Right now the only problem i encountered in the fresh March 2011 VTi:
Doors don't close even with normal force when all windows rolled up. Honda says its a feature. Cant say anything.
Seats are slightly hard but not much in my opinion. I figured that can be somewhat overcome with having leatherette stitched covers.
Steering pretty hard, specially at very slow speeds, but bearable. I think after 3000km I'll get power steering oil flushed and put in some good quality oil as a first step
But despite the new Corolla's soft closing doors, comfy seats, EPS, I think I have not sacrificed anything. No regrets.