By Staff Reporter

Toyota has introduced the new 12^th generation Toyota Corolla. The world’s best-selling car is now based on the flexible TNGA (GA-C) platform and adopts similar looks to the Corolla Hatch. The car also becomes more premium with two grade offered, XS and XR. The XR model serves as the flagship and is available exclusively with the new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine. The 1.8 XS serves as the entry point to the range.

Exterior

In terms of looks, the front bumper employs a large trapezoidal lower grille, with black-moulded border and large mesh pattern. Arrow-shaped LED headlamps, with integrated DRL elements, flow towards the centrally-mounted Toyota emblem which is surrounded by a slim-line upper grille. The XR also receives an upgrade to Bi-LED headlamps.

The side profile spots a short roofline, sloping C-pillar and a short rear overhang. At the back, compact LED taillights feature a bi-colour design. The back also features black trapezoidal rear-bumper insert and outwardly-mounted vertical reflectors with the rear bumper incorporating integrated aero-stabilising fins.

Eight exterior colours are on offer, six of them being new. They are Celestite Grey, Crimson Red, Moonlight Ocean, Scarlet and Dark Blue metallic, Pearl White, Glacier White and Satin Silver.

The XS rolls is offered with 16” alloy wheels shod with 205-55-R16 tyres whilst the XR models adopt turbine-shaped 18” alloy wheels with 225-40-R18 tyres.

Interior

As with the exterior, the interior is similar to the hatch offering a quality and roomy environment. A revised front seat design with a ribbed pattern and bucket-like profile has been introduced along with a new-age synthesized fabric called RezatecTM. Blue contrast stitching and blue illumination for the switchgear and instrument panel have been incorporated to add a sporty and upmarket feel to the new Corolla.

As in the Corolla Hatch, a new infotainment system is introduced and it comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a touchscreen interface. Two levels of Multi-information Display (MID) systems are utilised. The XS grade uses a 4.2” display with the XR variants employing a large 7” MID system with digital speedometer.

Specification galore

Standard driver conveniences on offer include climate control with Eco mode, a reverse camera, power seat adjustment, one-touch functionality for the electric windows, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, steering switches and cruise control. XR models feature an auto-dimming rear view mirror too.

Safety and security

The new Corolla comes with a raft of passive and active safety features which included seven airbags, ISOFIX, ABS, EBD, BAS, VSC and HAC. The flagship XR grade receives Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which offers a full complement of active driver aids such as a pre-collision system, blind spot monitor, all-speed cruise control, automatic high-beam and Lane Trace Assist.

Engines

Two engines options are employed in the new Corolla. First up is a 1.8-litre engine with 103kW and 171Nm. It is carried over from the previous generation and paired to a ‘7-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT transmission.

Next up is the new 2.0-litre ‘Dynamic Force’ TNGA engine (as first seen on RAV4) which makes to 125kW and 200Nm, and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or ‘10-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT.

Fuel consumption for the 1.8-litre is listed as 6.2 l/100 km, the 2.0-litre manual at 6.5 and finally the 2.0-litre CVT at 6.0 l/100 km.

Pricing

The pricing for the new Corolla is as follows:

Corolla 1.8 XS CVT – R 380,200

Corolla 2.0 XR 6MT – R 420,500

Corolla 2.0 XR CVT – R 433,700

All Corolla models are sold with a standard 6-services/90,000 km service plan (come on Toyota, include full maintenance plan, please). A 3 year/100,000 km warranty is also included.