It is a very rare occasion to be driving in your car in almost any city in the world and not see a Toyota Corolla on the road along with you. If you happen to be in Bangkok a city in Thailand with a population of 8.3 million you would notice the majority of taxi’s are Toyota Corolla’s and many other cities have exactly the same situation. It is no surprise then to know this household name Toyota Corolla, across the world, is the globes best-selling automobile.
First launched in 1966 the Corolla model has gone through 12 generations and sold over 40 million units worldwide far surpassing any competition in terms of numbers sold. From January to December 2019 the Corolla sold 10.7 million vehicles in the world market. The latest generation combines the tried and tested virtues of the Corolla brand with an exciting new design direction. The adoption of the TNGA (GA-C) platform provides an innovated base on which to build the latest iteration of the company’s compact city sedan.
Design
The all new Corolla uses the same front-end treatment as the Corolla Hatch, with minor variations, and features a prominent lower apron sculpted headlights and flowing three box design. The front bumper employs a large trapezoidal lower grill with black-moulded border and large mesh pattern. The arrow shaped LED headlights flow towards the centrally-mounted Toyota emblem. This aggressive confident statement of design when viewed from the front certainly brings the Corolla style into the twenty twenty time zone.
The compact LED taillights feature a bi-colour design, sharp outer edging and dark border – which extends to the centre of the boot lid, linking the left and right sides. The rear end also boasts a black trapezoidal bumper with outwardly mounted vertical
reflectors added to the rears powerful stance. The new Corolla is available in eight exterior colours, six of them being new. Celestite Grey, Crimson Red, Moonlight Ocean, Scarlet and Dark Blue metallic, Pearl White,
Glacier White and Satin Silver offer buyers an expressive choice.
Interior
Again the new Corolla uses the same interior design as its sibling the hatch, featuring an elegant simple layout. Reduced upper-panel height, soft touch finishes and brushed metal accent strips. The sedan has included blue contrast stitching and blue illumination for the switchgear and instrument panel adding an element of sportiness.
Structural
Aluminium, high-tensile strength steel are extensively used which has resulted in a considerable weight reduction helping improve overall fuel efficiency. Use of adhesives throughout the bodyshell and the increased use of spot welding has increased the body rigidity by some 60% over the outgoing models, promoting a marked increase in handling agility and stability. (Centre of gravity lowered by 10mm).
Suspension
MacPherson strut front suspension system, an all new multi-link rear suspension arrangement and new shock absorber valve technology all contribute to improved steering response and high speed cornering. Additional geometry changes have been applied to the suspension arm bush structures in order to achieve quicker shock absorber response and minimise the transmission of shock forces from rough surfaces and achieve high-quality ride comfort.
Powertrain
Two engine options are employed in the new Corolla, the 1.8 litre mill is carried over from the previous generation, delivering 103 kW and 171Nm linked to a 7-speed shiftmatic CVT transmission. Next is the new 2.0 litre Dynamic Force TNGA engine (as first seen in the Rav4) which increases the ante to 125 kW and 200Nm. Two transmissions options exist here, a 6 speed manual or 10 speed Shiftmatic CVT.
Fuel consumption for the 1.8L is listed at 6.2L/100 km, the 2.0L manual at 6.5 and finally the 2.0L CVT at 6.0 L/100km. The XS and XR are the two grades offered across the range. The XR model is the flagship and is only available with the new 2.0 Litre Dynamic Force engine with a choice of 6-speed manual or 10-speed Shiftmatic CVT. The 1.8XS serves as the entry point to the
range. The XS rolls on 16’ alloy wheels shod with 205-55-R16 tyres, and the XR models receive ultra-stylish turbine-shaped 10’ alloy wheels outfitted with 225-40-R18 tyres. The inclusion of Apple car play, Android Auto and touchscreen interface are in addition to Climate control, reverse camera, power steering, power seat adjustment, electric windows, keyless entry, cruise control all feature on the spec list. The XR model also has an auto-dimming rear view mirror. One area the Corolla excels in is the safety aspect of the cars design. All models feature seven airbags, ISOFIX, active electronic safety aids (ABS, EBD, BAS, VSC, HAC) and an impact absorbing bodyshell. The flagship XR receives Toyota Safety Sensors (TSS) – a full complement of active driver aids. This suite combines Pre-collision systems, blind spot monitor, all-speed cruise control, automatic high beam and Lane Trace Assist, all conveniently operated via the steering switches or the multi-information display.
Pricing
1.8 XS CVT R372 700
2.0 XR 6MT R412 300
2.0 XR CVT R425 200
All new Corolla models include a 6-services/90 000 km service plan with service intervals pegged at 15 000 km/12-months. A 3 year/100 000 km warranty is also included.
