The 2017 Toyota Corolla IM has a tastefully designed interior.Props to Toyota.
The new 2017 Corolla IM hatchback includes fancy safety tech features - such as brake assist and lane departure alert - that are expensive options on vehicles costing $10,000 more.
Economy car customers can do the happy dance knowing that - finally - they can purchase a safety-first vehicle. Toyota deserves tons of credit for leading the pack in making safety a priority in all its autos, regardless of price.
Our Electric Storm Blue tester crests the $20,000 barrier, but just by $589. With the IM, a former Scion vehicle re-badged as a Corolla hatch, Toyota is experimenting with one-size-fits-all pricing. The few options to be had on the Corolla IM include automatic transmission, floor mats and navigation.
The Corolla IM is a four-door, five-passenger compact hatchback that fills a niche once occupied by the Toyota Matrix. It comes packed with upscale features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and dual climate controls.
Toyota Corolla IMs are on the ground locally at Toyota of Cleveland and North Georgia Toyota in Dalton according to digital inventories. Look for all Toyota stores to have copies in coming weeks.
The Corolla IM competes with such vehicles as the Ford Focus hatchback, the Honda Civic hatchback, the Mazda3 and the Kia Forte.
DESIGN AND FEATURES
While the Corolla sedan is known for being button-down and practical, the Corolla IM Hatch has a sexier vibe. With an aggressive look that includes ground effects, swept headlamps a dramatic roof-line, the IM resembles an expensive Euro-hatch, although it is assembled in Japan. Honeycomb grille accents also add visual interest.
The IM's 17-inch alloy wheels are standard equipment and include a vortex design. A few tasty toppings, such as a spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip, complete the look. LED running lights are also standard.
Inside, the Corolla IM combines top-shelf materials and fluid design lines. The dash is made of premium plastics and includes attractive contrasting stitching. Piano black accents shimmer throughout the cockpit.
A seven-inch touchscreen is standard, and it's thoughtfully integrated into the the dash architecture - not just planted on top of the dash, which seems to be a trend with other manufacturers. Dual-zone climate control is also included on every IM at no extra cost. Toyota hasn't yet bought into the ubiquitous Apple Carplay and Android Auto interfaces, but has its own proprietary smartphone pairing system.
The cabin of the IM is bright and airy and the cargo area behind the back seat is adequate for luggage and basic carpooling. The back bench seat splits 60-40 for those times when you need to haul more cargo.
The IM includes a standard back-up camera, automatic high-beam headlights and power folding mirrors which are heated for safer cold-weather driving.
FAST FACTS
* Model: Toyota Corolla IM* Exterior color: Electric Storm Blue* Interior color: Black* Engine: 1.8-liter, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 137* Transmission: CVT with manual mode* Fuel economy: 36 mpg highway, 28 mpg city* Local Dealer: Toyota of Cleveland, North Georgia Toyota* Price (as tested): $20,589
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PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The Corolla IM is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 137 horsepower and launches from zero-to-60 mph in about nine seconds, according to various track-tested reports.
The 1.8-liter engine is adequate, but this is certainly no hot hatch like the Volkswagen GTI. Perhaps someday Toyota will give Toyota IM buyers a turbocharged engine option, which could make the driving experience a lot more interesting.
Our tester includes a CVT transmission that can be switched to sport mode, increasing throttle response and creating a manual-shift option. In normal driving the IM relies on a smooth-running CVT transmission.
Steering is light and responsive. The IM is about a foot shorter than a Corolla sedan which leads to zippy handling and makes it a breeze to parallel park. Urban dwellers will find this an easy car to love.
Merging onto Highway 127 on our commute to work, the Corolla IM took a second to gather itself but then scooted right along while emitting a pleasing exhaust note.
The government said to expect 36 miles per gallon highway and 28 miles per gallon in city driving.
BOTTOM LINE
The former Scion product expands the Corolla line in a meaningful way. Its high standard content makes it a bargain at just over $20,000, and its hatchback design adds functionality to the mix.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.