What is the 'mark' its not upto?
I had a 2016 July Grande and I know I was not a happy man with that car. Why? Because I spent too much on it ( 26 lacs then) and it was not upto my mark given the money I spent on it. Sold it after a few months and decided will never spend exhorbitant amounts on a Corolla.
Bought the 1.6 FL last year and I didnt regret my decision a single time. Reason? FL 1.6 is a premium car ( please dont compare it with pre FL 1.6 which was just a GLi) and I did not spend too much on a Corolla.
The transmission is smooth for me. There are no jerks. Its a pretty quick car when youre in the mood and returns a very good average. I am getting 12.5kmpl in lahore with 100% AC these days. Grande did the same average on the same route.