Worldwide, the Corolla is considered a rough and tough family car for the middle class. Indeed, it’s an awesome car, and nothing is wrong with it. Especially in Pakistan, it’s the most loved car of the market. The suspensions are super solid; the engine is tough (300K, no fuss), cabin space is good, and parts availability is also good for this model.
The problem with this car is its price. Toyota has the guts to demand a whopping 5.9 million for the base variant while the top variant will cost you 7.5 million. And don’t forget it’s the 11th-generation Corolla while the world is on the 12th-generation facelift Corolla.
At that price, it is no longer a value-for-money deal. Therefore, let’s see what we’ve got in the used market that are at least value-for-money deals.
Honda City Aspire 1.5L CVT 2021 New Generation
Price: 38-43 lacs
We know that the Honda City isn’t as good as the Corolla, but both are more or less the same in terms of tech, safety, and cabin. Both are sedans, very simple cars with almost the same safety goodies.
There are some compromises on the City compared to a Corolla, but remember that this City will cost you 15 lacs less. Add the taxes and duties, and it’ll be 20 lacs cheaper than the Corolla’s base variant, which is manual.
Toyota Aqua X 2018
Price: 57-63 lacs
Aqua X is also a good alternative if you don’t mind a hatchback in this 6 million budget. First of all, it’s HEV, so there’s no comparison of Aqua with a Corolla, which is NA. Secondly, features-wise, Aqua throws Corolla out of the water in every aspect.
It has all the controls like HAC, TC, and VSA that the Corolla’s Manual 1.6 X doesn’t, alloy rims, while the Corolla has steel ones, fog lights that the Corolla doesn’t, CVT, and 22 Kmpl of economy.
Not just that, looks wise and drive comfort, it’s better than Corolla, and power delivery is also quite good than that sedan.
The only issue you might face is replacing the HEV batteries. But if it’s a 2017 model or newer, if the previous owner took care of the vehicle, you can find good battery life.
Honda Civic 1.8L Oriel 2019
Price: 48-52 lacs
Here comes the Civic, the historic competitor of the Corolla. However, if you have a mindset of Corolla, we don’t recommend you go with Civic because both cars are like siblings who are opposites and always fight.
Corolla, known for fuel economy, Civic is a gas-guzzler, Corolla is known for reliability, Civic is a very sensitive car, Corolla is known for tough suspensions, Civic has got very sensitive suspensions, Corolla, known for stiff ride, Civic known for superb ride quality.
However, instead for a 6.5 million Corolla, Civic 2019 is a good deal. It’s just that it’s economy isn’t good, otherwise for day-to-day city driving, Civic is a great car and even superb family car for long tours.
Kia Stonic EX+ 2023
Price: 54-58 Lacs
Kia Stonic is another good car if you don’t mind a hatchback on a 5 million budget. The main thing of all is that it has a sunroof, all controls like HSA, TC, VSA, and six airbags.
Secondly, interior-wise, it’s a lot sportier than the Corolla, and the yellow accents on the center console make it even more lean to Genz. This 1.4-liter engine car also offers alloy wheels, projector headlamps, DRLs, a spoiler, climate control, and a push-start that the Corolla doesn’t.
So, if you don’t mind a hatchback in that budget, this Stonic is surely a car to go with! Although the Corolla 1.6X Manual is a brand new and proper sedan, it can’t compete with the features of the Stonic. Toyota would charge you 7 million for all those goodies that Stonic offers 5 million, and the interior looks are better than the Corolla.
Honda Vezel 2015-17
Price: 50-58 lacs PKR
Vezel is a tiny HEV crossover from Japan. It’s an excellent car if you prefer cabin space, built quality, and superb fuel economy. Although it’s an old 2015 model, the design language and cabin looks still outperform many crossovers in the local market.
As an HEV, it gets 22 Km/l of economy in the city and 12-15 on the highway. The AC performance is good, and it has two-zone climate control and leather seats with a soft-touch dashboard leather wrap.
Plus, it’s a proper crossover with alloy rims and CVT transmission that Corolla’s base variant doesn’t offer you.
Lol every thing about the civic is wrong. CIVIC IS NOT A GAS GUZZLER.
IT IS VERY FUEL EFFICIENCY if driven with sense. Use Eco and then drive like humans bot hooligans. It gives better average then corolla
Civic is not sensitive, I auve taken my civic to places where it shouldn’t only to find that corolla is just slightly better