ….

SAFETY

Anti-Skid Brakes (ABS) – All wheels: STD …
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD): STD …
Brake Assist (BA): STD …
Traction Control (TRC): STD …
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): STD …
Front airbag – driver: STD …
Front airbag – passenger: STD …
Side airbag – front seats: STD …
Side curtain airbag – front and rear: STD …
Knee airbag – driver’s side: STD …
Front seat belts – driver: STD …
- Pre-tensioner seatbelts: STD …
- Front seat belts force limiter: STD …
- Height adjustable seatbelts: STD …
Front seat belts – passenger: STD …
- Pre-tensioner seatbelts: STD …
- Front seat belts force limiter: STD …
- Height adjustable seatbelts: STD …
Rear seat belts – centre: STD …
- Seatbelt type: 3-point …
- 2nd row/rear seat ALR seatbelts for child seats: STD …
Rear seat belts – driver’s side: STD …
- Seatbelt type: 3-point …
- 2nd row/rear seat ALR seatbelts for child seats: STD …
Rear seat belts – passenger’s side: STD …
- Seatbelt type:3-point …
- 2nd row/rear seat ALR seatbelts for child seats: STD ….

TYRES & RIMS

Tyres – front: STD …
- Tyre width (mm): 195 …
- Tyre profile: 65 …
- Tyre rating: H …
Tyres – rear: STD …
- Tyre width (mm): 195 …
- Tyre profile: 65 …
- Tyre rating:H …
Wheels – front: STD …
- Rim type: Steel …
- Rim diameter (inch): 15 …
- Rim width (inch): 6 …
- Wheel covers: Full …
Wheels – rear: STD …
- Rim type: Steel …
- Rim diameter (inch): 15 …
- Rim width (inch): 6 …
- Wheel covers: Full …
Spare wheel – internal: STD …
- Spare wheel type: Full: size …
- Rim type: Steel …
- Spare wheel tyre size: 195/65 R15 91H ….

SOUND SYSTEM

Audio system: STD …
- Audio includes radio: AM & FM …
- Audio includes single CD: STD …
- MP3 compatibility: STD …
Speakers: STD …
- Number of speakers: 6 ….

DRIVETRAIN

Drive: STD …
- Driven wheels: Front …
Transmission: STD …
- Transmission type: Manual …
- Number of gears: 6 …
- Transmission description: Manual ….

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES

(Note: Kerb, tare & payload weights are nominal and will vary depending on options and tray/body type.)

Weights: STD …
- Kerb weight (kg): 1260 …
- Gross vehicle weight rating (kg): 1805 …
- Gross trailer weight braked (kg): 1300 …
- Gross trailer weight unbraked (kg): 450 …
Seating: STD …
- Seating capacity: 5 …
Fuel tank – main: STD …
- Capacity (L): 55 …
- Fuel type: Unleaded …

(Note: Genuine Towbar Capacity – Refer to Genuine Accessory Guide, as it may differ from Vehicle Towing Capacity in some circumstances.
Towing capacity – Subject to state regulations, towbar design and towing equipment.)

INTERIOR TRIM AND SEATING

Seat upholstery: STD …
- Main seat material: Cloth …
Floor covering: STD …
- Floor covering in cabin: Textile …
Grab handles: STD …
- Number of grab handles: 4 …
Front seat – driver: STD …
- Front seat type: Bucket …
- Slide adjustment: STD …
- Slide adjustment type: Manual …
- Recline adjustment: STD …
- Recline adjustment type: Manual …
- Height adjustment: STD …
- Height adjustment type: Manual …
Front seat – passenger: STD …
- Front seat type: Bucket …
- Slide adjustment: STD …
- Slide adjustment type: Manual …
- Recline adjustment: STD …
- Recline adjustment type: Manual …
Rear seats – front facing: STD …
- Recline adjustment: STD …
- Recline adjustment type: Manual …
- Folding rear seat back: 40/60 …
Head restraints – front seats: STD …
Head restraints – rear seats: STD ….

