2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback makes bid for most economical

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is very sporty car. The new model was launched last Tuesday at the Atkins Kroll Toyota Showroom in San Jose. (Bea Cabrera)

Having a car in the CNMI is never a luxury; it’s always necessity. It all comes down then to how much you will be saving with your car. Toyota recently welcomed the newest member of its fleet—the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback—which aims to be the company’s response to the need for a budget-friendly car that is also stylish.

First impressions do count and Saipan Tribune’s test drive of the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback was very much in its favor: very sporty and nimble for a compact, which is refreshing as its predecessors such as the Scion iM and Corolla iM, had a more angular look. It is keyless, so there is no need to worry about extra baggage or forgetting your keys.

The front and rear structural details of the car add to its aggressive look. It almost seems to says it’s ready to go on an adventure. The alloy wheels with shiny rims play a huge part in the overall aesthetic of the car.

The sporty look is reflected inside. The interior design allows more space because it is longer and wider than the Corolla iM, giving the driver and passengers better visibility and periphery. The car seats offer a snug fit without compromising on comfort and style.

The dashboard showcases Toyota advancement, with standard electronic media features that includes an 8-inch Toyota Entune 3.0 touchscreen infotainment system and Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay-enabled for convenient navigation and control.

The drive on Middle Road was smooth, the engine immediately responds to the driver’s need for speed, while the suspension and steering stability of the car was topnotch as I worked on the dirt road and potholes around the Gov. Eloy S. Inos Park in Puerto Rico. The brakes were excellent, which means you can stop on a dime.

Driving back to the highway showed the car’s torque responding accordingly. If you are looking for safety behind the wheel, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback has got your back because it is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 for accident protection.

To test the new Lane Tracing Assist and Road Edge Detection—which is designed to support and heighten driver awareness while on the road—I decided to switch lanes without turning on the signal. The system worked! The car sounded off while approaching and passing through pedestrian lanes. This is definitely a plus.

Do not be deceived by its size. It can definitely be your child’s first car—whether he or she is off to college or a fresh graduate ready to take on the corporate world—but it can also be a family car, seating five passengers plus a spacious room in the back for groceries or a stroller. It can also be for the weekend warrior as the car’s size can fit a mountain trail.

It can also be your business vehicle. Hatchbacks are also known as “messenger cars” because of the available 18-cubit-feet storage space in the back. If you need more space, drop down one of the seats and still sit four passengers comfortably.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes in two models: the XSE and the SE. According to Atkins Kroll (Saipan) sales associate Curtis J. Dancoe, the two models are almost the same. “Both cars have 160-horsepower and 2.0-liter engine. The only difference is the XSE model has more accessories such as the rear spoiler. The SE model is the standard model.”

“The XSE model comes in silver and white colors while the SE model comes in white. There are other colors available that customers can choose from such as Blue Flame, Scarlet, Midnight Blue Metallic, Galactic Aqua Man, to name a few, and those just have to be ordered,” he added.

With a 2.0 horsepower engine, you can fill up the gas tank of the 2019 Corolla Hatchback for only $60 and drive 31 miles per gallon. This guarantees low-cost maintenance and ensures mileage.

Atkins Kroll Saipan (Saipan) sales manager Glen V. Perez said that there’s much excitement surrounding the debut of the 2019 Corolla Hatchback. “This compact model is a much needed addition to the Toyota family that we’re eager to offer our customers.

“For years, the Toyota Corolla has achieved Top Safety Pick awards and is regarded for its reliability and longevity. With this in mind, it’s a great fit for Saipan’s roads,” he added.

AK Toyota launched the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback last Tuesday at its showroom in San Jose. Everyone who test drives the 2019 Corolla Hatchback will receive a Shell Lucky 7 discount card with a value of $25. This offer is good until Sept. 30, 2018.

For more information, call (670) 234-5911 or visit www.aksaipan.com.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback can perform whether it’s for personal or business use. It has an 8-inch Toyota Entune 3.0 touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play for convenient navigation and control. (Bea Cabrera)