Old dog, new tricks?

Just because you can teach an old dog new tricks doesn't mean that those tricks are worth learning. The Toyota Corolla certainly holds on tightly to it's laurels, but with talented rivals that have caught on to the the formula. The Corolla doesn't really seem like the sensible option it once was.

The standard 1.8 four-cylinder engine feels plenty for most buyers, while others will be much more satisfied with either a Chevy Cruze or Mazda 3. You won't have to really push the engine too hard on faster paced roads, however around town the Corolla shines as it's light steering and comfortable suspension makes it easy to live with as a daily commuter car. What we like the most about the Corolla is despite it having secure handling, it certainly knows it's limit. You won't feel inspired to driving it hard through corners or bends because the steering feedback is so numb that you'll lose confidence fast. It's as if the steering wheel and the front wheels ended all communication between each other. The suspension like we said before is comfortable but when you do decide to drive spiritedly, there's way too much body roll. It's almost as if the Corolla has a higher center of gravity than a compact crossover.

Drive the Corolla the way it's intended and you'll be greeted by a quiet cabin. It's so quiet that you'd think that Lexus or Mercedes designed it, just don't look around the cabin because that's where the Lexus and Mercedes reference ends. The dashboard seems logically laid out and is very easy to use. The infotainment system is easy to navigate through but it can get very distracting while on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is just a tad too fussy for our liking. The front seats are okay in terms of comfort and adjustability isn't really all that limited. The second row seats are so-so in comfort. The seat bottom feels flat and lacking in comfort. The boot offers decent space but the old-fashioned trunk hinges eats into precious boot space. A Volkswagen Golf has a smaller boot but makes the most of the space that it does have.

There's a dizzying number of trim levels to choose from. We will focus on just a few because the rest are priced so closely together that they feel rather pointless. Standard L trim gets Bi-LED headlights, power windows and Blueooth connectivity. You'll have to step up to the LE to get a 6.1-inch touch screen infotainment screen, remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. XLE adds multi-LED headlights, smart key system with push button start and power sunroof. Top of the range XLE adds power adjustable front seats, premium audio system and premium trimmed seats. Our tester car was the LE trim which does offer make the most sense financially thanks to extra bits such as remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. However, you'll have to step all the way up to the XLE to get alloy wheels.

The Toyota Corolla offers a compelling package for those who really do prefer to rest on their laurels when it comes to a compact sedan. It may not be as fun to drive as the Mazda 3 but it certainly does have the build quality and low running costs. We just wish that it wasn't so dull to drive.

Likes: Low running costs with excellent quality and refinement.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels, and it's just so dull to drive. Rivals have caught on to Toyota quality and are more engaging to drive.

Our pick: The XLE maybe a tad too expensive for some but you get plenty of standard kit. We would stick with the LE for those who don't want to spend the cash just for alloy wheels and fancier headlights. You get auto climate control and full touch screen infotainment system, that's enough for some people. It certainly was enough for us, but why aren't alloy wheels fitted as standard?

(Used) Devon test drives a Chevy Cruze

The Cavalier never really stacked up to its Japanese rivals. Neither could the Cobalt, but all this is going to change with the Cruze. Chevy's newest answer to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. It's bigger, roomier and has a more classy interior. But is this enough to lure American buyers back to Chevy?

Performance: The Cruze comes with two four-cylinder engines. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 138hp and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 138hp. Picking between the two clearly depends upon taste. If you desire more oomph on the highway, the turbo version makes the most sense. The 1.8 offers good fuel economy too and is the only version offered with a manual gearbox, unless you choose the Eco trim that has the turbo engine.

Ride & Handling: The Cruze doesn't offer sharp handling like some of its keen rivals. The ride has a jiggly quality, some bumps and potholes can easily upset the ride comfort. Handling is a mere acceptable, there isn't much body roll in corners. However, it doesn't feel as sporty as the Volkswagen Jetta. The steering is quick and light, but has very little feedback. Feeling almost numb at times.
Refinement: The engines don't offer much in terms of power. Both provide good pace around town, the turbo version feels more punchy thanks to the extra torque at low revs. At higher speeds the engine sends a loud sound track into the interior. Wind noise is well supressed, but some surfaces can kick up a bit too much road roar than desired.

Behind the wheel: There's adjustment for reach and height for the driver seat and steering wheel. Many drivers will find it easy to get comfortable. Some may not find the front seats comfortable. They're strangely shaped and are short on lower back support. All the controls are within easy reach of the driver's hand. Everything feels easy to use and operate. Rear visibility isn't great, but it isn't bad for a small sedan.

Space & Practicality: The rear seat offers plenty of space for two. The large center tunnel and narrow cabin means trying to carry three in the back is best avoided. The boot is fairly large, but the trunk uses an old fashioned hinges that eat into cargo space. The split folding rear seats increase cargo space.

Equipment: The Cruze comes with air-conditioning, cd-player with MP3 compatibility and tire pressure monitors all standard. You'll have to step up to the higher trim levels to get alloy-wheels, cruise control and heated front seats. Top of the range offers climate control, rear reverse camera and keyless start.

Buying & Owning: The Cruze doesn't seem much of a value compared to its rivals. But you do get plenty of kit for the money. Fuel economy is decent, and resale value should be average. Some may be put off by its bland styling.

Quality & Reliability: The interior looks and feels like a major leap forward for Chevy. The dash materials are hard to the touch, but look smart and are well textured. However, there are signs of cost cutting in some areas of the interior. Reliability for the Cruze is too soon to say.

Safety & Security: ESP, ABS and six airbags are all standard. An engine imobiliser and deadlocks are fitted on every model to keep theft at bay.

Likes: Roomy interior, a major improvement over the Cobalt, interior feels up to par with Japanese rivals, available turbocharged engine, decent fuel economy.

Dislikes: Two engines with the same output doesn't make much sense, the front seats lack support, some trim levels don't seem like much of a value for the money, exterior looks are on the dull side.

Overall: The Cruze is a major leap forward for Chevy. The interior feels high much improved, and there's plenty of kit for the money. If Chevy offers a more powerful engine, the value for the money factor will be well justified in the top of the range trim.

Top rated cars of 2017 (with our critique of course!)

Toyota Prius 
Likes: It costs peanuts to run and has ultra-low emissions. Interior is much roomier and it isn’t a chore to drive thanks to improved powertrain.

Dislikes: It looks so odd compared to other hybrids.

Overall: It’s the benchmark hybrid and the go to hybrid for those who want the world to know you’ve gone ‘green’.



Volkswagen Golf 
Likes: Zippy turbo engine and low running costs, the boot space is generous for size and the overall interior is roomy. Simplified trim levels yet each trim level is stuffed with kit.

Dislikes: You can no longer option for Bi-xenon headlamps. We miss the SEL trim despite it being pricey.

Overall: This is quite literally the best hatchback money can buy. Power hungry crowd have the GTI and Golf-R, while those who may want an all-electric car can pick the e-Golf.



Kia Soul
Likes: Easy to drive and live with. Driving position is similar to that of a crossover with decent kit standard. Optional turbo engine is a welcome addition to the range.

Dislikes: It's not as engaging to drive as some rivals, and it may depreciate faster too. Despite having a turbo, steering feedback is still numb and there’s no all-wheel-drive option.

Overall: It’s an interesting proposition in the compact crossover segment. It may not be the best but it certainly does have a lot going for it in terms of value for the money.



Honda Accord 
Likes: Low-running costs with four-cylinder engine. Standard kit is decent. The 3.5 six-cylinder is the sweet spot of the range and is actually cheaper than you’d think.

Dislikes: Infotainment system is frustrating to use. This is the last year of the six-cylinder engine.

Overall: The Accord continues to impress but the Mazda 6 is dynamically superior.



Chevy Cruze
Likes: It has plenty of torque at low revs. It’s much lighter than previous generation and the ride quality has improved dramatically.

Dislikes: It's not the sharpest car to drive and it’s not as refined as the class best Volkswagen Golf.

Overall: You can get a diesel hatchback but the premium makes it a questionable buy.

The Great Compact Sedans (mini-reviews)

Honda Civic

Likes: Snazzy new looks inside out. The 1.5-turbo is a welcome addition to the Civic range. The rear seat is roomier than before and the boot space is quite good as well.

Dislikes: The infotainment system is too fiddly to operate.

Overall: If you hadn't considered a Civic before this one will make you want to give it a second look.



Chevy Cruze

Likes: The standard turbo engine has the low running costs and flexibility most will want. It's a comfortable commuter car that's easy to live with.

Dislikes: It feels built to a price and some trims are overpriced. It isn't as sharp to drive as its keen rivals.

Overall: The most expensive Cruze you can buy is as expensive as an entry-level Volkswagen GTI.



Volkswagen Jetta

Likes: The new 1.4 turbo engine is so much better than the old 2-liter mill. The GLI continues to be the best choice of the range despite the high asking price.

Dislikes: The cheaper trim levels have a cheaper feeling interior. Old-fashioned trunk hinges eat into boot space. It's just plain dull to look at.

Overall: Volkswagen sells a ton of these so we guess that they are doing something right here.



Ford Focus

Likes: Hands down one of the best generations of the Focus ever. It's fun to drive and offers plenty of features for the money.

Dislikes: The 1-liter ecoboost engine is a false economy. The auto gearbox is way too jerky and suffers from reliability issues.

Overall: Wait for the next generation with much improvements to engine and gearbox.



Mitsubishi Lancer

Likes: One of the few compact sedans you can get with all-wheel-drive. The 2.4 engine is smooth and flexible while running costs are low. High standard features.

Dislikes: It's being phased out for 2017.

Overall: You'll have to search hard for examples with all-wheel-drive but they are worth looking for.

