Don't be fooled by those fancy sport utes, high-performance coupes and hulking, muscle-bound trucks you see on the road today. Nice and newsworthy as they are, the compact car segment is the hottest in Canada.
Virtually every automaker has an entry here. The models mightn't be the world's most glamorous-- but they are the bread-and-butter transportation that moves the Canadian commuter masses.
Choices, choices
Being a hot market, there are more than a few competitors to pick from if you're shopping here. Those with no pre-existing loyalties to brands or countries of origin will have to consider models like the Civic, Sentra, Cobalt, Caliber, 3, Golf, Lancer, Impreza, Soul, Elantra, Focus, SX4 and others. Quite a selection indeed.
Of course, there’s also the Toyota Corolla—which is the focus of this story.
Corolla CE
The tester was a Corolla CE which carried power locks, air conditioning and a tire pressure monitoring system thanks to an optional convenience package. No cruise control or power windows were present, though both are available.
Two important options from the Toyota accessory catalog were on board, too. A Bluetooth phone interface allows for hands-free, voice-dialed calls once synchronized with your cellular handset, and it may prevent you from being pulled over and fined for yakking on the go.
A remote start system was installed, too. Perhaps the ultimate Canadian accessory, it works via the standard remote to prevent chilly tootsies in winter by pre-heating the cabin.
Pre-accessory pricing on the tester was $18,165.
Thrifty shoppers can learn to drive stick and ditch the optional four-speed automatic gearbox to save $1,000. Additionally, at the time of writing, Corolla qualified for a $500 graduate rebate incentive, too. Your dealer has the full scoop-- so be sure to ask if you might be eligible.
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| As a simple, accommodating and functional compact sedan, the Corolla works wonderfully. |
Virtually every automaker has an entry here. The models mightn't be the world's most glamorous-- but they are the bread-and-butter transportation that moves the Canadian commuter masses.
Choices, choices
Being a hot market, there are more than a few competitors to pick from if you're shopping here. Those with no pre-existing loyalties to brands or countries of origin will have to consider models like the Civic, Sentra, Cobalt, Caliber, 3, Golf, Lancer, Impreza, Soul, Elantra, Focus, SX4 and others. Quite a selection indeed.
Of course, there’s also the Toyota Corolla—which is the focus of this story.
Corolla CE
The tester was a Corolla CE which carried power locks, air conditioning and a tire pressure monitoring system thanks to an optional convenience package. No cruise control or power windows were present, though both are available.
Two important options from the Toyota accessory catalog were on board, too. A Bluetooth phone interface allows for hands-free, voice-dialed calls once synchronized with your cellular handset, and it may prevent you from being pulled over and fined for yakking on the go.
A remote start system was installed, too. Perhaps the ultimate Canadian accessory, it works via the standard remote to prevent chilly tootsies in winter by pre-heating the cabin.
Pre-accessory pricing on the tester was $18,165.
Thrifty shoppers can learn to drive stick and ditch the optional four-speed automatic gearbox to save $1,000. Additionally, at the time of writing, Corolla qualified for a $500 graduate rebate incentive, too. Your dealer has the full scoop-- so be sure to ask if you might be eligible.
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| A Bluetooth phone interface allows for hands-free, voice-dialed calls once synchronized with your cellular handset. |