A Wagon for all Seasons: 2017 Toyota Corolla iM 5-door Hatchback
Originally introduced as the iM hatchback, one of the last new models in the now discontinued Scion brand, the rechristened vehicle is now an active part of the Toyota family in the Corolla product line. The Corolla iM is a European import.
With its versatile hatchback, the all-new Corolla hatchback has plenty of room to handle adventure. Add in the iM’s fun-to-drive, high-style, high-content and high-MPG features, the iM comes in mono-spec form with premium features. The iM shows a familiar face, with a hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels with honeycomb mesh pattern seen also on the Toyota 86 sports car. That aerodynamic expression carries into the profile, which conveys dynamic movement from the lower front to the rear. A “swoosh line” rendered in steel. The piano black grille treatment, standard sporty body aero kit, LED daytime running lights and taillights leave an unmistakable signature.
Power is generated by a 2ZR-FAE 1.8L Valvematic four-cylinder engine bolted to a six-speed manual gearbox. The optional automatic is an intelligent Continuously Variable seven-speed automatic transmission (CVTi-S) that’s been sport-tuned for driving pleasure. This one has both a Sport Mode as well as manual shifting capability with seven stepped shift points. In Sport mode, the CVTi-S alters shift points and also provides a livelier feel through the electric power steering programming and accelerator responsiveness. G AI-SHIFT logic detects lateral G force during cornering and maintains engine speed by restricting unnecessary shift changes.
Using the console shifter, the driver can make fast, sequential shifts through the transmission’s seven predefined steps, accompanied by the familiar sense of positive shift engagement.
The chassis hardware, with sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, is ready to smooth out urban bumps and tame adventurous curves.
Inside the passenger cabin, it will be love at first seating in the standard bolstered front sport seats. They fit the body like a glove and also integrate a Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) structure for occupant protection. High quality materials abound throughout the cabin, where the layered dashboard design combines sports car-inspired instrument panel styling with easy to reach, easy-to-use controls. Borrowing ideas from the luxury car realm, the iM keeps noise outside with an acoustic layer windshield, foam-type insulation and floor silencer sheets. The iM’s premium feel on the road is matched by a lengthy roster of premium amenities – all standard with the brand’s famous mono-spec strategy. Start with versatility, which comes from the 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover. A roomy glove box and console box are augmented by numerous front door pockets and storage bins throughout.
The standard six-speaker Pioneer sound system will play from a variety of sources, including iPods, of course, and other devices. It’s controlled through an easy to use seven-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit that also includes standard HD Radio and Aha. That screen also provides the view for the standard rear backup camera.
Real leather wraps the steering wheel, an unexpected detail in this price class. The sporty wheel puts fingertip switches for audio, multi-info display and hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth. The 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display between the main instrument gauges provides displays for the car’s audio system and other functions.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 102.4; overall length: 170.5; width: 69.3; height: 58.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder – 137 hp at 6,100 rpm and 126 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 27 city/35 highway (manual); 28 city/36 highway (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 20.8 cubic feet (rear seats up)
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver seat knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill-start assist, traction control, electronic stability control, smart stop technology, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, pre-collision system, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands free phone system, first aid kit, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, rear-view backup camera, and remote keyless entry.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback starts from $18,750 for the manual and $19,490 for the automatic. Destination charges add $865.
