Toyota has a few reputations. Some are based on their reliability and frugal ownership costs, while others are a little less kind. Motoring enthusiasts will often claim that Toyotas are appliances, something you buy to serve a useful purpose in your life - that you don't buy one for the excitement factor. No model has been singled out for falling prey to this "mundane nature" more than the Corolla.
That's all about to change! In case you haven't noticed it, Toyota is dead-set on injecting a new-found energy into their models, making them more exciting and leveraging their years of motorsport experience in the name of creating machines that not only serve a purpose, but excite too.
Related: Toyota Corolla (2020): The all-new Toyota Corolla launches in SA
Having identified their target audience as one who is taken by luxury, style and performance, Toyota has crafted the new, 12th generation Corolla Sedan to offer them more than ever before.
Styling
With the new, 12th generation Corolla based on the modular TNGA platform, the designers were given more freedom. It allowed the designers and engineers to work together to create a shape that mimics the lines of a coupe but still offer the practicality of a three-box sedan. They've carried over the profile from the hatchback so that it remains recognisable as a Corolla. The front features brand-new Bi-LED headlights (on XR models), split by a grille element that separates the upper section from the lower and creates the impression of width.
The new Corolla is in fact wider and lower than before with the front track widened by 11 mm and the rear by 22 mm. The roofline sits 20 mm lower and the front overhang has been reduced by 25 mm.
For the first time, a set of 18-inch alloy wheels for part of the standard package for the upper-level trims. The metallic grey wheels with their diamond-cut finish offset the range of new colours in a manner that is both stylish and sporty.
Interior
An interior similar to that of the hatchback does duty in the Corolla sedan with a clean, uncluttered, minimalist design. The emphasis here has been placed on soft-touch surfaces and elegant finishes in satin silver and piano black. One distinguishing feature of the sedan is the reformed front seats with a ribbed upholstery pattern. They are said to be more supportive and sporty in their execution with electronic lumbar support. The ribbing can be specified in either grey or a contrasting blue.
Tech
The high-grade XR model receives the 7-inch MID screen in the gauge binnacle with the option of selecting either a tradition analogue look or a more modern digital readout for speed. The lower-grade XS models have to make do with the smaller 4.2-inch display.
All models in the Corolla sedan range are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready, ensuring unrivalled tethering of smartphones.
Digital climate control is standard across the range as is one-touch electric windows and a reverse camera.
Safety
All models in the Toyota sedan lineup benefit from 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, BAS, VSC and HAC. ISOFIX mountings can be found in the rear and the XR model is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
TSS is a combination of cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam, lane trace assist and an active pre-collision injury mitigation system.
Engines
Where you previously had the choice of 4 different engines, ranging from a 1.3-litre through to a 1.8-litre offering, the new Corolla is made available on launch with only 2 engine choices. Gone are the 1.3, 1.6 and 1.4 diesel engine and replacing them is a meaty 2.0-litre.
This makes the 1.8-litre engine the smallest offering in the range and is only available with the '10-speed' Sport Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox and in XS trim level. This engine's output is unchanged at 103 kW and 173 Nm.
The 2.0-litre that forms the pinnacle of the range is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox with iMT function for automatic rev-matching or with the aforementioned CVT offering. The 2.0-litre is only available in the top-spec XR trim.
Pricing
The new Corolla Sedan still represents great value for money, especially considering the recent weakening of the Rand (the Corolla is no longer produced in South Africa). All models are covered by a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and backed by a 6-service / 90 000 km service plan.
Toyota Corolla 1.8 XS CVT – R 380 200
Toyota Corolla 2.0 XR 6MT – R 420 500
Toyota Corolla 2.0 XR CVT – R 433 700
The new Corolla Sedan is available from dealerships from 1 May 2020.
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