Toyota Corolla 2023 Review

The C-segment sedan market has always been a key choice for Malaysian family users and young professionals, as it needs to balance fuel economy for daily commuting and space requirements for family travel. As the entry-level version of its series, the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8E enters the market with a price of RM 139,800, equipped with features such as 7 standard airbags and a 360-degree parking camera. Its core selling point is "no shortcomings in basic configurations," which is the key aspect to verify in this test drive—whether the entry-level model can meet the core needs of most users.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Corolla 1.8E continues the family-style design, with a trapezoidal front grille complemented by chrome trim. The sharp halogen and LED combination headlights on both sides and the long strip daytime running lights offer good recognition when lit. The flowing lines on the side extend from the front fender to the rear, avoiding a monotonous side design, while the slightly concave door design adds a sense of layering. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights echo the front design. The black protective plate and hidden exhaust layout under the rear bumper give the overall style a stable and family-oriented look. The 16-inch rims paired with 205/55 R16 tires are smaller than the higher configurations but sufficient for daily use.

Sitting inside, the 1.8E's interior design focuses on practicality, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch materials that feel acceptable. The central control screen is a 6.8-inch touchscreen, supporting basic multimedia functions and Bluetooth connectivity. Its operating smoothness is decent, although the size is smaller compared to the 9-inch screens in the G and GR Sport models. The instrument panel features a 4.2-inch colored TFT screen, capable of displaying core information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption, with a clear interface. As for configurations, keyless entry/start and a multifunction steering wheel come as standard. The driver's seat supports 8-way electric adjustment with lumbar support, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding design to expand trunk space. In terms of spatial performance, the 2700mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear. A passenger with a height of 175cm seated in the back would still have about two fists of space between their knees and the front seat, and approximately one fist of headroom, without feeling cramped. The trunk capacity of 470L can comfortably fit two 28-inch suitcases, and folding down the rear seats allows for carrying larger items.

Power-wise, the 1.8E is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 139PS and maximum torque of 172N·m. It is paired with a 7-speed CVT transmission. Acceleration response at startup is relatively linear with no noticeable lag. Daily urban commuting and starting from a standstill are both effortless. After accelerating to 60km/h, deeper throttle input maintains a smooth power output. For overtaking, early acceleration is required. The CVT transmission offers excellent smoothness, with hardly any perceptible shift jolts. The car only has a standard driving mode, without sport or eco options, but it's sufficient for everyday use.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone independent suspension performs well. The steering wheel offers moderate weight and precise directionality with no noticeable play. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, maintaining stability. Over urban speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations, ensuring rear-seat passengers are not noticeably uncomfortable. Regarding braking, the front ventilated disc and rear solid disc brakes respond promptly, with a linear pedal feedback. The body remains stable during emergency braking. Fuel economy is impressive; this test drive covered both urban traffic and highway sections, achieving a combined fuel consumption of about 6.5L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 50L, the full tank range is approximately 770km, reducing the frequency of refueling.

In terms of comfort, the NVH control of the 1.8E is well-managed. At speeds below 60km/h, wind noise and tire noise are minimal; at speeds exceeding 80km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect in-car conversations. The seats are moderately soft and firm, the driver's seat is electrically adjustable, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position, and long drives are not tiring. The air conditioning is a single-zone automatic climate control system, with rear air vents, offering fast cooling that can quickly lower the temperature.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2023 Corolla 1.8E lies in its "balance"—the basic configurations are comprehensive, with 7 airbags, a 360-degree parking camera system, and an electric driver's seat all as standard, and it does not have any obvious weaknesses. The space meets family needs, the powertrain is smooth and fuel-efficient, and the handling and comfort align with the requirements of a family car. Compared to competitors like the low-end version of the Honda Civic 1.5T (priced around RM 145,000), the 1.8E is more affordable and offers longer warranty coverage (5 years with unlimited mileage). It is suitable for families on a budget seeking practicality, as well as young professionals focusing on reliability and fuel efficiency.

Overall, the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8E is a "safe choice" for a family sedan. It does not have particularly outstanding highlights, but it also has no significant shortcomings and fully meets the core needs of daily commuting and family outings. If you need a reliable and practical C-segment sedan, the 1.8E is a worthy option to consider.