2019 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8L VVT-i FWD (122 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota expanded the twelfth generation of the Corolla lineup with a station wagon version in late 2018 for the 2019 model year, trying to expand its presence on the market with a family-oriented vehicle.

While the MPVs were no longer sought-after vehicles in Europe, and hatchbacks were suitable mostly for those without kids, station wagons were the next best thing for many customers. These vehicles combined the versatility of a hatchback with a big trunk behind, and their prices were not sky-high. Strangely, Toyota introduced this bodywork version before launching the sedan, a better-known Corolla lineup member.

Sporting a longer wheelbase than its hatchback sibling, the Corolla Touring Sports looked aggressive while keeping decent proportions of the front fascia. Its wide grill ended in fangs-like shapes for the LED daytime running lights. The tall bumper included the main cooling area, which was painted black regardless of the vehicle’s color and adorned at the lower side by a small lip flanked by fog lamps when optioned. For the twelfth generation of the Corolla, Toyota tried to create a fresh, young-oriented design, and it made it.

From its profile, the car sported an ascending waistline decorated by a chromed strip that underlined the window area above the rear wheels, which followed an upward kick meeting the racked-forward D-pillar. The car’s long roof looked like it followed a descending line towards the back of the vehicle, emphasizing the car’s sporty character. Finally, at the back, Toyota’s design team created a tailgate that was tilted forward 12 degrees more than on the hatchback version for an even sportier look.

One of the most important upgrades brought by the Corolla’s twelfth generation was the upgraded materials inside the cabin. As a result, the Touring Sports version also came fitted with them, and more soft-touch areas greeted customers than before. In terms of comfort and amenities, the Corolla already offered new 8” infotainment systems placed atop the center stack, available as an option. Inside the instrument cluster that fronted the driver was the large speedometer. It was flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel and water temperature gauges on the right.

Customers enjoyed better legroom in the back than in the regular hatchback, thanks to the 100 mm (3.9”) longer wheelbase. The split-folding bench seat could expand the trunk so kids’ bikes could fit in without removing their wheels. With the rear seats up, the car boasted a 598-liter (21.1 cu-ft) volume, which was among the best in its class. A tonneau cover was also fitted as standard on the entire range.

The car’s underpinnings showed an all-wheel independent suspension, which greatly improved comfort. Toyota installed a wide engine range in the Corolla Touring Sports, depending on the market. The newest and most potent version was the fresh 2.0-liter hybrid system paired with an improved automatic gearbox that allowed manual shifting from a pair of paddles placed behind the steering wheel.