Toyota Corolla 1997–2000 car dimensions: 4100 mm long, 1690 mm wide and 1385 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,040 kg. Braked towing is 1,000 kg.
The cabin has a straightforward layout with analog gauges for speed and revs, a top-mounted stereo, and rotary knobs for the HVAC system. Twin front airbags are standard across the range along with seatbelt pretensioners. Air conditioning and ABS are available on higher grades like GS and GLS, while cruise control appears as an option or accessory on some trims. Power steering, height-adjustable driver's seat and steering column, and central locking are typical. No electronic driver aids beyond basic ABS on equipped models.
The 3-door hatch offers 280 litres of boot space with the rear seats up. Folding the split rear bench expands capacity to 960 litres for larger items.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1000 kg with unbraked at 450 kg. Payload sits around 470 kg depending on engine and equipment. The standard suspension and cooling suit light duties and everyday loads rather than heavy work.
Front seats sit low with mild bolsters and offer slide, recline plus head restraint height adjustment. Cloth trim covers seats and door panels with integrated armrests. Rear bench splits and folds. Cabin feels practical and quiet thanks to sound insulation, fluid-filled mounts and damping. Basic analog gauges, digital clock and rotary HVAC controls keep things simple. Optional power sunroof adds light on higher grades.
Petrol engines 1.3 and 1.6 litre plus 2.0 diesel available.
Euro NCAP adult occupant rating three stars.
Driver and passenger airbags standard in Europe.
ABS brakes standard or optional by grade.
Side-door beams and crumple zones fitted.
Oil and filter changes at regular intervals.
Fuel options cover economical 1.3-litre and livelier 1.6-litre petrol units along with a frugal 2.0-litre diesel. Combined consumption figures sit in the mid to high 30s mpg range depending on engine and gearbox. The diesel stretches furthest on a tank.
Servicing follows standard schedules with oil changes around every 10 000 km or yearly. The car earns a reputation for straightforward maintenance and long service life. Parts remain widely available and inexpensive.
Safety kit includes dual front airbags, three-point belts with pretensioners on outer seats, side impact beams and energy-absorbing steering column. ABS appears on mid and higher grades. Euro NCAP awarded three stars with solid structure in frontal impact but noted chest protection limits in side strikes.
Living with the car means low running costs, reliable daily transport and easy ownership. The hatch body stays practical for town use while the proven mechanicals keep downtime minimal.
Length 4100 mm, Width 1690 mm, Height 1385 mm, Wheelbase 2465 mm (Corolla 1997–2000)
Sources: manufacturer data, 1999 Toyota Corolla UK brochure.