Toyota Corolla
by Nethead 09.09.02
Having driven my new model Corolla T2 for the first time I thought to myself "this can't be a Japanese car, it's far too much fun". Pin sharp handling and astonishing acceleration from the 96 bhp 1400 VVTi engine completely took me by surprise. The quality of the plastics and the resounding clunk from the doors made me think perhaps I was in a German car. However, on looking at the windscreen, the "made in GB" made me think again. Before purchasing I had been looking for a car with the build quality of a VW Golf, the fun of a Ford Focus but with a powerful reliable Japanese engine, and believe me I found all this and more in the T2. My 3 door model even looks the business too. The technology in the car is also impressive, although I perhaps could manage without a light that tells me which side the petrol cap is on, in case I forget, and the cigarette lighter taken from the Lada parts bin.Whether driving in town or on the motorway the car remains absolutely quiet and as driving it in either situation puts such a big grin on my face, I have had some quite funny looks! Disc brakes all round and ABS with EBD ensures I can go from 60 to 0 just as quick as 0 to 60 in the official (but I don't believe them) 12 seconds. The only fault I can find with this car is the fact it is so quiet and powerful for the size of engine. I find it difficult to keep within the speed limits and am awaiting the dreaded speed cameras to get me any day. So to anyone who has not owned a Corolla before, I say forget about everything you thought about Toyota Corollas and Japanese cars: a car that gives you this much fun cannot be a Toyota Corolla and cannot be Japanese, but oddly it is!
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