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TRAVEL TORQUE
Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs 6MT
Pricing from R336 800
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The recently launched Corolla Hatch is sure to keep the Japanese company laughing all the way to the bank. Over the past 53 years, there have been 12 generations of the popular Toyota and more than 45 million units have been sold, and it’s well known that South Africans are some of the most loyal Corolla customers.
Launched earlier this month in Cape Town, I was impressed by the Corolla Hatch’s sporty sleek exterior with new headlights, a lower stance and a tougher mesh grille.
Using the same highly praised 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as the C-HR and iconic Prius, the Corolla Hatch may not seem like a speed demon with 85kW of power, but it turned out to be a pocket rocket because of that fabulous turbo in both the six-speed manual and 10-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) auto. I’m usually not a huge fan of CVTs, but the new Corolla doesn’t suffer from the dreaded drone or lag that often comes with this type of gearbox. The manual, with a bit of rev, is a blast to zip around in, and is supported by 185Nm of torque and a new multilink rear suspension, which absorbs bumps and makes for a smooth, supple and sporty ride.
The standard specs include an easy to operate centre-mounted touchscreen, keyless entry, a reverse camera, and dual climate and cruise control. If you are keen on the top spec Xr version, you’ll also get heated leather seats with Alcantara trim. As always, Toyota has ensured good safety with stability control, ABS, EBD, brake assist and seven airbags across the range. Fuel consumption is a respectable 6.1 litres per 100km.
I’d wager that the Corolla Hatch is going to pose some serious competition.
But the Corolla Hatch isn’t the only new buzz in the Mother City – the Stock Exchange hotel, part of the Newmark Hotels group, opened just three days before we checked in. Situated in trendy and accessible Woodstock, it’s a blend of African-inspired industrial chic.
A testament to the ever growing popularity of mixed-use living space philosophy, the building facilitates the hotel, residential units, a gym, a pool, restaurants and various retail outlets. I loved the use of space in the tastefully designed rooms, where art, décor and furniture are locally sourced from Woodstock, arguably the most creative hub in Cape Town.
It was a perfect place to lay our weary bones after a full day of revving and braking in the hatch.
. Ferguson was a guest at the Stock Exchange hotel. For more information, go to newmarkethotels.com
