What do these JDM spec variants spell for the new global Corolla?
By now, we’ve all seen the all-new 12th-generation Toyota Corolla, built atop the brand’s versatile TNGA platform and sporting some very encouraging (i.e sporty) new aesthetics. Due for a wide release later this year as a 2019 model, there’s still frustratingly scant amounts on the various combinations of grade and powertrains we can expect outside of North America.
That’s all changed as of a few days ago upon Toyota’s very helpful detailing of the all-new Corolla’s specifications for their domestic market of Japan. For the most part, the car sold there will be very much familiar to those who have sampled the car in other regions, which is nice to know. Discrepancies in equipment levels and the spread of variants will differ, yes, but not by a very meaningful way.
Interestingly, the additional light shed on the 12th-gen Corolla (JDM) shows the company taking a decidedly youth-minded approach to selling their newest five-door hatch. For one thing, there will be a variant called the Corolla Sport that will be available alongside the more conservative flavours - usually with a hybrid engine lifted from the Prius.
Instead, the ‘Sport’ will have wheels spun by a turbocharged engine. Exciting! However, if you were expecting a pokey little motor to produce the kind of warmed performance worthy of the badge, we’re afraid that it only produces 85kW and 185Nm extracted from four-cylinders that total 1,200cc.
Toyota in recent years haven’t been particularly keen on turbocharging in general, so despite this hardly qualifying as a sporty engine, is probably a step in the right direction should the brand want to explore their pull with a younger kind of buyer.
Some of you might already recognise 8NR-FTS as the same turbo-petrol unit found in the C-HR. However, that little crossover isn’t really trying to fool anyone about it being properly sporty, where the new Corolla is. Regardless, the unit is mated to Toyota’s new breed of CVT which offers 10 artificial gear ratios for a more involving drive - a manual option is to be added later in the year.
Interestingly, while the 90kW hybrid variant’s combined drive sources send thrust to the front wheels, the turbocharged Corolla Sport with its sole 1.2-litre four-cylinder will come fitted with all-wheel drive. Hopefully, this is just the lower tier engine for the newly minted Sport as it’s reported that a proper 2.0-litre turbo with 130kW (or thereabouts) will be introduced later and in time for the car’s Australian market debut.
For more on Toyota cars, check out our Showroom.
