Toyota Corolla revised with new styling, improved fuel efficiency and better dynamics
Toyota are on a roll. First the Camry, now the Corolla gets a style makeover.
Here’s what the new-ish Corolla looks like:
There’s eight colours, including some bright ones as Toyota have gone for what they hope is a sportier look. There’s more improvements inside; a new audio system, suspension improvements and various efficiency gains which add up to a claimed 7.6% improvement in fuel use (from 7.1 to 6.7L/100km) despite the car’s length being increased by 55mm. The interior has been improved with, with a “cleaner”design.
Australian cars get what Toyota say is “the most powerful Corolla engine available in the world”which is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that pumps out, wait for it….103kW. Still, that’s mated to a clever CVT transmission so the car moves along quite nicely. Helping traction is a preload differential that “promotes smoother take-off and manoeuvring on normal or slippery roads, a more stable steering feel at constant highway speeds and greater straight-line stability on rough roads.”
Also improving the feel of the car is the electric power steering which has been tuned for additional steering weight as vehicle speed increases.
All Corollas now include Hill-start Assist Control, which helps prevent the car rolling back on an incline between the driver releasing the brake and applying the accelerator. The system will hold the car on the brakes for up to two seconds.
The Ascent model is now fitted with a reversing camera, which is now standard across the Corolla range. The camera’s image is displayed on new touch-screen monitors that are also used to operate the upgraded audio system.
Compared to the previous model there’s a price increase of $300 on Ascent and Ascent Sport, but the range-topping ZR is reduced by $1,000. SX prices are unchanged. In the SX and ZR hatch the seven-inch touch-screen also displays satellite navigation maps with real-time traffic updates, giving drivers the option of navigating to destinations found through the Toyota Link system.
For a small fee, drivers of these models can use Destination Assist to request the help of an operator to find a particular destination. The destination and contact details are sent to the vehicle using the Destination Download app. This could be a way of the future for automakers to get a little more money fro drivers…we’ve seen it with apps that demand purchases, now could your car?
TOYOTA COROLLA EQUIPMENT – MAIN FEATURES
Ascent
Vehicle stability control & traction control
ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Reversing camera
Cruise control
Tilt-and-telescopic steering column
Hill-Start Assist Control
Bi-halogen projector headlamps (manual levelling)
Display audio with 6.1-inch touch screen, six speakers
LCD multi-information display (MID)
16-inch steel wheels with full covers
Manual air-conditioning
Steering-wheel switches (MID, telephone, audio)
Ascent Sport (above Ascent)
16-inch alloy wheels
Seven-inch touch-screen with voice recognition
Toyota Link“ connected mobility
– Destination Download#
– Local search#
– Weather
– Traffic
– Toyota Help
Front fog lamps
Premium steering wheel, shift-lever knob
Privacy glass
SX (above Ascent Sport)
Satellite navigation**
Live traffic SUNA
Additional Toyota Link functions:
– Destination Assist (pay per use)#
– “Navigate to” for Destination Download#, Local Search# and Fuel Finder#
17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 tyres
Front spoiler
Rear bumper skirts
Rear spoiler (roof mounted)
Side skirts
Full-colour 4.2-inch MID screen
Sport front bucket seats
Sport seat trim
Paddle shifters
ZR (above SX)
Alarm
Smart entry and start (keyless)
Bi-LED headlamps (auto levelling)
Headlamp cleaner
LED daytime running lamps
Heated, electrically folding door mirrors
Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
Leather-accented seat trim
Driver and front passenger seat heaters
Driver’s seat power lumbar support
# additional charges apply
PRICES (six-speed manual) excludes on-road costs
Ascent | $19,790 |
Ascent Sport | $20,790 |
SX | $23,490 |
ZR (Multi-drive only) | $28,990 |
Options:
| 7-speed Multi-drive | $2,000 |
Metallic, pearl paint | $450 |
Panoramic roof (ZR) | $1,500 |