LIGHTING

Courtesy (dome) lights: STD …
- Delayed/fade: STD …
Map lights – front: STD …
Cargo light: STD ….

SECURITY

Immobiliser: STD …
Central door locking: STD …
- Central door locking operation: Remote …
Cargo area cover: STD …
Remote fuel flap release: STD ….

EXTERIOR

Bumpers – front: STD …
- Colour of bumpers: Body colour …
Bumpers – rear: STD …
- Colour of bumpers: Body colour …
Headlights: STD …
- Lens type: Complex surface …
- Headlight bulb type: Halogen …
Spoiler – boot/hatch: STD …
Exterior door handles: STD …
- Exterior door handles colour: Body colour …
Paint: STD …
- Paint type: Gloss ….

VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS

Mobile phone additions: STD …
- Wireless connection: Bluetooth …

(Note: The Bluetooth word mark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth™ will only operate with telephones enabled with compatible Bluetooth wireless technology (HFP (Hands Free Profile) v1.0 and OPP (Object Push Profile) v1.1 international standards.)

(Note: Satellite Navigation coverage are major capitals, primary national roads & some regional areas.) .

BRAKES

Disc brakes: STD …
- Number of disc brakes: 4 …
- Number of ventilated disc brakes: 2 …
- Front brake rotor size (mm): 275 x 22 …
- Rear brake rotor size (mm): 259 x 9 ….WARRANTY / SERVICE .

(Note: Warranties here are in addition to implied warranties under the Trade Practices Act. Conditions apply. See warranty booklet for details.)

Warranty whole vehicle: STD …
- Duration (months): 36 …
- Distance (km): 100000 …
Warranty paint: STD …
- Duration (months): 36 …
Warranty anti-corrosion: STD …
- Duration (months): 60 ….

ENGINE

Engine: STD …
- Engine type: Petrol …
- Capacity (cc): 1798 …
- Engine description: Four cylinder, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with dual variable valve timing, alloy block, cross-flow alloy head. …
- Configuration: In-line …
- Head composition: Light alloy …
- Variable valve timing: STD …
- Variable valve timing type: Dual VVT-i …
- Valve gear type: DOHC …
- Number of valves per cylinder: 4 …
Fuel: STD …
- Fuel type: Unleaded …
- Fuel type octane no.: 91 …
Power: STD …
- Maximum power kW: 100 …
- Rpm for maximum power: 6000 …
- Maximum torque Nm: 175 …
- Rpm for maximum torque: 4400 …
Fuel system: STD …
- Injection type: Multi-point injection …
- Ignition type: Electronic …
Fuel consumption – ADR 81/02: STD …
- Fuel consumption – combined (L/100km): 7.3 …
Emission control level: STD …
- Australia – greenhouse rating: 7 …
- Australia – air pollution rating: 6.5 …

(Note: Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.)

STEERING

Steering: STD …
- Type: Rack & Pinion ….

The sterring is responisvie and quick. The sterring wheel feels slightly bulky to me but still is quick enjoyable to and comfotable to use. The car car lean into any corner and it’s just a matter of then picking your line while the steering locks on and takes you around effortlesly. The car hugs the road nicely, the mags and low profile tires help too.

SUSPENSION

Suspension – front: STD …
- Suspension description: Independent, MacPherson struts, lower L-arms, gas dampers and off set coil springs and front anti-roll bar. …
Suspension – rear: STD …
- Suspension description: Semi-independent trailing torsion beam, coil springs and gas damper units.

The suspension feel very comfortable, firm but soft. It feels strong and candle a lot of situations or whatever is thrown at it.

The Buying Process:

I had owned a corolla station wagon in the mid 80′s and I have very good memories of a totally reliable and solid car. My plan here was to buy a reliable and efficient car that I could use to drive around the city and region daily.

