There’s no denying that Toyota’s bid to make their all-new Corolla a far more desirable object has generated quite a bit of anticipation for its international rollout. Not only does the 12-generation car look the part, but it promises to be a genuinely good drive, loads of tech, and an advanced architecture to underpin it all.
Since it’s formal unveil at the Geneva Motor Show, much of that hype surrounded exactly how the spread of variants, grades, and powertrains will be made available worldwide. The car shown in the Swiss capital showed it to have a thoroughly sporty personality, but what about the rest of the pack?
Well, ahead of its scheduled Australian launch in August, Toyota has shed some light on these matters, stating that the upcoming hatch will be catered by a range of two power plants and two new transmission: a manual or CVT, both said to be newly developed.
On that CVT - this one’s a little more advanced that the usual continuously variable boxes that’s come before, aiming to right some of the criticisms levelled against this type of transmission. It was actually developed with fun driving in mind, explaining the fact that it has a dedicated ‘launch gear’ for more immediate and predictable acceleration off the line.
In its manual override mode, it can simulate 10 virtual ratios and has been calibrated to offer satisfying shifts that closely simulate that of a conventional gearbox with fixed ratios while maintaining the adaptable and inherently efficient nature of CVTs.
We’ll start with the more conservative 1.8-litre hybrid, Corollas powered by this motor will share similar numbers (though currently unspecified) with the current XV150 Prius. Like it, it’ll operate on the more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, and this ‘improved’ motor should pack more oomph while being mighty impressive on fuel economy.
Next up, the 2.0-litre atmospheric four-cylinder is taken from Toyota’s new Dynamic Force engine family. It features the company’s latest powertrain innovations by way of combustion control and thermal efficiency and specific output. It will generate 125kW and peak torque of 200Nm.
Buyers can choose the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain with any grade once it makes landfall. The 2.0-litre, though, might be reserved for a sportier range-topper such as the XSE trim in other markets.
Additionally, Toyota promises that the incoming Corolla will a comprehensive array of driver assist and active safety features. Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection will come as standard, as will Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. The safety package extends to active cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam, seven airbags and a reversing camera.
The all-new Corollas will also use Toyota’s newest Entune 3 touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on grade, other niceties include an 8-speaker JBL sound system, colour head-up display, wireless phone charging, dual-zone air conditioning, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
According to Sean Hanley, Toyota's vice president sales and marketing: “Corolla will remain very competitive and affordable in the Australian market - and we expect it to continue as Australia's best-selling car, a position it has held for each of the past five years,”
"With its sharp design, increased safety, new petrol engine and transmissions, improved hybrid drive, larger interior and great new features, Corolla will continue to be the car of choice for a broad cross-section of the motoring public.”
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