New Toyota Corolla - more dynamic, better value
Oct 18, 2012 By Toyota Australia.
Toyota has launched a stylish new
Corolla hatch that is more dynamic, better equipped and better value than ever before.
The 11th generation of the world's best-selling car introduces substantial gains to overall performance as well as enhancing Corolla's DNA of quality, durability and reliability.
New Corolla delivers more power and better on-road dynamics while fuel consumption and emissions have been lowered across the range.
While improving Corolla's standard equipment at every level, Toyota has reduced prices on three grades - Ascent, Ascent Sport and Levin SX - while holding prices on the luxury Levin ZR.
The entry price for the new Corolla Ascent hatch has been sharpened by $1,000 to just $19,990* - the best recommended retail price among small-car competitors from Mazda, Ford, Holden, Hyundai and Volkswagen.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the new range reflects Toyota's determination to engineer more appealing, dynamically engaging cars.
'Corolla is an incredible success story with more than 1.2 million sold in this country,' Mr Callachor said.
'It has created a unique presence in the Australian psyche as the best-selling Toyota in Australia while developing a brand image of great importance with its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability,' he said.
'The new Corolla hatch will build on that heritage with performance, style, quality and value that will excite a new generation of buyers.'
'It delivers the European styling and advanced technology demanded by today's small-car buyers - whether they are young singles or couples, 'empty nesters' or families needing an extra car.'
'Improvements in every aspect of the new-generation Corolla will underpin further sales success.'
Australian Corollas are fitted with a revised 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that develops more power at 103kW.
At the same time, engine enhancements, aerodynamic improvements, weight management and chassis tuning have contributed to dynamic and efficiency gains across the range.
A new seven-speed MultiDrive S-CVT transmission provides a seamless automatic shift mode or a sequential, stepped seven-speed Sport mode.
It helps lower fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent to as low as 6.6 litres/100km** and 152g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle** - better even than the six-speed manual.
In automatic mode, the system is optimised for quietness and fuel economy, matching the transmission to the engine at all times by monitoring accelerator pedal angle, vehicle speed and braking force.
In Sport mode, the system is optimised for response and direct engine control with close-ratio upshifts and a direct downshift feeling for precise cornering control under braking and deceleration.
Every Corolla comes with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, six-speaker audio, cruise control, Bluetooth (tm) ^ connectivity, air-conditioning and seatbelt warning alarm for all five seats.
Corolla has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Pricing has been reduced for the Ascent Sport by $1,500 and for Levin SX by $1,100 despite the addition of substantial extra equipment. Levin models now have 17-inch alloy wheels.
Top-of-the-range Corolla Levin ZR maintains its price even though it gains HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting and automatic high beam. It also has the option of a new Skyview (tm) panoramic roof.
Although Corolla has been a mainstay of the Japanese car industry, the latest model also benefits from extensive research and evaluation in Europe.
Toyota's focus on European buying preferences - which are broadly similar to Australian tastes - has delivered edgier styling.
New Corolla displays the more confident and agile face of Toyota with a low, sloping bonnet and reduced overall height that accentuate the hatch's sleeker, more streamlined appearance.
Its Euro-inspired exterior design combines smooth-flowing surfaces with sweeping character lines to provide the sense of agility expected in the small hatch segment.
The resulting aerodynamic benefits contribute to improved fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
A lighter yet more rigid body shell and revised suspension, steering and seating position offer a more comfortable and engaging drive.
These measures have resulted in a lower centre of gravity that improves high-speed stability and cornering agility.
A spacious and appealing interior benefits from the adoption of high-quality materials and smart packaging that liberates more space for occupants and their luggage.
The interior offers more space and greater comfort for occupants with an emphasis on improved sensory quality and the use of lighting, font, colour and finish to provide a more premium feel.
There is more knee room for rear passengers, a longer cargo floor and increased luggage capacity.
The cabin is noticeably quieter with extensive soundproofing to reduce engine and road noise.
Corolla's MacPherson strut front suspension has been revised while front and rear springs and shock absorbers have been fine-tuned for ride comfort, improved stability and excellent steering response.
A lower hip point and steering-column angle create a more engaging driving position.
The electric power steering is more direct to provide greater response with better feedback and greater agility.
Corolla is the world's best-selling vehicle with more than 39 million Corollas sold in over 140 countries since the first-generation car was introduced in Japan in 1966.
Australia was the first destination for Corolla exports and quickly established itself as Toyota's most popular model in this country.
Local Corolla sales last year totalled just over 36,000. Sales to the end of September this year have exceeded 28,000 - 11.7 per cent more than at the same stage last year.
Corolla, like all new Toyota vehicles, is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with a capped price of $130 for each of up to six scheduled logbook services in the first three years or 60,000km#.
NEW COROLLA HATCH RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES*
<tbody>
<tr> <th>
MODEL <th>
PRICE* <th>
CHANGE
<tr> <td>Ascent <td>$19,990 <td>-$1,000
<tr> <td>Ascent Sport <td>$20,990 <td>-$1,500
<tr> <td>Levin SX <td>$23,990 <td>-$1,100
<tr> <td>Levin ZR <td>$28,490 <td>- </tbody>
Options:
Seven-speed MultiDrive S-CVT - $2,000
SkyviewTM panoramic roof - $1,500 (Levin ZR only)
Metallic paint - $425
* Manufacturer's list price is provided for media purposes only and does not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
** Source of data: ADR 81/02. Fuel consumption and emissions data will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^ The BluetoothTM word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
#Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000kms (up to the first 6 services). Excludes Government and Rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota Dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions and eligibility.