Toyota Corolla vs VW Jetta - which is better?

The content of the article:

• The appearance of Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta
• Interior decoration
• Specifications Toyota Corolla vs VW Jetta
• The handling and comfort of Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta
• Model safety
• Equipment level and prices

In 2018, the Japanese brand Toyota introduced a new 12th generation of its iconic model - Toyota Corolla, whose history began back in 1966. In the same year, VW presented to the world community one of the main competitors for the "Japanese" - the 7th generation VW Jetta.

Cars are very popular not only in their homeland, but also in a number of other countries, including Russia. So, during its existence, the Jetta has sold more than 14 million copies, while the Corolla has exceeded the 40 million mark!

Given the popularity of cars, we wondered which of them would be the winner in a face-to-face battle, so we armed ourselves with patience and started comparing.

The appearance of Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta

During the renovation, the VW Jetta acquired a more modern and presentable appearance, in which the notes of the "older brother" in the face of the VW Passat are traditionally caught.

The front view of the car demonstrates a slightly frowned head optics, an embossed hood, a hexagonal false radiator grille and a monumental bumper. The dynamic profile flaunts embossed sidewalls, stylish rims and inflated wheel arches, but the stern looks more restrained against the background of the expressive "muzzle".

In comparison with the "German" Toyota Corolla looks more elegant, although there is also a touch of conservatism.

The frontal part of the body meets with a narrowed head optics, a large mouth of the air intake and a pair of effectively beaten foglights. The knocked-down profile reveals the inflated wheel arches and a gently sloping roofline, while the stern catches the eye with stylish tail lights and a massive bumper.

Comparing the appearance of the models, it can be noted that the "Japanese" has a more aggressive and original appearance.

The external dimensions of the machines have the following parameters:

The Jetta's ride height is 160mm, while the Corolla's is 150mm.

Interior design of Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta

The interior design of both cars boasts excellent ergonomics, high-quality assembly and decent finishing materials. At the same time, the interior of the Jetta looks more conservative (read "family"), but the Corolla's interior is more progressive.

In a rich configuration, the "German" offers a stylish digital instrument panel, a multifunction steering wheel slightly flattened at the bottom, as well as a large display of a multimedia information center under which a conservative microclimate control unit is hiding.

Front riders are offered comfortable seating with good lateral support and a sufficient range of adjustments. The rear sofa easily accommodates 3 adult riders, and there is more than enough free space.

Against the background of VW, the front dash of the Toyota Corolla looks more stylish and modern. In front of the driver is also a convenient multifunction steering wheel and a fully digital instrument panel. In the central part of the dashboard, a 7 or 8-inch display of the media system can be located, and under it is a laconic control unit for the climate system.

The front seats provide a high level of comfort for people of any size, and there is enough (but not more) free space in the back for three riders. Unlike the "German", there are some hard plastics in the cabin of the "Japanese" - however, this in no way spoils the overall impression of the interior.

The volume of the trunk of the Volkswagen Jetta is 510 liters, while in the Corolla it reaches 471 liters. Both in the first and in the second case, the car allows the second row of seats to be folded, which makes it possible to significantly increase the loading space of sedans.

Specifications Toyota Corolla vs VW Jetta

Photo: Toyota Corolla engine

In the Russian market, Toyota Corolla is offered with a single 1.6-liter gasoline engine, the output of which is 122 hp. and 153 Nm of torque. A couple of the power plant can be a 6-speed manual transmission or a modern variator. In the first case, acceleration from 0 to 100 takes 11 seconds, and in the second - 10.8 seconds, while the maximum speed ranges from 195-185 km / h. The average fuel consumption is at around 6.3-6.6 l / 100 km.

The new generation VW Jetta has not yet been delivered to Russia (deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2019), but we can already say that the engine lineup will be able to offer a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine generating 150 hp. and 250 Nm of torque.

With it, the car can easily overcome the mark of 185 km / h, and the combined fuel consumption will not exceed 5.5 l / 100 km. It is also expected that the Germans will retain the 90-110-horsepower MPI gasoline offered with the VW Jetta generation currently presented in Russia.

The handling and comfort of Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta

VW Jetta traditionally has a benchmark handling - the car confidently keeps a straight line and easily fits into turns. The car instantly reacts to all actions by the steering wheel. Toyota Corolla also has responsive handling, but still falls short of Volkswagen's level.

But from the point of view of comfort, the "Japanese" looks more preferable. The Corolla has an energy-intensive suspension that is almost impossible to "punch", although small irregularities are well transmitted to the cabin.

Jetta is the complete opposite of Japanese. The car easily copes with "little things", but on more or less large irregularities passes hard jolts.

In terms of acoustic comfort, both cars are comparable, although VW is subjectively a bit quieter. However, the difference is so insignificant that hardly anyone will pay attention to it.

Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta safety

From a security point of view, we fix a combat draw - both models have in their arsenal a large number of modern systems and electronic assistants. Among them:

• anti-lock braking system and EBD system;
• emergency deceleration amplifier;
• traction control system;
• VSC and US systems;
• tire pressure monitoring sensors;
• front and side airbags + side curtains;
• immobilizer;
• central locking;
• disc brakes;
• LED side lights and DRL;
• light sensors;
• Cruise control;
• monitoring system for "blind" zones;
• parking sensors and much more.

Equipment level and prices for Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta

Minimum cost of Toyota Corolla is 1,173 million rubles. while the top version will cost at least 1.7 million. The list of standard equipment includes:

• LED DRLs;
• steering wheel adjustable in two planes;
• light sensor;
• power windows for all doors;
• electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
• anti-lock and brake force distribution system;
• EBS, VSC and US system;
• front / side airbags;
• immobilizer;
• signaling;
• central locking;
• Isofix fasteners;
• steel wheels R15;
• audio system with 4 speakers;
• heated front seats and exterior mirrors.

In the top-end equipment, the list is replenished with: electric steering wheel, advanced acoustics, rain sensors, leather interior, full LED optics, cruise control, climate control, etc.

The exact cost of the new VW Jetta in Russia is not yet known, while the manufacturer promises to keep it at the level of its predecessor, which means that the cost of the basic version will start at about 1.05 million. The list of standard equipment will definitely include:

• anti-lock and EBD system;
• power windows for all doors;
• air conditioning;
• audio system with 4 speakers;
• heated seats in the first row;
• fabric salon;
• front / side airbags;
• immobilizer and central locking;
• package "bad roads" and so on.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that we really wanted to determine the winner, a draw is declared in the confrontation. The reason for this is the fact that, despite the performance in the same class, the cars are designed for a different target audience. Thus, the Corolla will be the perfect choice for young people and people who prefer to be in the spotlight, while the Jetta is designed for a more mature and conservative audience.