I wanted to update on my experience in driving a Corolla XLI 2016 Manual model for 9 months.
One major complaint I have about this is that driving a manual gear with a car of this size is like driving a truck.
All sedans should be automatic as it is a hassle changing gears.
Also, the 1300 cc variant is grossly underpowered. You will feel it when changing gears or Driving on a slope with AC on. The drive of my Civic Reborn 1.8cc is much more comfy in comparision.
Lastly, the average in city is pathetic. It gives only about 7 to 8 km per liter. But it gives 14+ when driving on am empty road at 80km/s.
I would never recommend a 1300cc sedan. Buy at least a 1600cc or ideally 1800cc sedan if you want to enjoy a smooth ride.
This is my company car, and after testing it I would never ever buy or recommend others to buy this using own money. You should save a bit more to buy higher CC auto variant if buying a used 11th gen. Corolla.