2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback looks like a hit
Newest member of the Corolla family promises smoothness, style and tech
What is it?:Ostensibly a replacement for the Toyota Corolla iM (née Scion iM, née Toyota Matrix), the five-door Corolla is the hatchback mainstreamed.
Why does it matter?:Toyota’s Matrix had a huge and loyal following. Until of course, it was unceremoniously turned into a Scion, which was even more unceremoniously dumped as an entire brand. With no outlet and no current five-door models, Toyota decided that capitalizing on the Corolla’s good name would be a huge advantage.
Toyota describes the Corolla Hatchback’s interior as “Simple. Warm. Inviting. Sensuous.” There are supportive sport seats and a neat instrument panel with a standard, high-resolution eight-inch multimedia touch screen. “Unnecessary” lettering on switchgear is eliminated and tight spacing between buttons and switches emphasizes said minimalism, though whether it be sensuous or not is up to more artistic minds.
There’s no shortage of infotainment and connectivity capability inside the Corolla. On the S and SE grades, standard Entune 3.0 Audio includes touch screen, six speakers and Apple CarPlay. Entune 3.0 Premium Audio, standard on the XSE hatch, adds HD radio and weather/ traffic info, plus satellite and Cache Radio, Entune 3.0 Connected Services, GPS navigation, Dynamic POI (Points of Interest) Search and Destination Assist Connect.
A new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine replaces the previous 1.8-L four. Toyota also claims that its more rigid crankcase with integrated stiffener and lighter resin cylinder head will also reduce noise, vibration and harshness. It’s hooked up to either a six-speed manual — with rev-matching downshifts — or a Direct Shift continuously variable transmission. When is it coming?:This summer Should you buy it?:The previous Matrix was much loved. Toyota’s previous futzing with it did not please its many loyal fans, but the svelte exterior and more powerful engine will. Look to the Corolla Hatchback to be a big hit.