But the estate sits on a longer platform with a longer wheelbase, longer than the Octavia's actually (though not by much, 14mm). This is supported by What Car's comment that there is slightly more rear seat legroom in the Corolla estate than the Octavia estate.

Totally agree that the Corolla estate has way more room than the hatch but despite it being over 4 years since we tested both I am pretty sure there was either sod all leg room difference between the Octavia and the Corolla estate or possibly the Octavia was a bit bigger. The Octavia did have a bigger boot but both had space for a spare under the floor, space saver in the Corolla, full size in the Octavia.

The Superb has way more space for both people and their luggage than either of the other 2 discussed but it is longer and a bit wider.

Both the Octavia and Superb iV's have no space to carry a spare (space saver or full) under the floor and the actual boots are quite a bit smaller as well. We carry a full size spare in the boot of the Superb and still have enough space but compared to the ICE Superb we had its a lot less and have to pack imaginatively when we go to Scotland.

In September 2023 when we ordered the Yaris we also looked at the Corolla hatch. The difference in rear leg room between the 2 was not very different and the Yaris had enough, boot wise it was very close but the Yaris had a standard space saver, not even an option for any spare in the Corolla (think there was still space under the floor). Compared to other mid sized hatches the Corolla was smaller, as an example the Focus had loads more space as did the Golf.

This is supported by What Car's comment that there is slightly more rear seat legroom in the Corolla estate than the Octavia estate.

We used the Carsized.com website, but I didn't spot they were comparing the Corolla hatch against the Octavia estate - site visit to our local Toyota dealer coming up!

I can comment a bit here. I'm 6ft4" tall with an even taller son and have owned two Superb's and now have a Suzuki Swace (Corolla Estate in drag) and would suggest it's NOT suitable for a tall driver and multiple tall passengers,

If I'd stuck to the major use of our car being transporting all of us including our tall son I would have bought another Superb, no contest.

However now I'm retired and our son has flown the nest our needs have changed, car needs to be suitable for 6ft4" me to drive on pan European trips comfortably(as before) but small enough for Mrs BJ to be able to drive if we downsize to one car - the Superb was toooooo big, The Swace ticked the box for me re driving position with seat fully down/back etc with arm rests in perfect position including the one on the door (not thudding the B pillar with my elbow as I normally do with many cars!). However you couldn't sit anyone comfortably behind me and it's a low car(I'm ok but a few inches taller might be an issue). The Swace is still a longish vehicle (Octavia esq) but doesn't feel so wide driving.

Boot is excellent on the Swace though being able to accommodate large amounts of camping gear - with the boot floor in the highest setting and seats dropped you get a large properly flat and low loading platform, ideal for sliding in our 30+kg inflatable tent (put my back out lifting into the previous Superb hatch up and over a lip!). Space under the boot floor also takes our large camping chairs and electric barbecue. Oh and I love the "Toyota" hybrid gubbins.

Edited by Big John on 08/12/2024 at 20:59

imo the Corolla TS is very similar in size to the Octavia.

Given your heights you probably don't want one with a pano roof & I suspect that you would be best served by any 2.0 or a 23MY> 1.8. There were significant changes to the 1.8 drivetrain (less so for the 2.0) for the 23MY & it also gained a much better infotainment system. Test drive both engines.

A hybrid is going to drive pretty differently from a turbodiesel though.

Also, with the current PCP deal offer from Toyota a new car (get quotes via CarWow etc.) is surprisingly well priced, often cheaper than an equivalent 1 or 2 year old used (especially if you factor in what you can do with your capital in the meantime).

Design is probably the best value trim unless there is a particular feature (e.g. full leather or HUD) that you want that will tie you to a specific trim.

If you are buying used & happy with the 23MY 1.8 also consider a Suzuki Swace - it's a badged Corolla TS but there are spec. differences (e.g. no satnav but does have Android Auto & Carplay) & usually cheaper. Warranty can only extend to 7 years though v the Toyota 10 year.