2021 Toyota Corolla Apex has more bark than bite

A sporty economy car is more than just the sum of its parts. 

But the parts still factor in.  

Leave too many things on the table and the end result will feel purgatorial, trapped between what it is and what it could be.

That, dear readers, is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex in a nutshell.

Worry not, as this is not the "Corolla hot hatch" you've heard rumors about, not that you would assume as much considering the Apex isn't a hatchback. 

That car is still on the way, and it should come toting a potent powertrain that will put fire to the feet of the VW GTI and the like. 

While I was hoping the Apex would have a bit more of a middle-child approach here, acting as an intermediary between the bog-standard 'Rolla and the forthcoming sports car, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex is, if anything, a reminder that patience is a virtue.

The Apex is a couple grand more than a Civic Sport Hatchback, which offers more space and a more sensible ride.

It's also a couple grand less than a VW Golf GTI, which is… frankly, it's just a better car all-around and worth the extra scratch.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex.