11th Gen Corolla (Hornet): An Unlucky Affair

[fawadakbarkhan]

Agreed 101%...Brakes are superb...grip is savvy.....engine noise too low...cabin comfort a notch above...and the (leather wrapped ) EPS is a joy to hold and steer...

oh yes! that wheel arch gap sure sucks..but i took a old spare 200AH AGS Battery....thoroughly drained/cleaned/dried it and placed it in the 495 litre boot..LOL....the gap went down by 1.5 inches....atleast! The battery goes..where i go...

Did i mention that im talking of a 2ZR-FE with a 6 Speed Manual on 205/65 Advan dB's? (its a monster..trust me!)

What an idea...! F**K! I am putting in 2 batteries LOL

[Haris.K]

I couldn't agree more with your review. Although I drive the previous generation Corolla but I have had the experience to drive the 11th one as well, for quite some time.

All I can assure is that you can not drive a Corolla confidently as you would drive a Civic, as soon as I hit above 80, I feel the car is telling me that it would be wiser to slow down, sucks.

Corolla is good for the passengers in your car, considering its comfort and room but not very pleasing for the one driving it. I've decided to drive it until the launch of new City.

[mubeenshahid]

Though I understand that you didnt liked Corolla's handling after driving 8th civic , me myself has booked Grande Cvti after driving both Grande and 9th gen Civic.I am currently keeping 8th gen civic manual same as you and after driving both grande and civic 9th gen , at the end I was more impressed with Grande.I will tell you in points why:

1: Corolla is super silent compared to 9th gen civic and 8th gen.
2:Corolla has more or same acceleration as civic 9th gen and 8th gen.
3: 2zr-fe is more smooth than r18 both the civics

4:Grande has better economy than both civics
5:Grande has same steering feedback and grip as 9th gen Civic.8th gen is a class apart in this department.
6:Grandes navi is a lot better than 9th gens

7:Grande is more beautiful than 9th gen civic

8:Corolla is more comfortable than civic

9:Grande cvti is 1.5 lakhs cheaper than similar civic
Overall as 8th gen is now 9 years old now its time to upgrade and Grande is the best overall answer

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[hbokhari99]

Though I understand that you didnt liked Corolla's handling after driving 8th civic , me myself has book Grande CvtI after driving both Grande and 9th gen Civic.I am currently keeping 8th gen civic manual same as you and after driving both grande and civic 9th gen , at the end I was more impressed with Grande.I will tell you in points why:

1: Corolla is super silent compared to 9th gen civic and 8th gen.
2:Corolla has more or same acceleration as civic 9th gen and 8th gen.
3: 2zr-fe is more smooth than r18 both the civics

4:Grande has better economy than both civics
5:Grande has same steering feedback and grip as 9th gen Civic.8th gen is a class apart in this department.
6:Grandes navi is a lot better than 9th gens

7:Grande is more beautiful than 9th gen civic

Overall as 8th gen is now 9 years old now its time to upgrade and Grande is the best overall answer

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Well said! (Y)

[fouadbakht]

Badly need a few more options in Pakistan and after this review I am even more confused about making a choice.

If you want, we could discuss it over a phone call. The last part makes it pretty simplified, actually.

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[fouadbakht]

reminds me my college days .. i hate writeups... cant concentrate on a page for long time ...

what is understand.. Nothing Bad for basic+ user..

once my friend told me buy Suzuki Jimney when u will pass kalar kahar u will rule that Area.. I told i rarely use motorway so dont need car for only that purpose...

live in city where ur daily need is 45-60 km/h speed with AC.. Make life easy and simple.
Lastly Please dont expect Mercedes Characteristics from poor rola..like super suspension and etc..

I understand, but I've tried to make it interesting with the element of humor. Not everyone likes to read. Its a very good family sedan. But buying a mid range car does not mean it should be stripped of slightly sportier feel. Heck, if other cars in its category can deliver the same, what's wrong with a Corolla. What is so hard for IMC to understand?

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[umair2203]

Sir apne zra bhi lehaaz nhn kya ... le li IMC ki literally

[fouadbakht]

@fouadbakht Nice detailed write up reflective of your true feelings. I knew from day one that you will never like Corolla. Had you chosen 1.6 you might not have encountered all those issues which are bothering you. Because now I have driven this car for nearly 3,000 kms and it has not disappointed me in any department.

Brakes are awesome and the ABS has saved me from crazy cutting drivers who suddenly come from let and enter the lane in 45 degrees angle. In two and half months, there had been three near miss incidents and MashaAllah it handled them so well.

I am still on Euros and will continue with them. I have driven this car up to 140 kms and it feels like just going at 80 kms, so gripping to the road and stable at that speeds and when floored at turning on of green signal the adrenaline rush is definitely triggered. I wished I had a loud exhaust because the way 1ZR-FE sounds and Aisin Warner Japanese transmission smoothly shifts gears is just exhilarating.

I have driven a 2NZ-FE for 10 years and had been a calm and careful driver, but this 1.6 invites me to floor it, even at this age Just my two cents.

Before parting just a stupid question. Have you driven a 1.6 yet or not. If yes then would like to have your take on that.

Free Advice: Sell this if you find some well kept prosmatec 8th Gen till 10th Gen hits the market

Thanks Masroor bhai. But the way we both see a 1.6 is probably the platforms from which we both are arriving, like me from an 8th Gen Civic. Also, the issue with this Corolla (less XLi due to absence of ABS) is not variant or trim specific. It's there across the entire line up which may possibly be less simulated in Grande CVT-i (so far the most advanced engine and transmission combo yet) primarily because suspension and rake of the car is same for all.
The 1.6 is a better car, no denying that but (personally speaking) by what percentage to cost ratio? That is somewhat subjective. The thing is buying this model for a huge sum of money and then bringing it to your liking is not cost effective at all and not worth the money.
Like I've already hammered, if IMC had not taken matters in the suspension department into its own hands, I would not not have been typing all this.
The way I see it: Why would a car that is a generation apart arriving after the 8th Gen Civic (after 8 years) by one of the most reputable companies in the world be lacking in basic handling. The answer is: It doesn't lack but Hats off to IMC to screwing an otherwise good design.

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[fouadbakht]

Nice write-up Fouad bhai, you have explained the things very well.......
.......but don't be disappointed with the car. Sadly, we are at a serious lack of options in cars in Pakistan, and I mean brand new ones, because nothing beats the "zero meter" feel.

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Beautifully explained. Yes I've heard that the handling and specially the acceleration of a Prius are absolutely lovable. Tyres will definitely play a major role in addressing the issue but a lot will be left to desire for due to the high COG and accompanying body roll.

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[silentassassin1]

Thanks Masroor bhai. But the way we both see a 1.6 is probably the platforms from which we both are arriving, like me from an 8th Gen Civic. Also, the issue with this Corolla (less XLi due to absence of ABS) is not variant or trim specific. It's there across the entire line up which may possibly be less simulated in Grande CVT-i (so far the most advanced engine and transmission combo yet) primarily because suspension and rake of the car is same for all.
The 1.6 is a better car, no denying that but (personally speaking) by what percentage to cost ratio? That is somewhat subjective. The thing is buying this model for a huge sum of money and then bringing it to your liking is not cost effective at all and not worth the money.
Like I've already hammered, if IMC had not taken matters in the suspension department into its own hands, I would not not have been typing all this.
The way I see it: Why would a car that is a generation apart arriving after the 8th Gen Civic (after 8 years) by one of the most reputable companies in the world be lacking in basic handling. The answer is: It doesn't lack but Hats off to IMC to screwing an otherwise good design.

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Even the new civic is not that grippy bro. Altis is impressive this time around, 1NRFE/1NZFE scenario would have been ideal for GLi.

