Significant changes to the budget-minded Corolla Reviewed: 2021 Toyota Corolla SE Nightshade

The original Corolla came about during America’s first oil embargo in 1973, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was the answer to larger gas-guzzling American sedans, and quickly became Toyota’s best seller. There have been a couple of even smaller models, such as the Tercel and Yaris, however the latter has just been put to rest, so the Corolla now serves as Toyota entry level model.

To spice things up a bit, the Corolla hatchback debut in MY2018, partly as an answer to the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 hatchbacks. So, within its third year of production the Corolla receives some significant updates. The 2021 Toyota Corolla lineup continues its tradition of being an inexpensive, safety-minded, and well-equipped compact car. Available as either a four-door hatchback or sedan, the little Toyota offers a variety of personalities. Both body styles feature a pair of dutiful four-cylinder engines, and they're also offered with an extremely frugal hybrid powertrain.

What’s becoming more of an oddity, the Corolla can still be had with a manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension. However, it's still less exciting than most of its competitors, such as the Honda Civic Si and Mazda 3 GT. While the hatchback has a tiny back seat, it shares desirable features and an attractive cabin design with the sedan. The 2021 Corolla XE Nightshade Edition isn't the most exciting small car, but it's still an efficient and stylish choice.

For 2021, Toyota adds a limited-production Special Edition to the Corolla hatchback lineup. The 1,500 copies that'll be produced feature an exclusive body kit and Supersonic Red paint. Every Corolla hatchback also adds rear-seat-mounted side airbags, which bring the count to a total of 10. Its cargo volume can also be expanded by 6 cubic feet (23 total) with a new no-cost option that deletes the spare tire and adds a tire-repair kit.

The sedan also adds a limited-production trim level called the Apex Edition. Along with a unique appearance and a specially tuned chassis, it's available with summer tires and a manual transmission. However, there will only be 120 stick-shift models available; the others will have a CVT. Every Corolla now has Android Auto, too. Both body styles are once again available with black exterior accents courtesy of the Nightshade model. My test vehicle came in a Classic Silver Metallic with a combination black/gray cloth interior.

Trim levels available for the hatchback are the SE Nightshade Edition (my test vehicle), SE and XSE.

Thankfully, the Corolla SE Nightshade Edition comes standard with plenty of features to keep one satisfied. The list includes 18-inch black anodized wheels in addition to matching black door handles, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front sport seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My tester had no options (including no available glass moonroof) and included the base price of $22,485, with designation charges pushing it out the door at a very reasonable $23,420.

Along with a sport-tuned suspension that makes it more fun to drive than the regular setup, it's available with a manual transmission for an extra $700. I'd happily check that box, even though it voids the option packages that are otherwise available with the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Except for the sportier SE and XSE models, the base Corolla hatchback uses a 139-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The zestier versions have a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a CVT or optional six-speed manual. While all hatchbacks have the larger engine, only the sedan offers a hybrid powertrain.

The Corolla SE Nightshade was prudent around town, steady on the freeway, and exhilarating on the twisties. The SE Nightshade hatchback had a pleasant ride quality that adequately isolates all but the worst bumps. Its controlled body motions provided better agility than previous iterations. My tester separated itself with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension and the latter's larger 18-inch wheels (everything else rides on either 15- or 16-inch rims). Still, compared with athletic and engaging rivals, such as the Mazda 3 and even the Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla's progressive steering is satisfactory but not exemplary.

In conclusion, the Corolla SE hatchback makes a fine choice against it rivals. It’d be nice to see a Civic Type R version of the Corolla hatchback. Maybe Toyota is listening.