Short test: Toyota Corolla SD 1.4 D-4D Luna
Test Drive

Short test: Toyota Corolla SD 1.4 D-4D Luna

The Toyota Corolla has a heavy load on its shoulders, which is called a centuries-old history. Over 11 generations, they have assembled more than 40 million vehicles and, having sold in more than 150 countries around the world, have created a myth that can best be described as the most popular car in the world. The burden of bestsellers on earth is really heavy, but also perfect for marketers and strategists who, in a crowd of like-minded people, could better highlight this fact in a crowded market.

When asked if they know how to capitalize on that name at Toyota, everyone has their own opinion, which is not necessarily the best. As the owner of an older Corolla, a much more popular five-door version in Slovenia, I will criticize Toyota in this regard. I don’t know if they don’t know or cannot, which ultimately doesn’t matter. As if they had refused in advance, stating that it was a limousine and as such is not the most popular in the part of the European market that includes Slovenia. Very sorry. It's not the prettiest (what kind of sedan is it?), Not the most original or with fresh design features, but it is not. After a few days, it very calmly and unobtrusively penetrates the skin.

The test car, in addition to the very typical Toyota front end, had 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and parking sensors. Unfortunately, we immediately noticed that the daytime running lights only illuminate the front of the car and that the nose is not protected by parking sensors. We were partially satisfied inside too. The good driving position was enhanced by a larger touchscreen, two-piece air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear lever, and three analogue sensors in a pleasant blue color, which brightened up an otherwise very calm interior. Then we immediately noticed that despite the richer equipment, the Luna (the second richest of the three) lacks cruise control, power windows and navigation. HM…

Although the Toyota Corolla is a sedan, it naturally shares some technology with the Auris. Also, a six-speed manual gearbox and a turbodiesel engine with a capacity of 66 kilowatts and more than 90 domestic “horses”. The technique will appeal to those who love reliability, but do not strive for driving dynamics. The transmission is a little artificial when shifting from gear to gear, and the driver, along with good soundproofing, indulges in a smooth ride, although more noise and vibrations can be expected from a smaller turbodiesel. Of course, an integral part of a four-door sedan is the trunk: 452 liters is one of the largest, but we must always remember that in limousines the entrance to the cargo compartment is narrow and that the hood horns limit usability. Since we only had the Corolla in the winter, we also missed a hole in the back of the rear seats to push the longest skis through.

You will not fall in love with Toyota Corolla at first sight, but you will love it only after a short communication. And many (even former) owners around the world still say that then it gets under your skin.

Text: Aljosha Darkness

Toyota Corolla SD 1.4 D-4D Luna

Basic data

Sales: Toyota Adria Ltd.
Base model price: 13.950 €
Test model cost: 17.540 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 13,0 with
Maximum speed: 180 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 5,8l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.364 cm3 - maximum power 66 kW (90 hp) at 3.800 rpm - maximum torque 205 Nm at 1.800-2.800 rpm.
Energy transfer: front wheel drive engine - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 205/55 R 16 H (Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D).
Capacity: 180 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 12,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,9/3,6/4,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 106 g/km.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.300 kg - permissible gross weight 1.780 kg.
External dimensions: length 4.620 mm - width 1.775 mm - height 1.465 mm - wheelbase 2.700 mm - trunk 452 l - fuel tank 55 l.

Our measurements

T = -1 ° C / p = 1.017 mbar / rel. vl. = 91% / odometer status: 10.161 km
Acceleration 0-100km:13,0s
402m from the city: 18,8 years (


118 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 10,0 / 18,8s


(IV/V)
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 15,1 / 17,5s


(Sun./Fri.)
Maximum speed: 180km / h


(WE.)
test consumption: 5,8 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 45,2m
AM table: 40m

evaluation

  • The 452-liter trunk is large but semi-fit, while the smaller turbo diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission will impress only those who love tranquility and sophistication.

We praise and reproach

comfort

smoothness of the engine

fuel consumption

Rear View Camera

in daylight you are only illuminated from the front

less access to the trunk

no cruise control

it does not have a hole in the back of the rear seats

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