New vs 2019 Toyota Corolla hatch: what are the top 4 differences?
Toyota has announced additional features for the Corolla Hatch, an all-new model launched in the first quarter last year. Among these are additional safety tech for the flagship Xr variant, two-tone exterior colour schemes and a wireless charger. But are these gadgets worth the additional expense?
The Toyota Corolla hatch, that went on sale in South Africa last year (2019), is a fine example of Toyota’s renaissance. It feels solidly built and refined, while offering stellar ride comfort. Gone is the rental-fodder ambience of the previous three generations and in its place is a car that vibes more like a junior Lexus – with prices to match.
Some critics will bemoan the continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmissions, but the engine’s abundant torque at low revs, combined with clever programming of the transmission, make the Corolla hatch pleasantly driveable. It shares this 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, that develops a maximum of 85 kW and 185 Nm, with the Toyota CH-R crossover.
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The Corolla Hatch also scores high in safety. It has a host of active and passive safety features. Airbags are present in driver, passenger, side, curtain and driver-knee locations. Vehicle Stability Control is standard, with the full suite of electronic aids present (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and Hill-assist Control). LED headlights and ISOFIX anchor points for kiddie seats are also supplied.
For 2020, Toyota has bolstered the equipment level of all three derivatives in the line-up, which includes the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) in the Corolla Xr.
1. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
The TSS active safety suite comprises a pre-crash system, blind spot monitor, lane trace assist and all-speed cruise control, also known as adaptive cruise control. This lead to a price increase of R35 100 for the Xr.
2. Wireless charger for mobile phones
All three models (Xs, Xs CVT and Xr) receive a wireless charger for compatible mobile phones.
3. Auto High Beam (AHB)
The LED headlamps have also been upgraded to include Auto High Beam (AHB) on the Xr. This saves you the trouble of switching the headlights between bright and dim, when driving at night.
4. Two-tone colour options
Bi-tone colour options have been added (Pearl White, Satin Silver, Emotional Red and Caribbean Blue – all paired with a black roof), while Pearl White and Caribbean blue have been deleted in mono-tone configuration.
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Conclusion
The four features mentioned above are what buyers of a 2019 to March 2020 Corolla (Xr) would forgo. How important are these gadgets? They certainly add a solid dose of safety to an already safe car, and adaptive cruise control can make traffic jams easier to deal with. But R35 100 is a significant amount.
The dual-tone paint schemes (Bi-T) will draw some attention, but many of us can think of better ways to spend R10 000.
The Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xr is a 2020 AutoTrader Car of the Year (COTY) finalist.
Line-up and pricing
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs – R 361 900
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs Bi-T – R 372 400
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs CVT – R 373 100
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xs CVT Bi-T – R 383 600
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xr CVT – R 412 600
Corolla Hatch 1.2T Xr CVT Bi-T – R 423 100
All Corolla Hatch models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (service intervals at 12 months or 15 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty as standard.
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