FOR YEARS, THE DEFINITION of “conservative” was Toyota. Often derided as being the automotive equivalent of whitegoods, the company always seemed a step or two behind the times, at least in terms of styling.
But things have definitely been changing of late, with stylish new offerings including the polarising CH-V, the svelte new Camry and the neat new Corolla.
Now it has announced a two-tone option for the Toyota Corolla ZR hatch. A colour scheme that once defined the funky ska sound of late ’70s British music and the cool Art Deco footwear favoured by gentlemen from Fred Astaire to Edward VIII and from November this year, two-tone will become part of the standout colour palette for the perennially popular model.
The new two-tone colours will be available on the top-of-the-range Corolla ZR variants as part of an update that also adds further safety and comfort features to the latest generation Corolla hatch range.
Toyota Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the new colour scheme will add further design kudos to a car that has already been widely praised for its sporty and distinctive styling.
“When we launched the all-new 12th-generation Corolla hatch late last year, it marked a bold new direction for Corolla,” Mr Hanley said.
“And not just in terms of style but with vast advancements in safety, performance, driving dynamics and of course, the broader availability of our proven hybrid powertrain.
“Now this update delivers an even more exciting design aesthetic, greater safety and enhanced comfort to further ensure Corolla stands out from the crowd,” he said.
The new finish, available on both 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid and 125kW 2.0-litre petrol ZR variants, marries a black roof, pillars and hatch-top spoiler with a choice of Crystal Pearl, Volcanic Red, Oxide Bronze, Silver Pearl, Eclectic Blue or all-new vibrant Feverish Red body colours (even the colour names have been given a dash of style!)
The new metallic Feverish Red colour is offered across the range on the Ascent Sport and mid-range SX variants as well.
In addition to the new two-tone finish, Corolla ZR variants also gain eight-way power driver’s seat for enhanced convenience while both SX and ZR models feature a new parking support brake system and rear cross-traffic alert to help reduce low-speed collisions.
The parking support brake (PKSB) feature uses sensors to detect both static objects and rear crossing vehicles that pose a potential hazard with the system offering suppression of driving force and application of braking force.
The system is activated by a switch and operates from standstill up to speeds of 15km/h in two stages.
Drive force suppression only is provided if a collision is avoidable by the driver operating the brake but if driver braking is deemed difficult, the second stage of braking control comes into effect.
The system can be switched off manually or automatically turns off once the driver takes control of the brakes.
Both Corolla SX and ZR models now also feature rear cross-traffic alert as part of their blind-spot monitoring system that alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles passing behind via a warning buzzer, indicators on the exterior mirrors and an icon displayed on the rear view camera image.
In order to offer increased luggage space for the Corolla Ascent Sport petrol variant, Toyota will now also provide an optional tyre repair kit to replace the standard full-size alloy spare wheel, increasing luggage capacity in the boot by 116 litres to 333 litres.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Toyota Corolla ZR and other variants, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.