While we are on this subject, when the Celica died there was some buzz that the next generation of Corolla (current gen now) would get a coupe variant to make up for it. I know there is also the rumored Toyota/Subaru RWD coupe but has any more thought been put into such a car? Between the tC and this rumored new coupe there may or may not be a spot for a Corolla coupe but consider how many variants Honda sells.

If they could design a decent looking 2 door with 140hp 5 or 6AT/MT and price it from $15K I think it would be a great success. Also add a $17-18K XRS version with sportier suspension and touches, a 6MT or 6AT mated to the the new AR 2.5L I4 and call it a day.

I feel like this generation of Corolla should have been a lot better than what we got...especially with all of the rumors of Toyota going back to the drawing board upon seeing the new Civic and thinking the Corolla was too bland. If the current car is their second attempt, I am scared to think of what the first one looked like.

In conclusion I would say...more polished and compelling powertrain choices, more interesting styling, and a cheap and sporty coupe variant.

Are you guys also working on the new Matrix? If so, that too is a let down IMO. Looks almost exactly like the old generation but with a new bumper and front grille. The interior is also almost exactly identical. Both the Corolla and Matrix seem like mere refreshes of the old car, not anything new.

People my age care about how a car looks (probably first and foremost) because it's important to make a statement or carry an image. I try not to play into that but I am sure that your team has done plenty of market research and returned similar data. I hear time and time again that Civic is cooler looking, Mazda 3 is more unique and drives better, Focus is cheaper, etc. The competition is now quite strong and leaves little reason to purchase a Corolla or Matrix unless your soul decision criteria deals with reliability.

 

Wow that was boring, for a Lexus forum.

 

Just a few days ago, I saw an XRS in the rear view mirror at a light. I was so confused I had to stick my head out and look back. I saw a slick looking car with a Toyota badge... "WTF?!?!" The front IMHO looks quite aggressive, and handsome. Some work could be done on the rear, that is where it falls apart I think.

 

I wouldn't buy it with the 2.4L. Waste of gas and money in this car. 2.5L, well we shall see. Should be good I would think.

 

I held off from buying the new Matrix XRS in hopes that the new Venza 4 cylinder and 6 speed transmission would make it to the XRS. Hopefully a 6 speed manual as well. But I really liked it overall...

Make the Matrix XRS with a more powerful engine, awd, and manual transmission, and I'd jump on it in a heartbeat. Until then, I've got my new WRX. But I liked the interior of the new Matrix, and think it's better than the WRX I currently have.

I'm 25, male.

 

worst part to me is the plastic glued on lower exterior parts for their so called "s" package. looks worse than anything GM ever did.

other than that, yes, it's bland, but don't try to make bland 'exciting' by gluing on bits so obviously.

 

I wonder what the "S" stands for on the Corolla? Tired of seeing bicycle tires on the Corolla.. Put some fatter rubber on there already ala Mazda 3..

 

good god!! please don't ever recommend that.

no one wants their upscale IS looking like a corolla.

we already get comparisons of the lexus GS to a maxima or altima, even though the latter all ripped off the GS design.

There's nothing you can do with the corolla except getting creative with the sheet metal. Otherwise costs will increase greatly.

Small cars don't have to be ugly.

 

S means Corolla Sport.....though, of course, it is not particularly "sporty".


Apples and oranges. Those who purchase Corollas usually want a smooth ride, even on the S model (the XRS may be an exception)......indeed, a smooth ride is one of the Corolla's (and Hyundai Elantra's) best features.
Those who purchase the Mazda3 usually want a little more Miata-like handling.......hence the more-aggressive tires.

 

MazdaSpeed3- 2.3L turbo 263hp starts at 23k 18/25mpg
Colbalt SS Sedan- 2.0L turbo 260hp starts at 23k 22/30mpg
Sentra SE-R Spec V -2.5L N/A 200hp starts at 23k 21/29 /SE-R 24/30mpg
GTI 5 door- 2.0L turbo 200hp starts at 23k 21/31mpg
Civic Si Sedan- 2.0L N/A 197hp starts at 22k 21/29mpg
Corolla XRS- 2.4 N/A 158hp starts at 20k?! 22/30mpg

 

I haven't driven the latest Corolla, but I really would appreciate a focus on increased steering response.

 

I'd also add the Subaru Impreza base version 2.5L N/A 170hp and AWD, starts at 17K, 20/27mpg

 

The car needs to have better build quality, enough said. It feels like a $16,000 car. The golf kills it in this respect.

 

In some respects I can see what you mean but...uh...it is a $16K car

 

For what you're getting, 16K is a little too much!