T-Sport Corolla
Discussion
My mate just bought an 05 plate T-Sport Corolla from the local dealer. Cost him about £10.5k-ish, around £4k less than Honda dealers were asking for the equivalent Civic type-R.
I've now driven it myself and was quite impressed. Outside of the VVTLi-lift zone (6200rpm+) it pulls fairly well, fine for normal driving. Above 6200rpm and the extra power kicks in - a lot of fun but it needs revved hard all the way to the red line in each gear to extract the full performance.
Also, make sure you go for the facelifted model, this had revised ride-height and suspension. The non-facelifted model was quite a bit softer and hence derided by EVO magazine.
I've now driven it myself and was quite impressed. Outside of the VVTLi-lift zone (6200rpm+) it pulls fairly well, fine for normal driving. Above 6200rpm and the extra power kicks in - a lot of fun but it needs revved hard all the way to the red line in each gear to extract the full performance.
Also, make sure you go for the facelifted model, this had revised ride-height and suspension. The non-facelifted model was quite a bit softer and hence derided by EVO magazine.
haze said:
What's the verdict on them?
Seem to get a lot of car for not too much money
Seem to get a lot of car for not too much money
Toyota Motorsport engineered a limited edition supercharged version for a short period. Silverstone Performance now offers the Toyota Motorsport supercharger conversion, plus some other tuning/upgrade stuff. Corolla can be made to look a lot tougher (lowered on 18s) and, certainly with the blower installed, is capable of giving Type Rs a rude shock.
I see you have an MR2 Roadster... SP can turbocharge and tweak these - safely - up to 240bhp/240lb'ft. Turns the MR2 into a Boxster-bashing "baby Noble".
Highly amusing at Andy mac said:
Looks surprisingly deft in the wet! Well driven! About time they had a decent engine. I wonder if there is a celica GT4-esque kit! That would be a nice little runner methinks!
Cheers.
The VVTi/1ZZ engine IS a decent engine. And 240/240 is coming from Toyota Motorsport-proven low boost levels. The wonder of the MR2 is the low weight - GT4-esque stuff would add weight. Do the math on 240/240 with 980kgs and compare to other cars... you'll be surprised where the SP240 sits in the scheme of things. Corolla T-Sport is heading the same way...
BossCerbera said:
Andy mac said:
Looks surprisingly deft in the wet! Well driven! About time they had a decent engine. I wonder if there is a celica GT4-esque kit! That would be a nice little runner methinks!
Cheers.
The VVTi/1ZZ engine IS a decent engine. And 240/240 is coming from Toyota Motorsport-proven low boost levels. The wonder of the MR2 is the low weight - GT4-esque stuff would add weight. Do the math on 240/240 with 980kgs and compare to other cars... you'll be surprised where the SP240 sits in the scheme of things. Corolla T-Sport is heading the same way...
RE:GT4 esque stuff. The previous MR2 had the turbo version, and the celica had the GT4. I wonder if the celica has a GT4 esque kit for it. Would be a nice circle from one era, to the current era!
Nicol@ said:
Haze, notice how everyone got carried away and started talking upgrades?
Not as cute as your MR2 but still have a good/strong engine. I used to know a couple of people who owned them and they had no regrets.
Not as cute as your MR2 but still have a good/strong engine. I used to know a couple of people who owned them and they had no regrets.
Thanks Nicola that is good to know, given up on any serious feedback. I don't want upgrades etc.. etc.. just the standard T-Sport, I love the MR2 to bits & it will be heart wrenching to see her go.
But I hate to even say the word, but I need something more ''Practical''.
Kuro Black said:
Check this months Evo, I think it's mentioned in an altogether negative context. Might be worth a look
My first car was a Corolla, and to be honest, it was perhaps the best built car I've ever owned - awesome
My first car was a Corolla, and to be honest, it was perhaps the best built car I've ever owned - awesome
As Olivera said, make sure you go for the post July 2004 'facelift' model, It's much better car, especially in the handling department. The later ones only came in 3dr though, if that makes a difference to you.
BossCerbera said:
Cheers. The VVTi/1ZZ engine IS a decent engine. And 240/240 is coming from Toyota Motorsport-proven low boost levels. The wonder of the MR2 is the low weight - GT4-esque stuff would add weight. Do the math on 240/240 with 980kgs and compare to other cars... you'll be surprised where the SP240 sits in the scheme of things.
The VVTi/1ZZ engine IS a decent engine. And 240/240 is coming from Toyota Motorsport-proven low boost levels. The wonder of the MR2 is the low weight - GT4-esque stuff would add weight. Do the math on 240/240 with 980kgs and compare to other cars... you'll be surprised where the SP240 sits in the scheme of things.A neighbour has a silver one (standard
). . . I sat in it and it's quite good. But then, I like small cars and I'm not distracted by the plastic dash or the non-snobbery looks. It drives well too. All it needs is a decent exhaust-note . . . I'd like to see one tete-a-tete with for instance a Boxter, Elise maybe . . . on a track of course.
Test! A typical Graham Bell jobbie me thinks . . .
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