When you prepare to buy a car, you research it to make sure it meets your performance and budgetary needs. If you’re looking at Toyota’s 2015 Corolla S Premium, you’ll also find, “Best this. All-time that. Best. Best. Best.” It’s in your face. The historic milestones of this 11th generation Corolla are undeniable. But a test drive is still necessary for me to add my two cents to the record books.
So I hit the highway for a 30-minute trek to Red Rocks amphitheater just outside of Denver to see if it lived up to its history of more than 40 million in sales since 1966, topping all nameplates worldwide in 2013. The S Premium, featuring a 1.9L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-V with DVVT-I, 6-speed manual transmission and *CVTi-S, did not disappoint. As soon as I saw the Blue Crush Metallic color framing 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17, I knew this would be a cool ride. The color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signals and color keyed outside door handles were striking. The integrated fog lights were shining like polished diamonds.
This sculpted ride, with normal and sport driving modes, was easy to maneuver on the highway and the curves up the mountain to the amphitheater. On the inside, the dash and display was pleasing to the eyes, almost like a candy or toy store to a child. Lots of cool stuff, nothing too deep, but enough of what you wanted. Standard packages and systems include the Driver Convenience Package, Star Safety System, and the Smart Key System. What does this all mean? Bottom line. You name it, the S Premium most likely has it.
Cruise control, electric power steering, Bluetooth hands-free voice command controls, multi-information display, digital clock, backup camera, power tilt/slide moon roof with sliding sun shade, and Rear spoiler. Check!
This check list is getting kind of long, but I want to add that the S Premium offers comfortable seating, including Softex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket. The back seat offers a 60/40 split fold down rear seat with center armrest and two cup holders. My assessment for the record books can be summed up in the words of famous singer-songwriters, Ashford & Simpson – “Solid (As a Rock).” And fun. Check. Check.
2015 Toyota Corolla S Premium MSRP: $22,955. Combined city/highway MPG: 32
*CVTi-S (Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode)
