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What's the Difference Between the Corolla and Corolla iM?

corolla
The 2017 Corolla and the 2017 Corolla iM are both excellent vehicles that offer good gas mileage, a reliable driving experience, and a range of safety features. Struggling to pick between the two? Or wondering what exactly the differences are? Here's a list of the differences and similarities between these two vehicles.

2017 Corolla

The Corolla is a compact car that comes in seven models. The lowest MSRP is for the Corolla L at $18,500. The highest is for the XSE, with an MSRP starting at $22,680. All are available in one trim except for the Corolla SE, which has two variations (the 1.8L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual and the 1.8L4-Cylinder CVT). With so many models, there's plenty of customization to consider. The Corolla iM only has one model and two trims, so there are fewer options. A 7-inch touch screen display and Standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) come standard with all 2107 Corollas. TSS-P includes Toyota's Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Standard Automatic High Beams, and Standard Dynamic Cruise Control. The Pre-Collision System will adjust the speed of the car, applying the brakes automatically if necessary, to help drivers avoid collisions with obstacles. The Standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control automatically maintains safe distances between cars, accelerating and decelerating as needed. The Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist will provide an audible and visual cue if the vehicle begins to drift from a lane, with the automated steering kicking in to re-center the car if the driver doesn't respond. The standard Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

2017 Corolla iM

The Corolla iM is available in one model with two trim options. It's a compact hatchback, so it offers some more space than the Corolla. Its two trim options are the 1.8L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual and the 1.8L 4-Cylinder CVT. Here are a few of the features that they have in common:
  • 137 horsepower.
  • Normal and sport driving modes.
  • Eight airbags.
  • 7-in. touch-screen displays.
  • 8 cubic feet of cargo volume (compared to 13 cubic feet of cargo volume in the Corolla).
  • Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C). (Note that TSS-C technology is similar to the TSS-P package but is specifically designed for compact vehicles.)
The MSRP for the 6-speed manual starts at $18,750, and the MSRP of the CVT trim starts at $19,490. The major difference, however, is the continuously variable transmission (which is an automatic transmission) available in the latter build. These are common in smaller cars and can improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency. The 6-speed manual has an estimated mileage of 27 in the city and 35 on the highway. The CVT gets 28 and 36, respectively.

See for Yourself: Test Drive a Corolla or Corolla iM

There's only one way to know which car is right for you: Go for a test drive! Some of these differences may seem minor, but they can make a major impact behind the wheel and affect your overall impression of the car. This is especially true with the 2017 Corolla, which has many models and trims to consider. Go for a test drive and see some Corollas at Ardmore Toyota today.   Image via Flickr by James is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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