[fouadbakht]

brother you need to visit me and have a ride in my 17 years old Margallah. it just delivers and grows on more and more every time i drive it (sometimes it stays parked for month ).

a comprehensive write up. i told u, u r jeremy clarkson of pakistan. you think like him, think like a enthusiast exactly they way enthusiasts should. power windows or sun roofs never matter in the end.

That's a huge compliment for a not-so-knowledgeable person like me. Prayers from friends like you is what keeps me going. Thanks again

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[fouadbakht]

if you are gonna keep the ride, i think the direction would be to check and install axio springs. --> your research will help us too.

also 16 rims with dunlop direzza or yokohama blue earth AE50. --> let me know if you are up for it. will share the details. i have been able to locate something appropriate.

Great. What are we waiting for . Let's hear it.

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[fouadbakht]

@Fouad sahab
....................,,,,
Anyways stay blessed and try to enjoy your ride. I know there is nothing to enjoy about it. LOL. still.......

Very well said sir. You are very right in your post. I did carry out research before buying and apart from PakWheels, other people's experiences were very encouraging. While defying certain elements of Physics, people swore by its great handling. I should have known they were all referring to EPS lolz. Before an 8th Gen Civic, I had a 10th Gen Corolla. But I've understood and experienced first hand that the DNA of a car cannot be changed specially in the case of Civic and Corolla.
Rest, Alhamdolillah I'm thankful to Almighty Allah for having blessed me with all this. I've been plying on Sohrab bicycles, FX Suzuki and public transports all my life in the not so distant past so, you get the point.

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[fouadbakht]

A GLI 1.3 review to rule out corolla for lack of driving pleasure....hmm man you are missing sme thing. Not impressed.

Driving pleasure is somewhat subjective. It's a combination of certain aspects / behavior of the car as perceived/anticipated by a driver keeping in view his likes or dislikes.
But I like your style, you just made it sound so simply unnecessary lolz.

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[fouadbakht]

I drive a grande , yes I also noticed some lack of control or unresponsiveness in the eps , but it improved when I changed my tires to 215-60-16. And road grip and handling around the corners is now near to perfect, plus pretty stable at high speeds. Brakes , I did not find any problem with them , they r pretty responsive.

That is very informative.

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[dms664]

Very well said sir. You are very right in your post. I did carry out research before buying and apart from PakWheels, other people's experiences were very encouraging. While defying certain elements of Physics, people swore by its great handling. I should have known they were all referring to EPS lolz. Before an 8th Gen Civic, I had a 10th Gen Corolla. But I've understood and experienced first hand that the DNA of a car cannot be changed specially in the case of Civic and Corolla.
Rest, Alhamdolillah I'm thankful to Almighty Allah for having blessed me with all this. I've been plying on Sohrab bicycles, FX Suzuki and public transports all my life in the not so distant past so, you get the point.

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How do u compare 10th gen to 11 gen corolla in handling n suspension dept?

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[fouadbakht]

It means the unusual rear tyre gap is not only sore to eyes but performance also.

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You just nailed it with a 1" group.

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[fouadbakht]

What an idea...! F**K! I am putting in 2 batteries LOL

Man I really dig your style. I putting in two bags of Cement.

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[fouadbakht]

I couldn't agree more with your review. Although I drive the previous generation Corolla but I have had the experience to drive the 11th one as well, for quite some time.

All I can assure is that you can not drive a Corolla confidently as you would drive a Civic, as soon as I hit above 80, I feel the car is telling me that it would be wiser to slow down, sucks.

Corolla is good for the passengers in your car, considering its comfort and room but not very pleasing for the one driving it. I've decided to drive it until the launch of new City.

Very well said Haris. In fact the same was told to me by @kamranaslam.

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[fouadbakht]

Though I .........

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Very clearly explained Mubeen bhai. Crisp and to the point. Agreed with all the points.

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