Toyota Corolla wagon 2002 Review

It's amazing how a few changes to a basic model can change the whole character of a vehicle. Take for example the new Toyota Corolla. Previously we tested the Levin hatchback with a manual gearbox, which Toyota describe as "Sporty". It's a smart and attractive little car that with a wealth of features that will appeal to both a youthful market and an older buyer segment who will trust the name and appreciate the package.

However, on the other side of the coin is the basic Corolla Conquest wagon. The test vehicle came with the four speed automatic that has a shorter final drive ratio for improved acceleration, more of which later. It has a lower spec interior and less in the way of features, but despite the lack of enhancements the car is no less worthy.

There's a lot that's new about the Corolla, and perhaps the most obvious change is the new body shape, which Toyota reckons has strong influences from the European market. The body, which now boasts increased rigidity has a wheelbase up by 135mm, width is up and the end result is 19000mm of interior room. What this means to potential buyers is that there's plenty of room inside for four full size passengers and with the rear seats down there's access to a lot of load carrying space, which I'm sure will find favour with fleet buyers.

Another product of the redesign is that the weight of the new Corolla has been reduced by an average reduction of 37kg, with some models losing as much as 85kg.

Toyota also claim to have spent a lot of research time smoothing the aerodynamics in order to improve the fuel economy, which is claimed to be improved by 21%, and reduce wind noise. One noticeable area where the new shape has made a difference is in the way that rain water is directed off the surfaces so that the side windows in particular stay clear.

Under the bonnet there's the new 1.8 litre (1794cc) DOHC sixteen-valve, four-cylinder unit with variable valve timing. Producing 100kW @ 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 171Nm @ 4200rpm the power plant feeds on PULP via electronic fuel injection.

Braking duties are performed by four wheel discs with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which replaces a conventional load sensing and proportioning by-pass valve, and Brake Assist. Brake Assist is designed to help drivers who are unable to apply high brake pedal pressure in an emergency.

Inside the Corolla Conquest the finish and layout is simple - straight forward and functional. The driver's seat, which once again has had a major redesign, is reasonably comfortable and most of all feels supportive in the right places. The controls are typically Toyota familiar, and the dash is unobstructed and clean.

On start up the Corolla revs very high, which can be a bit disconcerting until the management system turns the revs down and the car settles down to idle. On the road the Corolla feels much lighter than before and turns with very little effort. The engine despite the increase in power and reduction in weight doesn't seem to get going with any obvious power until the revs are up. As a result you tend to hang on pedal longer. Unfortunately as the revs rise so does the level of engine noise, you could forgive the noise if the rate of progress was proportional.

However, once out on the open road or cruising along the freeway, there's plenty of mid-range power and the car feels fuel sippingly relaxed. As far as fuel usage goes, the Conquest returned 9.4l/100km in mixed driving which is OK but nothing exceptional, and probably says more about the effects of the automatic gearbox on the low down power.

In general terms, given the kind of work the Conquest will perform the handling of the car in corners is adequate enough. Certainly it feels composed enough to promote confidence. Ride quality is obviously never going to be at limo levels but is reasonably good, and most surfaces including dirt roads are dealt with without making the driver suffer.

Overall the Corolla Conquest wagon is a practical, unassuming but honest car. It has enough features and technology to feel like good value and it has a reputation that's rock solid. For a lot of people it has a lot of what people want.