2024 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport: Quick review

In 2021 Toyota reached the incredible milestone of 50 million Corollas sold globally.

Since arriving in Australia in the 60s the Toyota Corolla has been a household name in the Australian automotive market for decades and is one of the world's best-selling vehicles!

With the 2024 Corolla Ascent Sport, Toyota continues the Corolla's storied lineage with sporty aesthetics and modern tech.

Let's dive into the entry level Ascent Sport and what it offers.

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Pricing and features

The Toyota Corolla comes in two body styles: the more budget-friendly five-door hatchback and the sedan.

Since announcing they were cutting petrol models, the entry-level to the lineup is a hybrid only offering at $32,210 before on-road costs, the Ascent Sport hatch is a humble and easy to jump into car. Its athletic stance, accentuated by sharp lines and alloy wheels, promises a dynamic drive.

The interior echoes the sporty theme with a driver-centric cockpit, quality materials, and a touch of elegance. The infotainment system, while straightforward, offers essential connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

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The entire Corolla range is available in only a 1.8L hybrid version.

The 1.8-litre engine with the ever-popular hybrid technology produces 103kW and 142Nm, and the 2.0-litre petrol churns out 126kW and 203Nm.

Fuel economy is something to boast about using only 4.0L/100km (3.9L for Sedan) on a combined cycle.

The sedan is offered in the same three grades as the hatch – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR– and starts from $32,320 before on-roads.

The entry-level Corolla comes standard with plenty of spec, including:

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Safety

The entire Corolla range is covered by a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2018.

An optional convenience pack for $1000 adds:

• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors (hatch)
• Blind-spot monitoring (sedan)

You can also get these features and more by stepping up to the mid-spec Corolla SX hatch or sedan for about $3k.

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Key rivals

The small hatch and sedan segment has its share of worthy contenders, including:

• Hyundai i30
• Mazda 3
• Kia Cerato
• Volkswagen Golf
• Honda Civic

Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is a refreshing take on a trusted classic. It offers a harmonious blend of sportiness, reliability, and modern features.

For those seeking a car that's both fun and dependable, the Ascent Sport is a compelling contender that deserves a spot on your list.

With the more affordable petrol options being cut from the range, the Corolla is now no longer an affordable option for many. But if you're sold on what the car is offering and if you're able to spend the extra dollars, we recommend considering the better specced SX variant.