Tested: 2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8G - Still The ‘Safest’ Bet

We found ourselves testing the updated 2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8G recently and, unsurprisingly, it proved to be a 'safe' bet still...

Is This ‘New’? 

Yes, somewhat, and that’s despite the fact there are still plenty of unchanged bits. This is indeed typical with most face-lift or mid-cycle refreshes as what the 2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8G underwent when UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) released it locally last year. 

While it may not appear so, there are enough changes and added bits to warrant its ‘new’ title. You just have to look past its largely unchanged exterior and interior. As you’ll find out, Toyota effectively kept much of the Corolla sedan’s good bits and made it slightly better in most areas… 

In terms of appearance, the Corolla 1.8G's exterior remains largely unchanged, though the recent refresh does see it sport a new grille featuring a honeycomb-like insert pattern.

What’s Been Refreshed? 

As far as the exterior is concerned, the only noticeable change is the revised front grille. Specifically, the insert for which now sports a new honeycomb pattern instead of horizontal lines. Beyond which, other exterior changes are almost non-existent, but this isn’t bad news entirely. 

The same can be said about the 2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8G’s innards, though we’ll argue there’s much more changes to bask in here, and they’re all welcoming to say the least. The biggest visual treat for drivers stems from the new and now fully digital instrument panel.

New richer and more interactive 12.3-inch digital instrument display replaces the pre-facelift unit's 9-inch analogue dials setup, and it's a visual treat for drivers in the hot seat.

New here too are the front seats as the feature a revised frame design that delivers enhanced comforts across all types of driving cycles and duration. However, power-adjustment remains exclusive for the driver-side only...

This richer, more interactive 12.3-inch panel is a huge leap over the analogue 9-inch panel seen in the pre-facelift unit. What we loved here is how much clearer it displays data related to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features that Toyota endowed this Corolla with. 

What’s not immediately obvious are the revised front seats. Compared to the pre-facelift model’s seats, we’re glad to report that these now offer enhanced comforts for almost any drive type and duration. Our only gripe i is that power-adjustment remains exclusive for the driver seat only. 

Other small but noteworthy changes in this higher-specced 1.8G variant include the switch from USB-A to USB-C charging ports primed in the centre console, as well as an added clip for the wireless smartphone charging pad. Beyond these, there are little to no changes elsewhere. 

Noteworthy is the fact that the Corolla underpins the TNGA chassis platform, which brings both independent suspension with double wishbone setup at the rear, plus a slew of ADAS features.

Is The Drive Any Good? 

Objectively, the answer to this boils down to what exactly you’re looking for in a C-segment sedan. In the case of this refreshed Corolla, it arguably continues to be the one that offers the best balance and comfort, with a dash of robust frugality added on top. 

Sure, UMWT warmed things up with a new GR Sport variant slotted above the 1.8G guise tested. However, that guise costs more and it’s also perhaps visually too loud for most. We’ll add that the bumpier ride stemming from its stiffened sport suspension isn’t ideal to ferry families with. 

Typical of Toyota, unless it bears the letters G and R in its designation, sporty styling or driving is NOT a priority. Instead, models like the refreshed Corolla 1.8G as tested puts refined comforts and ease of daily drivability first, and it arguably sets the gold standard for this in its space. 

This is evident in firstly through its soft, supple ride, followed secondly by its ultra-light yet precise electric power steering calibration and, thirdly, the taut, balanced yet highly predictable handling and drive dynamics it boasts. You could say this is rather typical of any Toyota indeed.

Both the 2.0-litre -4cyl Dual VVT-i petrol mill and 7-speed CVT automatic box connected to which remain unchanged from before. These don't offer the peppiest outputs in class, but it certainly is one of the most robust and frugal ones in segment instead.

As for the powertrain, it’s also yet another typical Toyota affair here. Under the hood, you’ll find a tried and tested 1.8-litre 4-cyl Dual VVT-i petrol mill that drive the front wheels with respectable pep - 138 HP and 172 NM - via a 7-speed CVT automatic box. 

Sure, this doesn’t sound all that exciting versus what a certain H-badged rival packs, but you can take our word that this powertrain doesn’t lack in grunt to handle the typical daily driving task. Moreover, we’re certain many will appreciate both its robust reliability and frugality.

One key benefit of the Corolla's TNGA base is its inclusion of a full-swing of ADAS features in 1.8G guise.

One big benefit of the switch to the new digital instrument panel is the increased clarity of the ADAS features' data.

You Said ‘Safest’ Still, Yes? 

Yes, and we meant that both figuratively and literally, the latter driven by the fact that this Corolla’s impressive standard safety features in 1.8G guise as tested. A lot of this stems from the fact that this Corolla underpins the Toyota New Global Architecture Platform (TNGA). 

Key ADAS features present include Adaptive Cruise Control plus Lane-Depature Warning and Prevention. Notably, all of these were already primed in the pre-facelift version too.

That alone ought to explain how it is endowed with plenty of ADAS features from the get go - even in pre-facelift form. We’ll be brief by noting the presence of core things like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning and Prevention, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, as well as Autonomous Emergency Braking, amongst many.

These undoubtedly bode well with the fact that at the very base, the Corolla already comes laced with seven airbags, both stability and traction control suites, ABS with EBD and BA, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, as well as Hill-Start Assist and ISOFIX childseat anchors, amongst many others. In this guise, Toyota also threw in both front- and rear-facing DVRs (dashcams).

The 360-degree Parking View Monitor is neat, but is also hampered by its display's less than stellar resolution. Our other gripe stems from the rear seat's ergonomics that isn't ideal for tall-and-lanky persons.

Any Other Quirks? 

Yes, but these are few and far in between, and some are just this writer’s personal nitpickings. Amongst the latter is the less than stellar resolution of the 360-degree Parking View Monitor display – a common Toyota quirk.

The other gripe we have lies in the rear seats and their seeming lack of comfort. Though covered in plush leather upholstery, the angle of the backrests and seemingly absent thigh support from the short seat base isn’t ideal for tall-and-lanky types to say the least.

Perhaps the only hurdle left then lies in meeting the Corolla 1.8G’s seemingly princely RM147,800 asking price. Though there is a 1.8E variant slotted below tagged at just RM139,800, it lacks much of the G variant’s tastier higher-end standard features plus its full ADAS package.

At RM147,800 sans insurance, the updated Corolla 1.8G isn't exactly a bargain, but at least it comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Should I Bother? 

Honestly? Yes, especially if you simply don’t fancy comparable rivals like the Honda Civic 1.5V and Mazda 3 High Sedan. Sure, it’s no bargain in price, but the updated Toyota Corolla 1.8G as tested arguably still holds respectable appeal driven by its ‘safe’ approach and robust nature.

Certainly, the inclusion of a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty in the price mentioned should bolster this Corolla’s promise of no-nonsense and fuss-free ownership experience over the long-term too. Like its predecessors, we’re also certain this Corolla will also stand the test of time well.

SPECIFICATIONS 

2024 Toyota Corolla 1.8G