Toyota Corolla Axio (E14) Test Drive Report

ReportOctober 31, 2021

The new Corolla sedan is thoroughly designed for the Japanese market

The Toyota Corolla is a global model that represents Japan and has been overwhelmingly well known. The first generation model was born in 1966. In other words, the Corolla has already been around for 40 years, so it is no surprise that it is so well known. Counting from the first generation model, the total sales volume is 30 million units! The Corolla is a rare global brand with sales in more than 140 countries around the world, but anyone would be surprised to hear that the new model is exclusive to Japan.

To be precise, the new sedan, which will be launched in Japan under the sub-name "Axio," will have a size and design exclusive to Japan. "In contrast to Europe and the U.S., where there is a strong tendency to demand a larger size for models in this category, there are still many people in Japan who cannot give up their obsession with the 5-number size.

Incidentally, despite being a typical family sedan, a manual transmission version was made available in response to the voices of the elderly who said, "I just can't get used to an automatic transmission. The first feature of this model is that it is thoroughly designed for the Japanese market.

All grades come standard with a rear view monitor

The exterior design of the Corolla Axio, which is based on a typical three-box design that clearly suggests the presence of the engine compartment and trunk room in proportion, has been modified to be more compact than the previous model. Many people may say that the exterior design of the Corolla Axio is more "Corolla-like" than the previous model, which appealed to the "monoform" proportions of the cabin and shortened tail deck.

Frankly speaking, the styling of this car was designed with the baby boomers in mind. The strategy is to cover the more active younger generation in the Corolla series with the station wagon Fielder.

The interior design of the Fielder is based on a symmetrical shape that looks a little like something you might have seen somewhere before. The interior, as typified by the symmetrical dashboard, is not very unique, but the conservative design without any flair gives the impression of being a selling point. The addition of a rear-view monitor as standard equipment on all grades is also a "great decision" for the aforementioned geezers.

Comprehensive driving potential that cannot be underestimated

Although the Corolla Axio is not a model that boasts agile handling or high cornering speed, its overall driving potential is not to be underestimated. The Corolla Axio's overall driving potential is not to be underestimated. In addition to its precise steering performance that does not easily break down even when deliberately driving into corners, and its stability control performance that maintains a high level of stability despite a large amount of roll, the Corolla Axio also has power steering that provides a natural feeling despite being electrically assisted, and a brake pedal that is quite rigid to the touch. In addition, the power steering provides a natural feeling even though it is electrically assisted, and the brake pedal has a very rigid feel. It is not to be overlooked that the car has an excellent "man/machine interface" in terms of feeling. It is also worth noting that such a feeling is shared not only by the top grade model but also by the lower priced popular grade. This is the culmination of Corolla technology that has been cultivated around the world.

In terms of quietness, ride comfort, and interior space, I frankly don't feel that the Corolla has made much progress over the previous model. However, the Corolla sedan is a model that has never been dissatisfied in any way with its predecessors.

A perfect example of a Japanese family sedan

The Corolla Axio is the perfect example of the Japanese family sedan when you consider the quality of its appearance, its driving performance, and its price. Of course, there are many sedans in Japan that offer more luxurious features and higher speed performance than the Corolla Axio. However, from the standpoint of basic functionality, it seems to me that all such things could be summarily dismissed as "too much for this country. And it is precisely because the Corolla sedan has reached such a state of "perfection" that one gets the impression that there is no end in sight for this model. Of course, Toyota is well aware of this situation, which is why they have even come up with the sub-name "Axio" and are searching for a new way to approach the car in the future.

However, now that Toyota has finally decided to make the model exclusive to Japan and part ways with the global model, it can be interpreted that the company has already given up on developing a new customer base for the Corolla sedan. The Corolla Axio gives us the impression that Toyota has already given up on developing a new customer base for the Corolla sedan.

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