We recently took a trip to Mt. Robson Park for some backpacking. We took three cars, twelve people, and twelve backpacks. The cars we took were:
1. 2009 Toyota Corolla - 1.8L 4AT
2. 2014 Toyota Corolla "Eco" 1.8L CVT
3. 2012 VW Jetta 2.0L TDI 6-DSG
We drove above the speed limit on the way out, cruising at 125-140km/h. Al three vehicles were filled at the same station, and we were careful to remain together (same speed) but not drafting each other or other cars. We used cruise control pretty much all the time. (We drove at the 90km/h speed limit for the short stretch in Jasper National Park out of respect for the wildlife)
We tried to be careful to fill the cars to the same tank-full level when refueling to get as accurate as possible in measuring fuel economy.
On the return trip, we drove at the speed limit (90/100/110) and not above.
Some notes about the cars: (we took turns driving all three)
The 2009 Corolla is smaller than the other two, but more than adequate for four adults and their gear. We easily fit all four packs in the trunk and everyone was comfy for the trip. The outside temps were high (30C-36C) and all the cars had the AC used liberally on the trip. The 2014 Corolla feels more spacious inside, and the cabin is a nice step up in terms of modern design. The VW looks a lot larger than ether Toyota, felt larger than the 09 inside, but didn't feel much more spacious than the 2014 Corolla.
The 2009 was noisiest inside mostly due to the tire noise from it's H-rated performance tires. Wind noise on all three cars was very low, and all felt slippery moving along at highway speed. The 2014 Corolla's steering is heavier than the 09's and requires a little less monitoring at speed. Actually, the Jetta and the 2014 Corolla feel very similar in many ways.
The 2014 Corolla's CVT wasn't as refined feeling as the VW DSG, but did a wonderful job of keeping the engine in the torque sweet spot. Using cruise control ascending grades with the CVT is one serious strength of the transmission. The DSG's 6 ratios were good, and the old-school 4AT of the 2009 shifted butter-smooth (no jarring at kickdown at all) but did have to hunt a little bit on variable grades. The CVT had a teeny bit more NVH than the DSG, but overall did the best job of all three transmissions. The TDI's huge torque advantage is mostly negated by the CVT's ability to perfectly match engine speed to road speed.
The 2014 Corolla is noticeably zippier than the 2009 in the corners despite the "Eco" trim level riding on low resistance tires. This is slightly offset by the 09's performance rubber, but the 2014 corners flatter and scrubs a little less. The steering is more precise. The VW is quite soft, and tuned for comfort and ride quality ahead of handling. It felt closer to the 09 Corolla is terms of desire to tackle the twisty bits, with the 2014 Corolla surprisingly ahead of the others. I had expected more precision from the VW. It felt very "set up for the US market" to me.
As for cabins, the VW still ranks ahead of the 2014 Corolla, but Toyota has made serious head-way in terms of adding more style and nicer materials. The price difference between the 2014 Corolla would lead one to expect some differences, but the Corolla comes out looking great when price is even mentioned.
Now, what everyone is waiting for: the fuel consumption results.
The 2009 Corolla is a miser, but it's in the company of the misers of misers. We recorded 6.4L/100km on the higher-speed run going out, which is excellent considering the speeds, the full load, and the ambient temperature. But, the 2014 Eco earns the Eco badge with consuming just 5.3L/100km in the same distance. The VW pretty much precisely matched the Eco with a 5.3 as well. Outstanding economy considering the conditions and road speeds.
On the return trip, the 2009 showed serious improvement, dropping consumption to a respectable 5.4L/100km. Not as miserly as I've seen in the car, but slightly beating the TC ratings despite the always on AC and full load. The Eco handily went into the 4's, recording an outstanding 4.5L/100km. The VW went a teeny bit better at 4.4L/100km.
There might be some thought that the Gen 11 Corolla and Jetta aren't competitors. But, I think they really are. The Jetta is a bit larger, but the Toyota feels spacious inside and easily meets the needs of most small families. One major benefit of the TDI is fuel economy, but one the highway (I can't speak to the city driving) the Corolla matches the TDI pretty much exactly. The latest Corolla offers a more enthusiastic driving experience then the previous Corolla and the Jetta is tuned for a wonderfully comfortable drive, making it almost a wash in terms of "driving enjoyment." In terms of refinement, the Jetta is better, showing the price gap. But, the Corolla is a lot closer in many ways than it was. Of course, the price gap between the 2014 Corolla and the TDI is smaller than it was between the 09 and the TDI when we bought our car, so that alone should account for some of the difference.
The CVT vs DSG debate could take up volumes. The CVT is terrific for small engines, allowing the engine to operate at the torque peak as much as you need. The DSG has better NVH, but lacks the "away from the light electric car feel" of the CVT.
The old 4AT shifts smoothly and works well, but is outclassed by the newer transmissions. The feature that it brings to the table is that it's a known quantity, lasting nearly forever.
