Life with a Toyota Corolla Commercial: Month 1
Welcoming the Corolla to the fleet
When it comes to finding a vehicle that offers a reasonable amount of cargo space without being too large or conspicuous, a car-based van is the perfect solution. That’s why I opted for the Toyota Corolla Commercial. From afar, it looks like a regular Corolla Touring Sports estate, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the rear windows are blocked off with a black film, designed to disguise its van identity. Mechanically, it shares the same ‘self-charging’ hybrid system as its rear-seated cousin, featuring a 1.8-liter petrol engine, electric motor, and small battery. With a total power output of 138bhp delivered through an e-CVT, it offers a comfortable and efficient driving experience.
The Corolla Commercial comes equipped with several convenient features, including a rear-view camera, heated seats, and an infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the main distinction between the Corolla car and van becomes apparent when you open the rear doors. Instead of seats, you’ll find a spacious 1326-liter cargo bay and a full-metal bulkhead grille separating the driver from the load. While not as roomy as larger vans, the Corolla van can accommodate objects up to 1860mm long and 1430mm wide.
It’s worth noting that the van has a normal rear screen, which is beneficial for driving but means that anything left in the back is visible to others. The payload capacity is 435kg, which may not be as high as some larger vans but is still sufficient for many purposes. Despite its smaller size, the Corolla Commercial offers a car-like driving experience with light control weights, firm steering at high speeds, and impressive quietness, comfort, and fuel economy. The rear suspension feels slightly softer than the front, leading to a gentle rocking motion after encountering bumps.
One of the standout features is the radar-guided adaptive cruise control, which significantly reduces stress in traffic. The heavy steering and accurate lane-keeping assistance make it feel like the car can handle everything without human intervention. However, these systems can be easily turned off if preferred. The powertrain prioritizes electric mode for city driving, utilizing the combustion engine mainly during acceleration and at speeds above 30mph. The power delivery is smooth, and despite the claimed fuel economy of 64mpg, I’ve managed to achieve an average of 60mpg so far, with a recent motorway run yielding an impressive 72.6mpg figure.
Overall, the Corolla Commercial offers a spacious, comfortable, and economical driving experience. Its inconspicuous design and practical features make it a reliable choice for various tasks. Despite its cargo limitations compared to larger vans, it compensates with excellent driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.