A CLASSIC UPDATED

One of the best-selling automobile nameplates has just got better. Meet the new and improved Toyota Corolla.

Since its launch in 1966, the Corolla has become a household name the world over. Now in its 12th generation, this compact city car combines Toyota’s exciting new design direction with the tried-and-tested virtues of the Corolla brand.

DARING DESIGN

The new Corolla sedan features a highly expressive shape, with a similar frontend treatment as the Corolla Hatch and featuring a prominent lower apron, sculpted headlights and flowing threebox design. Visibility for the driver has been improved by implementing thinner A-pillars and a lowered dashboard and bonnet.

Buyers have a choice of eight exterior colours: Glacier White, Pearl White, Satin Silver, Crimson, Dark Blue, Scarlet, Moonlight Ocean and Celestite Grey.

INTERIOR AMBIENCE

Simple and elegant, the new Corolla features reduced upper-panel height, soft-touch finishes and brushed-metal accent strips. Blue contrast stitching adds an air of sportiness and harmonises with blue illumination for the switchgear and instrument panel.

A revised front seat design with a stylish ribbed pattern and bucket-like profile lends a premium feel to the cabin.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

AND WEIGHT OPTIMISATION Design innovations and clever use of materials have resulted in a considerable weight reduction for the body (helping to improve overall fuel efficiency) and increased body rigidity, promoting a marked increase in handling agility, responsiveness to steering inputs and high-speed stability.

Handling and agility are further improved by the lower mounting height of the engine and lower hip point of the seats. The new suspension system has undergone several geometry changes and updates that ensure greater control, even when driving on rough surfaces. Add to this vibration dampening and sound-absorbing technology, and you’re in for a smooth ride in the Corolla.

SIMPLIFIED POWERTRAIN

The new Corolla comes with two engine options. The previous-generation 1.8-litre mill delivers 103 kW and 171 Nm. This unit is paired with a ‘seven-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT transmission with seven preprogrammed steps.

The new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine ups the ante to 125 kW and 200 Nm. Two transaxle options exist here: a six-speed manual and ‘10-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT.

Fuel consumption for the 1.8-litre is listed as 6.2 ℓ/100 km, the 2.0-litre manual at 6.5 ℓ/100 km, and the 2.0-litre CVT at 6.0 ℓ/100 km.

TWO GRADES, THREE MODELS Two grade options are offered: XS and XR. The 1.8-litre XS serves as the entry point to the range. The XR flagship model is available exclusively with the new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine, with a choice of six-speed manual or ‘10-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT.

TECH AND CONVENIENCE

The new Corolla sedan delivers on both the tech and convenience fronts with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a touchscreen interface. On the spec list you’ll also find climate control with eco mode, a reverse camera, power seat adjustment, one-touch functionality for the electric windows, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, steering switches and cruise control. XR models feature an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

SAFETY AND SENSIBILITY

All models feature seven airbags, ISOFIX, active electronic safety aids (ABS, EBD, BAS, VSC and HAC) and an impactabsorbing body shell. The flagship XR grade comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – a full complement of active driver aids. The XR also has bi-LED headlamps.