World’s No 1 vehicle becomes driver’s car
INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH/ The 2020 Toyota will sport better performance and more switched-on technology
Toyota has unveiled the new-generation Corolla sedan at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China. The 12th generation of the world’s best-selling vehicle sports sleeker and more eyecatching styling, is more connected and efficient than ever before and has become more of a driver’s car.
The Corolla sedan will share many of the features and technology of the recently launched Corolla hatch, including an allnew 2.0l petrol engine that produces 21% more power than its predecessor yet delivers better fuel efficiency.
The car has been designed with a sleeker, more streamlined form along with a much lower and wider stance.
The Corolla has been a staple in the SA motoring landscape for 50 years and engineers have focused on heightened driving pleasure for the new sedan by delivering a more agile chassis with improved handling and ride comfort. This has been achieved by improving the torsional rigidity a massive 60% and lowering the centre of gravity, while new multilink rear suspension and revised front suspension also help to produce a sportier, more engaging drive.
A more upscale interior features materials with a more premium look and feel, and safety tech includes pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, a reversing camera, seven airbags and active cruise control.
Also as a new Toyota standard, the sedan is equipped with a Data Communication Module that connects to a Controller Area Network, providing drivers with a range of connected services, including an emergency reporting system.
The new 2.0l Dynamic Force in-line four-cylinder lifts maximum power to 125kW and peak torque to about 200Nm. The engine features high-pressure direct injection and intelligent variable valve-timing.
A six-speed intelligent manual gearbox offers downshift rev matching control for smooth gear changes. Buyers can specify a new Dynamic-Shift CVT gearbox with 10 sequential shift steps and a sport mode. An innovative launch gear results in powerful yet smooth off-theline acceleration.
The Toyota Corolla hatch (no longer to be called the Auris) will go on local sale in the first quarter of 2019, the sedan in 2020.