Review: Toyota E110 Corolla (1998-01)

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• Durable and economical 1.8-litre 7A-FE engine
• High standard of interior fit and finish
• Comfortable ride
• Well-weighted steering

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• Standard front seats lack support
• Cramped rear seats
• Dynamics fall short of Holden TS Astra , Mazda BJ 323 and Ford Mk.5 Laser
• Manual gearshifts lack precision
• Dull interior

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Review: Toyota E110.I Corolla (1998-99)

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Overview

Released in October 1998, the E110 Series I (E110.I) Corolla was solely available as a five-door liftback. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Corolla was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The range initially consisted of Conquest and CSX variants, though a limited-run Levin variant was introduced in June 1999.

Compared to the E100 Corolla , the E110 Corolla liftback was 175 mm longer (at 4270 mm), 5 mm wider (1690 mm) and 5 mm taller (1385 mm), but had the same wheelbase (2465 mm). The E110 Corolla was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension front and independent rear suspension. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E110.I Corolla included a driver’s airbag, front seatbelt pretensioners and a force-limiting driver’s seatbelt. The Levin and CSX variants both added four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, though the CSX was further equipped with a front passenger airbag and a force-limiting front passenger seatbelt.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1998 Corolla liftback – that was fitted with a 1.3-litre petrol engine – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23. In the frontal impact, protection of the driver’s thighs and feet were rated as marginal as impact areas around the knees presented hazards. In the side impact, chest protection was rated as weak.

Features: Corolla Conquest and CSX

Standard features for the Corolla Conquest included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, front power windows and an immobiliser.

Compared to the Conquest, the Corolla CSX was further equipped with eight-spoke 14-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD player, front fog lights and powered rear windows. Visually, the CSX could be identified by its chrome radiator grille and body-coloured door handles and mudflaps.

1999 Corolla Levin

Released in June 1999, the Levin was based on the Conquest but distinguished by its 14-inch ‘Quad’ alloy wheels (with 185/60 HR14 tyres), contoured sports seats, front fog lights. Visually, the Levin could be identified by its mesh radiator grille, front spoiler and chrome exhaust tip. Inside, the Levin had a black four-spoke steering wheel and sports fabrics.

Review: Toyota E110.II Corolla (1999-01)

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Overview

Released in November 1999, the E110 Series II (E110.II) Corolla introduced sedan bodies and a revised range. The range initially consisted of Conquest, Levin and Ultima variants, though an entry-level Ascent was introduced in March 2000. In March 2001, a turbocharged Sportivo variant was released. Visually, the E110.II Corolla could be identified by its new headlights and front bumper; inside, there were also new interior trims and audio systems.

Compared to the liftback, the sedans were 45 mm longer (at 4315 mm), though width (1690 mm), height (1385 mm) and wheelbase length (2465 mm) were unchanged. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Corolla Ascent included a driver’s airbag and driver’s seatbelt pretensioners. The Conquest was further equipped with front seatbelts that had pretensioners and load limiters. Both the Levin and Ultima were fitted with ABS and four-wheel disc brakes, though the Ultima was also fitted with a front passenger airbag.

Features

Standard features for the Corolla Ascent included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser; liftback models also had a 60/40 split and folding rear seat

The Corolla Conquest was further equipped with a CD player, air conditioning, full cloth trim, remote central locking, power mirrors and front windows, driver’s seat height adjustment and an alarm system.

The Corolla Levin added 14-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Visually, the Levin was also distinguished by its front spoiler and mesh grille.

Compared to the Conquest, the Corolla Ultima was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, velour seat trim, front fog lights and power-operated rear windows.

2001 Corolla Sportivo

Released in March 2001, the Corolla Sportivo was a limited-run model. In addition to its turbocharged and intercooled engine, the Sportivo was distinguished by its upgraded brakes, 15-inch ‘Corsica’ alloy wheels, low-profile 195/50 R15 Bridgestone tyres, stiffer springs, sports seats, mesh grille, sports bodykit (front spoiler and side skirts) and Aztec Gold paint finish. With respect to safety equipment and features, the Sportivo was similarly equipped to the Levin variant but fitted with dual front airbags.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota E110.II Corolla (November 1999)
• Press Release: Toyota E110.II Corolla Ascent (March 2000)
• Press Kit: Toyota E110.II Corolla Sportivo and XP10.I Echo Sportivo (March 2001)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota E110 Corolla