I purchased this Toyota Corolla from a Newcastle Toyota dealer. I first decided to take a walk around the Hamilton car dealership centre where Suzuki, VW, Nissan, Ford and nearly every other popular car brand is located in Newcastle, NSW. I had been through a few weeks earlier and had researched somewhat as well. My initial budget was under $18,000 for a new car and I was awaiting finance approval from my bank. In this period I had heard of Toyota offering a low 4.9% interest rate on Corollas.  I thought about a VW and Subaru’s along with some European models too but the Toyota Corolla Hatchback appealed to me . I walked past the dealer and took a look at a model with the salesman. We discussed some details and I decided to buy one after a drive and many questions.

Overall I enjoyed the buying process at that time. I was a little rushed though since it was closing time but the salesman communicated well.

The next day we trimmed some accessories off the sale and was able to secure a 2011 model instead of what I was initially offered, a 2010 November model. I felt that was good of them along with that in my excitement I must have signed up for nearly every accessory and option. I was now just down to the car & wheels really and I would worry about adding extras later like tinted glass.

So we finalised the deal and I had spent the previous evening researching and contacting agents. The morning before I went to the dealer I had a number of quotes from other dealers that wanted to sell me a vehicle. The dealership decided to agree to give me the 2011 model along with some free headlamp covers I had initially secured. I was able to get the car bit cheaper at a few other places but there were issues including not so close to my location, not the right colour in stock etc. I was also able to arrange for some allow wheels to be included in the overall finance package. They seemed good people to deal with and I would prefer I kept it with them now. Overall it was a good experience and the finance woman was great to deal with as I proceed financial applications.  The finance was approved right away. The facilities of their show room are modern. It’s a great showroom with free coffee in a comfortable setting.

I picked the car up and the salesman walked me through using the car and the controls. His demonstration was very well done and it was clear and precise. The car looked very cool in the middle of the showroom and it was admired by other customers along with the dealership staff.

The Tire Issue:

I drove the car home and it felt great. I was very happy with my purchase .  The wheels became a bit of an issue though as Bob Jane’s never gave me the original tire I was initially shown. After some phone calls this was corrected but it was a little bit of a disapointment on an otherwise very happy sale .

The car was taken for a drive up to the Nelson Bay area and it was a pleasure to drive really. It hugs the road perfectly and it’s so comfortable.

Driving around a city was an enjoyable experience. The car looks and feels good and a pleasure to own.

Sound System & Media

The 2011 Corolla comes with USB and Bluetooth connection but it was not so easy to pair the bluetooth up and then get it to work with my Android. The usb was easy enough to work out. The stereo itself is quite basic but usable. It certainly serves well to play music but one of the first things to buy is a new higher end stereo system. The speakers only put out a certain level, the features are simple but efficient to get many people by but for those who prefer a little bit more in music quality then replacing with something else will be worth the extra.

Dashboard & Controls

The window wipers work efficiently but I feel one more option between the first two speeds would be an improvements. The back wiper is easy to find on the wiper control.

Indicators are effortless to use, not noticeable and you don’t feel distracted by them.

Lights are easy to find and work out the basics. The car lights up when you need it like when you get in or out in the dark. The main controls, speedo, revs etc illuminate when driving and the sun starts going down, so that’s cool I’m not sure if this has been standard on cars but I like it anyway.

The seats work fine and may feel a little chunky with the airbags but it’s well worth having that extra safety, the car feels like it is really padded out with the latest airbags and safety features which is great.

Door handles are responsive and the doors shut effortlessly although will still need a slight touch.

Air Conditioning: The three lowest settings do little and only the 4th setting is noticeable. There is a real lack of performance in the air/con and is the only problem I have really had with this model. I hope a computer setting can be changed or something to get it fixed.

Driving the Corolla: This is the best thing about the car, driving it is what it’s all about despite what’s on paper. The car takes to the streets of a small city or a big city. It will jug the corners like an f1 car. It will take bumps and curves in Australian roads as part of the deal. This car is made for the roads in our cities and suburbs. Driving the 2011 Corolla hatch was a real pleasure, you feel you are driving a model at it’s peak of performance and engineering.

more soon….

External Resources:

• 2011 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Home

To be continued….