The Toyota Corolla iM is a 5-door hatchback that Toyota absorbed with the discontinuation of its other brand, Scion. First and foremost, the iM is a practical car, but it was also designed to be fun, with a responsive engine and great handling. The suspension design is borrowed from outgoing Scion TC, meaning it's a double wishbone independent setup in the back, aiding handling without impinging on interior space.
The engine displaces 1.8 liters and makes 137 horsepower. That power is sent to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functions like an automatic. The 6-speed is more fun, but the CVT is the mpg champion, boasting a rating of 32 mpg in combined city and highway driving (the 6-speed is still rated at 31 mpg in combined driving.)
The list of standard features on the iM is long, and highlights include a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system with iPod integration, a 7-inch display unit in the dashboard, a rear backup camera, a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning, power windows, heated folding exterior mirrors, 60/40 folding rear seats, automatic headlights, an acoustic layer windshield, a Hill Start Assist system and 17-inch wheels.
Options on the Corolla iM include a navigation system and a range of customization accessories, such as a performance air intake system, sway bars, lowering springs, enhanced interior lighting and body graphics.
Safety features on the Corolla iM include traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes, along with a hill start feature and a rear backup camera. Eight airbags come standard, including one for the driver's knees as well as one nestled away in the front passenger seat cushion.
Fun And Practical
Easy On Fuel
Hatchback Body Style With A Roomy Cabin
Available CVT Gearbox
High Levels Of Standard Equipment
Following the demise of the Scion brand, the iM model carries over into 2017 badged as the Toyota Corolla iM. At $18,750, the iM hatchback is the lowest priced Corolla.
With a base price of under $19,000, the Toyota Corolla iM qualifies as entry-level. While the base iM is sold with few available options, it does come with surprising levels of standard equipment. As such, the as-equipped price gap between it and its rivals disappears.
Even without taking the standard equipment into consideration, the iM makes sense as a reliable little city runabout, offering plenty of interior space and utility for a vehicle built on such a small wheelbase. Fuel economy is excellent at more than 30 mpg in combined driving, and though the iM is small, it still offers enough power to feel perfectly at home on a freeway.
