Used 2017 Toyota Corolla iM

The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM 5-door compact offers a slightly more youthful, even sporty car to wear the storied Corolla nameplate, giving budget-minded buyers another option over the Corolla sedan. While other sleek hatchbacks like the Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf offer similar features and interior accommodations, they do so for thousands more than the Corolla iM, which comes as one, well-equipped mono-spec trim for just under $20,000. Backed by Toyota’s extensive dealer network and holding excellent resale values, the only reason not to gravitate toward Toyota’s 2017 Corolla iM is its lack of power. Then again, having fuel economy that averages in the mid- to upper-30-mpg range might help alleviate your feelings about the iM’s performance.

While 137 horsepower isn’t exactly a figure that will win the hearts of hardcore driving enthusiasts, Toyota’s 2017 Corolla iM does have the kind of ride and handling that generally brings a smile to most people’s face. Agile in the corners with precise steering and a marvelous 6-speed manual transmission, the Corolla iM is as playful as a Mazda3 and more in touch with the road than the Kia Rio5 or Volkswagen Golf. Unlike many cars tuned for athletic driving response, the Corolla iM doesn’t punish its owners with a jarring ride. Instead, the iM returns a compliant ride bolstered by a chassis that keeps the outside world where it belongs: outside. Bonus points to the Corolla iM’s standard audio setup, which delivers great bass and crystal-clear highs far superior to the standard audio systems in the Ford, Hyundai or Kia rivals.

Boasting an edgy-yet-tasteful layout, the Corolla iM’s cockpit emphasizes functionality. The audio and climate controls are as straightforward as they come, while symmetrical armrests and an adjustable steering column yield an appropriately neutral driving position. Power seats are not available, but the 6-way front buckets leave nothing to be desired in comfort or lateral support. And while rear legroom can’t measure up to rivals like the Mazda3, Kia Rio5 and Volkswagen Golf on paper, the Corolla iM’s rear quarters feel plenty roomy in the outboard seating positions. Space behind the rear seat stands at 20.8 cubic feet, topping the Mazda3 and Rio5.

Design-wise, the Toyota’s Corolla iM hatchback for 2017 keenly embraces the tuxedo T-shirt philosophy: It wants to be formal, but it’s also here to party. A sweptback roofline, aggressive lower body panels, and LED running lights and taillights suggest all the makings of a hot hatch, while projector-beam headlights and a versatile liftback speak to the iM’s practical side. For those who desire some additional show without the go, Toyota offers a host of dealer-installed accessories like TRD lowering springs, carbon-fiber window trim and body graphics.

MONO-SPEC PACKAGING
Sometimes you just want it all at a good price. With this philosophy in mind, Toyota supplies the 2017 Corolla iM compact 5-door with features most competitors leave as options. With only a handful of dealer accessories and a choice of transmissions, the buying process couldn’t be easier.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE C
Toyota Safety Sense C driver-assist suite is part of the compact 2017 Toyota Corolla iM’s standard-equipment roster and includes pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert and automatic high beams.

Every Corolla iM comes with 17-inch alloys, LED running lights and taillights, power-folding/heated side mirrors, power windows and door locks, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a nifty 4.2-inch driver-information display, a rearview camera, plus a 6-speaker Display audio system with Bluetooth and a USB port. Toyota’s Safety Sense C driver-assist suite adds pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert and automatic high beams, as well as eight airbags including front-seat side, side-curtain and a driver’s-knee airbag. Moonroof lovers, you’re out of luck.

The Corolla iM’s mono-spec packaging structure means that aside from the transmission and exterior color, your options are limited to a navigation system, the aHa Radio app and a few dealer-installed accessories such as body-side ground effects, side graphics, rear wind deflector, paint protector and interior lighting.

The Toyota Corolla iM is powered by Toyota’s 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine with Valvematic continuously variable-valve timing, which is also used in the Corolla sedan. Developing 137 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, it can be paired with a standard 6-speed manual or optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) featuring a 7-speed simulated sequential-shift mode. Beyond altering shift points, there’s a sport setting that also quickens throttle response and adds weighting to the electric power steering. Combined fuel economy averages rank in the low-30-mpg range and, as you might have guessed, all Corolla iM’s run on regular gasoline.

1.8-liter inline-4
137 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
126 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg (manual), 28/36 mpg (automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.