The Corolla
New Car, bathed in the morning light, its 4.63-meter silhouette lower and wider than I remembered. The 1.8L Atkinson cycle engine and E-CVT deliver a silky-smooth, silent 101 kW powertrain, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 L/100km. For the same 500km journey,
commercial vehicle drivers would have to pay for two movie tickets, while new energy vehicle owners are still searching for available charging stations on their navigation systems. In winter, at -15 degrees Celsius, a three-minute refueling session is all it takes to power up the heater to fog up the windows, leaving your anxiety behind in the long lines at service areas.
Stepping into the cabin, the soft-touch plastic and stitched center console exudes a homely feel. The 7-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen seamlessly integrate CarPlay, voice control, and navigation. Simply saying "I'm cold" automatically adjusts the temperature, a much more intuitive and user-friendly experience than the old
Used Car rotary knob. The 2700mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear, and the almost completely flat floor means parents can sit comfortably without having to stretch out. The seats are soft yet resilient, ensuring a comfortable ride even on a 400km drive home without back pain – a far cry from the hard benches of older cars in the same price range.
In the city, the steering wheel is so light at low speeds that you can turn around with one hand, while on the highway it automatically becomes heavier, as if someone is quietly resting their hand on the steering wheel. TSS 3.0 bundles full-speed range following, lane keeping assist, and active braking all in one package. If the car in front brakes suddenly at a red light, it brakes before your right foot, achieving a braking distance of 38 meters from 100 km/h, embodying a sense of security. When reversing, the panoramic view turns curbs into cartoon lines, allowing even novice drivers to easily reverse into narrow spaces. Automatic parking and hill start assist make hilltop traffic jams less frustrating.
The starting price of just over 110,000 RMB includes LED headlights, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, and dual Type-C ports in the rear. Maintenance costs just over 400 RMB, cheaper than replacing spark plugs on an old used car. It's your companion for Monday morning rush hour and Friday's trip home loaded with New Year's goods. With the trunk folded down, it has a depth of 1.9 meters, easily accommodating folding bicycles and campervans, yet still leaving a passageway for pets. The Corolla is not a flashy toy, but a reliable partner that boasts fuel efficiency, peace of mind, spaciousness, and high resale value, making every journey feel like an upgrade to everyday life.