The interior includes blue stitching on the dash. When a car makes a generational leap, the results can be quite striking. And that's the case with the 2020 Toyota Corolla.
The new for 2020 Corolla is built on the company's new TNGA platform - which, in case you wondered, does not stand for Tennessee-Georgia. The 18-generation Corolla - yes, 18th - has a new rear, independent suspension which makes it feel much more sophisticated. It also features a new safety-tech package that helps it earn a 5-star government crash test score.
The 2020 Corolla is available at all local Toyota stores including Capital Toyota on Lee Highway (2 units in digital inventory), Toyota of Cleveland (14 in stock) and North Georgia Toyota in Dalton (25 Corollas in inventory).
Fast facts
› Model: 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE› Exterior color: Barcelona Red Metallic› Interior color: Black› Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder› Horsepower: 169› Transmission: CVT› Fuel economy: 38 mpg highway, 31 mpg city› Local Dealer: Capital Toyota, Toyota of Cleveland, North Georgia Toyota› Price (as tested): $29,189
WHAT IS IT?
The Corolla is a five-passenger, compact sedan with front-wheel-drive. It holds the distinction of being one of the best-selling cars of all time, and comes with a reputation for near indestructibility.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our XSE trim tester, provided for a one-week test drive on Chattanooga streets by the manufacturer, has a bottom line of $29,189. That includes at $1,715 premium audio/navigation package and a $450 ambient lighting system among other options.
THE GOOD
Our log-book included a host of "likes" including the blue-tinted gauges, blue stitching on the dash, heated seats, the compact steering wheel and the sterling fuel economy (38 mpg highway).
THE BAD
Merging into traffic on Highway 27 was an adventure as throttle response in the new Corolla is somewhat lacking. Rear visibility is pinched and the price, nearly $30,000, tests the Corolla's reputation as an economy car.
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HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
My best comparison is that it drives like a Audi in ankle weights. The bones are willing, but the four-cylinder, non-turbo engine makes a modest 169 horsepower. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission, which helps boost fuel economy.
DESIRABLE FEATURES
All Corollas come with Toytota's excellent Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and lane-centering. Bling-spot monitoring is optional.
BOTTOM LINE
The Corolla was a good, reliable car that just got better. It's a perfect starter car for college students and young adults who need low payments and reliable transportation.
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The 2020 Toyota Corolla has a new, sleek profile.