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All-new Corolla hatch resets the small car benchmark
The all-new 2019 Corolla hatch featuring a bolder, dynamic exterior design and a more rewarding driving experience, is set to remain New Zealand’s best-selling passenger car.
The next-generation Corolla hatch is built on an innovative Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that gave designers the freedom to create a strikingly distinctive look that reflects its newfound dynamic performance capabilities.
“This all-new Corolla has soul and personality” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product and New Vehicle Sales.
“New Zealand’s car of the decade has received its biggest upgrade, with a sharp new design that looks amazing and feels fantastic to drive.”
"It’s a more premium and stylish car that places a priority on the highest active and passive safety standards," says Mr Lala.
"These improvements have been made possible through the TNGA platform, which is integral to the company's mission to build ever better cars that will excite a new generation of buyers.”
The chassis is clothed in a body that is lower, wider and longer than the current model creating an uncanny blend of balance, composure and feel. The new 12th generation Corolla hatch is imbued with a lower stance and more appealing proportions.
It has an athletic, muscular yet sophisticated style, with the lower grille emphasising the increased width and LED headlights wrapping around into the front guards. Chiselled character lines link the front and rear, where the rear design is more rounded, strengthening the visual relationship between front and rear while a rear upper spoiler completes the look.
The TNGA platform allows for a lower centre of gravity, trailing wishbone independent rear suspension and a more rigid body that contributes to better handling and stability without compromising ride and comfort.
“Customers crave novelty, change and excitement, but at the core want security, solidity and consistency. Corolla DNA has remained the same for 50 years, while evolving in terms of the latest technology and styling,” says Mr. Lala.
“The new two litre engine adds to the fun to drive attitude of the new Corolla,” says Mr Lala.
Its 2.0-litre Dynamic-Force direct-injection petrol engine adopts the latest in Toyota technology for gains in power, fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions. The 2.0 litre petrol engine has 21 per cent more power (125 kW) and 15 per cent more torque (200 Nm) yet is more economical.
Even with the extra performance, the new Corolla’s combined fuel consumption has improved by 0.1 litres to just 6.0 litres per 100 kms.
A new dynamic shift CVT is used in conjunction with the 2.0 litre petrol engine featuring a gear and belt drive system to facilitate improved transmission efficiency in lower gear ratios where belt efficiency is often poor. The transmission system utilises a gear drive when starting from a full stop, resulting in powerful acceleration, while at the same time, resolving the momentary sluggish feeling that was previously present during accelerator operation.
Both smooth and comfortable launch performance are realised. When switching from gear drive to belt drive, the transmission system uses highly responsive gear change control technologies cultivated from automatic transmission technology.
The SX and ZR petrol variants add paddle shifters while all petrol variants can access a 10-speed sequential manual shift mode.
“The upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Corolla complements the car’s new found dynamic capability while providing the optimal balance between fuel economy, low emissions and performance,” says Mr. Lala.
The all new Corolla Hybrid features the latest self-charging petrol hybrid electric powertrain from Prius. The 1.8 litre petrol engine has a combined system output of 90 kW, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100 kms, yet efficiencies are gained with a change from the required 95 octane fuel to 91 octane in the new generation.
“We’re committed to lowering our overall CO2 emissions by offering more hybrid electric grades,” says Mr Lala. “The current Corolla has been our best-selling hybrid. We expect its sales to grow even more with the new Corolla available with two hybrid electric variants.”
The new Corolla brings unprecedented levels of advanced safety technology to the small car class with an array of active driver assistance and passive protection features.
The new Corolla features a more advanced Toyota Safety Sense technology package with class leading pedestrian and cyclist detection across the range.
“Corolla is Toyota’s most technically advanced compact car,” says Mr Lala. “The full range of Toyota Safety Sense technology is the same on every grade. The pedestrian and cyclist detection is a great piece of technology to protect more vulnerable road users.”
“Customers will have peace of mind with this high level of active safety.”
Toyota Safety Sense includes an active Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system that incorporates autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection (day and night) and cyclist detection (day only), all speed dynamic radar cruise with indicator linked control, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist which includes lane departure alert with steering assist, lane centering and sway warning, and the addition of road sign assist.
Other standard safety features on every new Corolla include a reversing camera with static guidelines, and seven air bags. New features for the new generation Corolla hatch are drive start control, secondary collision brake and active cornering assist. Blind spot monitor is added to the mid-range SX and top of the range ZR variants.
“Buyers will welcome the fresh new design and roomier tech-forward interior with great new features,” says Mr Lala.
The longer and wider centre console has an 8-inch multi-media touchscreen for audio controls, satellite navigation, SUNA traffic channel and vehicle settings, with the climate controls immediately below it. The new Mobile Assistant feature uses Siri or Google Assistant voice commands to perform simple tasks like sending a text message, setting a reminder, or to check the weather at your destination.
An all new instrument cluster includes a 4.2” colour multi-information display in the GX and SX, and a 7” display in the ZR with the ability to change from an analogue to digital central display.
Front seat hip points are lower to provide a more natural body posture and positioning for access to the multifunctional steering wheel and pedals.
The range starts with the 2.0-litre GX that picks up all the new design, powertrain, safety and technology features. It is also equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch multi-info display, air-conditioning, heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, 16-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker audio system with satellite navigation and SUNA traffic channel.
The GX hybrid gains extra equipment over the petrol variant with dual-zone climate control and keyless smart entry and push button start.
Moving up to the SX grade, dual-zone climate control and keyless smart entry and push button start are also included. Other additions are a wireless device charger, LED front fog lamps, paddle shifters, leather steering wheel and shift lever, and an additional USB port for device charging.
At the top-of-the-range, the ZR is equipped with a large colour head-up display, 18-inch alloys, leather and suede accented sports front seats, 8-speaker premium JBL audio system, 7-inch colour multi-information display, ambient illumination, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and high-grade bi-LED headlamps.
“With its athletic design, increased safety, new petrol engine and transmission, latest hybrid technology, larger interior with more features, Corolla is still the leading relevant cost-efficient hatch for 2019 and beyond,” says Mr Lala.
“The new Corolla is a stylish brand-new car with the same Corolla soul.”
It’s available in eight colours with Toyota Drive-away pricing which includes WOF, registration, a full tank of fuel, the Toyota Care Service Advantage package, floor mats, and the three years or 100,000 kms warranty.