THE ALWAYS-POPULAR Toyota Corolla sedan will arrive in showrooms in late November, priced from $23,335 (plus on road costs).
The new-generation Corolla will launch with a new hybrid powertrain option, improved driving dynamics and ride comfort, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance safety features, and the latest generation multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said with the new Corolla sedan, Toyota had aligned pricing, grades, features and powertrain options with the Corolla hatch to simplify the choice for customers and allow them to select the body style that suits their lifestyle needs without any compromises.
“Like the new Corolla hatch, this new generation sedan is built on the latest TNGA platform. It is a marked step up from its predecessor with powerful and efficient new drivetrains, a sharper stylish design, crisp handling and superb ride comfort, and a long list of driver assistance safety features,” Mr Hanley said.
“The addition of hybrid plays a vital role too, and our ongoing commitment to this technology and the expansion of our offering is all with the aim of assisting consumers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of just how valuable this technology is to both their hip-pockets and the wellbeing of our planet.”
“By offering a similar level of premium features, grade levels and pricing across both Corolla body styles, customers can now simply choose a hatch or sedan, depending on their needs, without any sacrifices,” he said.
The new Corolla sedan will be offered in three grades – Ascent Sport, mid-range SX and top-of-the-range ZR – with the new petrol-electric hybrid option, offered in the Corolla sedan for the first time in Australia, available on the Ascent Sport and SX variants.
All three grades are available with a new 2.0-litre petrol engine that comes with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or “10-speed” continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the Ascent Sport, or mated to a CVT as standard for SX and ZR versions.
The new hybrid powertrain drives the front wheels through an e-CVT and uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine complemented by a pair of motor-generators to generate a combined maximum output of 90kW.
With low rolling resistance tyres and a body designed for efficient aerodynamics, the Corolla sedan hybrid delivers outstanding fuel efficiency with an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.5l/100km2 and low CO2 emissions of just 81g/km.
The new 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers a substantial 22kW and 27Nm increase in power and torque compared with its 1.8-litre predecessor, with maximum outputs of 125kW and 200Nm.
At the same time, its high level of efficiency and advanced technology offer a lower fuel consumption than the previous petrol engine, returning combined cycle figures of 6.0l/100km for the CVT versions and 6.5l/100km for the Ascent Sport manual variant.
In addition to the new powertrains, Toyota has substantially improved comfort, convenience and safety features across the board to deliver a premium, refined small sedan.
Priced from $23,335 for the Ascent Sport manual, all variants feature auto LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, alloy wheels, and climate control (manual air conditioning for Ascent Sport petrol variant).
The latest generation multimedia system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, full Bluetooth connectivity, Aux and USB inputs and Siri eyes-free functionality.
Hybrid versions of the Ascent Sport also feature a keyless smart entry and start system as standard.
Moving up into the mid-range variant, the Corolla SX petrol sedan features a premium three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and smart entry and start. All Corolla sedan SX versions also gain wireless phone charger, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic and digital radio, in addition to the standard AM/FM bands for the audio system.
The petrol-only Corolla ZR sedan features an even higher level of specification with a tilt and slide moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports heated front seats upholstered in a combination of synthetic leather and Rezatec with 8-way power adjustment for the driver, electrochromatic rear view mirror, and premium 9-speaker JBL sound system.
In order to deliver a very high level of safety, the new Corolla sedan features a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features standard on every model. These include its autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety system (PCS) with daytime and night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, road sign assist and auto high beam.
All-speed active cruise control, and lane-trace assist with steering assist and lane centring function, are standard on all CVT-equipped models with the manual Ascent Sport featuring high-speed active cruise control, that operates at speeds above approximately 30km/h, and lane departure warning with steering assist.
Every variant across the new Corolla sedan range is also fitted standard with rear view camera and seven airbags, with SX variants gaining blind spot monitor and ZR also featuring head-up display.
With the introduction of the new Corolla sedan, Toyota has also ensured that pricing is aligned between the two body styles while every Corolla, hatch or sedan, benefits from the Toyota Service Advantage capped price servicing that costs $175 per service with 12-month/15,000km intervals.
Toyota Corolla sedan pricing (all prices plus on road costs)
| