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?

What we'd like to see (part two)

Mazda Speed 3 (Please!)

Mazda has confirmed that the 2.5-turbo four-cylinder from the CX-9 can fit in practically fit in the Mazda6 and Mazda3. With that being said, it would be pretty cool to see this engine optional through out the range. Which means that a Speed 3 could be make a much wanted comeback seeing that there's a lot of competition from the Focus ST/RS and Honda Civic SI/Type-R. We're just saying Mazda, if Honda is making cool cars again with the new high performance versions of the Civic. The Mazda 3 needs to step its game up with the Speed 3 variant pushing between 250 to 300hp would be ideal.

Note: The Mazda 6 will get the 2.5-turbo engine with its refresh for 2019. Also, the CX-5 is going to get a turbo-diesel engine option. 

Kia Optima (wagon or lifted-crossover-like-wagon)

We know we sound like a broken record but we thoroughly enjoyed the Kia Optima Wagon that we drove while overseas. What we loathe the most is that diesel engine, it had the torque which made it feel lively around town but it loses steam quite quickly and is not very refined. With that being said, Kia should bring the Optima here in either the wagon form or lifted-crossover-like-wagon to compete with the Subaru Outback. It would be nice to see this stylish wagon brought to our shores with all three engine options and standard all-wheel-drive. We'd spend our money on a Kia Optima crossover wagon if offered.



Mini 3-door Hardtop (Cooper SD)

We know that diesel engines get bad rep here and it would be particularly expensive to bring one here. However, it still doesn't mean we can't wish for one. The 2-liter diesel from the 3-series could be placed in Minis line-up and offer a relatively inexpensive diesel engine option for our shores. It would be quite interesting to see Mini offer such an engine here, especially since Volkswagen no longer sells TDI engines here.



Smart Forfour

Smart has discontinued the 1-liter turbo three-cylinder from the Fortwo Range due to low sales. You can still buy a Fortwo but only EV (electric vehicle) configuration. What we find even more interesting is that Smart isn't selling the larger Forfour here. It would be nice to see a four seat version of Smart sold here, however the price tag would be way too expensive for most tastes and that 0.9 turbo engine is very laggy and tricky to drive. Mini has the market almost to its self at this point, mainly due to BMW origins so it has the classy image and driving dynamics that Mini is known for. The Forfour has the quirky charm but won't translate well here in the US but it would still be nice to see this little hatch here on our shores.

Options to consider when looking at the 320i sedan

Better than a 3-series (320i) sedan.
Here are our top five picks for vehicles we think are better than the 320i.



Mazda 3 Grand Touring ($27,561*)
We love the Mazda 3 as it’s fun to drive, has an excellent interior and refined powertrain. The Grand Touring trim offers all the bells and whistles and still comes in at a price well below $40k. It’s pretty hard to fault the Mazda 3 here considering that it has a more potent 2.5 four-cylinder and the 3-series has a 2-liter turbo making 5hp shy of the Mazda 3. Also, the fact that it gets lower running costs and is cheaper to own. You can choose between a sedan and hatchback for added versatility.



Subaru Impreza Limited ($30,619*)
The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive and well for those who might want all-wheel-drive will love the Impreza. It may not have the flexible four-cylinder that the Mazda 3 comes with but it surely does have low running costs for a car equipped with all-wheel-drive, and the top of the range Limited Trim is very well equipped. Subaru is known for excellent build quality which should help deter you away from the 320i.



Honda Civic Touring ($27,475*)
Full-LED headlights, navigation system, heated front seats and a turbo engine that’s actually quite good. The Civic Touring offers great value for the money and should be another option worth considering if you are looking at a 320i. You may not get the all-wheel-drive like the Subaru Impreza but for many it isn’t a deal breaker. However, our only gripe is that the infotainment system is fiddly to operate.



Volkswagen GTI SE ($34,840*)
The GTI seems like the most expensive of the bunch so far but you get a thumping turbo engine that’s more powerful than the 320i (220hp vs 180hp) and also you get more standard kit than you would with the 320i. Plus, it’s one of the best hot hatches money can buy. Sure you can buy a Focus St but the Focus ST isn’t as refined as the GTI and isn’t as comfortable to drive as a daily vehicle. We love how the interior is so much more refined and also the fact that you get hatchback practicality. How could you say no to this?



Hyundai Elantra Sport ($24,330*)
This maybe the cheapest on the list but it surely isn’t short on standard kit and fun. The 1.6 turbo found in this is the same one from the Soul which pumps out 201hp and you can have it with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed auto gearbox. Flexibility with this turbo engine is far better than the Impreza and even the Civic but handling is more on the neutral side along with the steering feedback which is almost lifeless. We surely do recommend this on the list of vehicles that you can buy other than a 320i simply because it has the features to back up the price and the performance as well. How can anyone say no to 201hp?

BMW 320i (2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 180hp)
Mazda 3 (2.5-liter four-cylinder, 185hp)
Subaru Impreza (2-liter four-cylinder, 152hp)
Honda Civic (1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 174hp)
Hyundai Elantra (1.6-turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp)