Sedan built on TNGA-based platform delivers a more pleasurable driving experience and responsive handling; new Corolla is high on connectivity and also has latest Toyota Safety Sense, which detects bicycles and pedestrians at night, as standard.
17 Sep 2019 | 8644 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) today launched the completely redesigned Corolla (Sedan) in Japan. The new Corolla Touring (Wagon) and the improved Corolla Sport (Hatchback) have also been launched. Since its debut in 1966, Corolla has sold over 47.5 million vehicle sales*2 in more than 150 countries and regions.
The introduction ...
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Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) today launched the completely redesigned Corolla (Sedan) in Japan. The new Corolla Touring (Wagon) and the improved Corolla Sport (Hatchback) have also been launched. Since its debut in 1966, Corolla has sold over 47.5 million vehicle sales*2 in more than 150 countries and regions.
The introduction of the Corolla Sport as a new model in the Corolla series in June last year, and the adoption of the TNGA platform, has greatly revitalised the design and driving. The Corolla Sedan version and Corolla Touring Wagon version are new introductions to the Corolla series, allowing a varied choice of vehicles to suit customers' lifestyles.
Utilising the TNGA platform and design results in sporty styling with a low centre of gravity, enjoyable driving, and responsive handling. The new models are equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense, delivering enhanced safety performance. On-board connected services have also been upgraded to include Toyota's first Display Audio as standard, installed in conjunction with smartphones.
"The Corolla is a car that is always ready to evolve to meet customers' current needs," says Yasushi Ueda, chief engineer in charge of development. "For this reason, it has been a long-term favorite of customers in Japan and all over the world. The new Corolla exceeds customer expectations by 'adopting the TNGA platform, sporty design, and pleasurable driving.' With the advanced safety equipment and connected functions, the safe and secure everyday driving of our customers is supported. I would like you to experience riding in or driving the Corolla series just to understand the sheer fun of driving this car."
Looks matter
On the outside, the Corolla has a wide stance with dynamic molding featuring protruding front and rear wheel flares. The lower grille frame seamlessly blends into a large trapezoid and mesh grille to express a powerful and sporty stance. LED headlamps integrated in a slight upwardly curve further enhance the sporty, wide face. The rear of the Corolla has horizontally accented rear combination lights that emphasize wideness.
Inside, the instrument panel is thin and wide to create a feeling of spaciousness within the meticulously colour-coordinated cabin. Improved front seating comfort is achieved with a sporty seat, and newly adopted knee space for the rear seats for ease of use.
With further refinements to the TNGA platform, the vehicle features improved chassis rigidity, handling stability, and quietness.
Three powertrains
The Corolla Sedan and Corolla Touring get three powertrains. The hybrid and gasoline engines have been changed from 1.5 litre to 1.8 litre to achieve seamless acceleration with superior comfort.
The hybrid vehicle is equipped with an E-Four (electronic four-wheel drive system), enabling smooth switching to 4WD on slippery surfaces such as when accelerating and on snowy roads, contributing to driving stability and fuel efficiency. The manual vehicle is equipped with a 1.2-liter 8NR-FTS (direct injection turbo) engine to achieve both exceptional driving performance and excellent environmental performance.
High on safety and connectivity
The new Corolla gets enhanced safety functions and safety equipment. The latest Toyota Safety Sense, which detects bicycles and pedestrians at night, comes as standard in all Corolla models. Intelligent Clearance Sonar [parking support brake (stationary object)] detects walls and other vehicles during low-speed driving in parking lots and other similar environments, helping to reduce collision damage.
Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake [parking support brake (rear approaching vehicle)] detects vehicles approaching from behind and contribute to reduce or mitigate damage from collisions. There are also seven SRS airbags, omni-directional compatibility structure, for emergency collision safety.
A Toyota-brand first in Japan, Display Audio (DA) is standard on all models. Through DA, customers can connect with smartphones and operate map applications and music via the touch screen display. Customers can also use the conventional on-board navigation function, with a selection of two entry navigation kits and T-Connect navigation kits.
Through SmartDeviceLink (SDL), smartphones can connect with Bluetooth with a USB cable for use of navigation applications including TC smartphone navigation and LINE car navigation, as well as music and radio applications on DA. Voice recognition enables destination-setting, sending and receiving LINE messages, music playback, and other functions, improving convenience.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can use maps, phone calls, messaging, and music applications through DA by connecting smartphones with a USB cable.