Less Cruze more SS please! (Used)

The Cavalier never really stacked up to its Japanese rivals. Neither could the Cobalt, but all this is going to change with the Cruze. Chevy's newest answer to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. It's bigger, roomier and has a more classy interior. But is this enough to lure American buyers back to Chevy?

Performance: The Cruze comes with two four-cylinder engines. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 138hp and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 138hp. Picking between the two clearly depends upon taste. If you desire more oomph on the highway, the turbo version makes the most sense. The 1.8 offers good fuel economy too and is the only version offered with a manual gearbox, unless you choose the Eco trim that has the turbo engine.

Ride & Handling: The Cruze doesn't offer sharp handling like some of its keen rivals. The ride has a jiggly quality, some bumps and potholes can easily upset the ride comfort. Handling is a mere acceptable, there isn't much body roll in corners. However, it doesn't feel as sporty as the Volkswagen Jetta. The steering is quick and light, but has very little feedback. Feeling almost numb at times.
Refinement: The engines don't offer much in terms of power. Both provide good pace around town, the turbo version feels more punchy thanks to the extra torque at low revs. At higher speeds the engine sends a loud sound track into the interior. Wind noise is well supressed, but some surfaces can kick up a bit too much road roar than desired.

Behind the wheel: There's adjustment for reach and height for the driver seat and steering wheel. Many drivers will find it easy to get comfortable. Some may not find the front seats comfortable. They're strangely shaped and are short on lower back support. All the controls are within easy reach of the driver's hand. Everything feels easy to use and operate. Rear visibility isn't great, but it isn't bad for a small sedan.

Space & Practicality: The rear seat offers plenty of space for two. The large center tunnel and narrow cabin means trying to carry three in the back is best avoided. The boot is fairly large, but the trunk uses an old fashioned hinges that eat into cargo space. The split folding rear seats increase cargo space.

Equipment: The Cruze comes with air-conditioning, cd-player with MP3 compatibility and tire pressure monitors all standard. You'll have to step up to the higher trim levels to get alloy-wheels, cruise control and heated front seats. Top of the range offers climate control, rear reverse camera and keyless start.

Buying & Owning: The Cruze doesn't seem much of a value compared to its rivals. But you do get plenty of kit for the money. Fuel economy is decent, and resale value should be average. Some may be put off by its bland styling.

Quality & Reliability: The interior looks and feels like a major leap forward for Chevy. The dash materials are hard to the touch, but look smart and are well textured. However, there are signs of cost cutting in some areas of the interior. Reliability for the Cruze is too soon to say.

Safety & Security: ESP, ABS and six airbags are all standard. An engine imobiliser and deadlocks are fitted on every model to keep theft at bay.

Likes: Roomy interior, a major improvement over the Cobalt, interior feels up to par with Japanese rivals, available turbocharged engine, decent fuel economy.

Dislikes: The diesel engine can't be had with the fancy body-kit or alloy wheels. It's not even close to being as sharp to drive as a Jetta and the most desirable versions are the most expensive.

Overall: The Cruze is a major leap forward for Chevy. The interior feels high much improved, and there's plenty of kit for the money. If Chevy offers a more powerful engine, the value for the money factor will be well justified in the top of the range trim.

Reviews O-o

Volkswagen Jetta

Likes: Fresh new redesign, almost Audi-like rear tail lamps, class leading trunk and rear passenger space.

Dislikes: Styling bland, interior quality very disappointing for a Volkswagen, base engine is embarrasing for a mid-sized sedan.

Overall: The Americanized Jetta loses all that it was known for to please an audience it really didn't need to.

Chevy Cruze

Likes: A drastic change from the lackluster Cobalt, largely improved interior, plenty of space for five.

Dislikes: There are mid-sized sedans with more horespower for less money, two engines with the same output makes no sense, unsupportive front seats.

Overall: GM is in the right direction. Only if this change could've occured two years prior.

2011 Saab 9-5 sedan

Likes: Fantastic new design, interior still reflects aircraft heritage, interesting new features, turbo six-cylinder welcome addition.

Dislikes: Priced rather high, much of its sport sedan dynamics are no longer there, rather disappointing effort if you're a diehard Saab Fan.

Overall: Its still offers that 'something' no other automaker can bring to a driver's face. A smile that other drivers won't understand.

Hyundai Sonata

Likes: Large step forward for the brand, offers a turbo four-cylinder in a sea of six-cylinders, much improved everything including looks.

Dislikes: Styling rather polarizing for a mid-sized family sedan, turbo form doesn't offer a manual transmission, styling rather similar to Mercedes CLS.

Dislikes: Hyundai has become a very competitive player in the steadily growing market. With quality improving drastically, driving pleasure shouldn't disappear.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Likes: Compact crossover that's stylish and overloaded with features.

Dislikes: Lacks in horsepower, really needs more than stylish looks to stand out in this segment.

Overall: Offer the turbo engine from the Lancer Ralliart, and price it competitively with the Volkswagen Tiguan. You'll have a surefooted winner.

Devon M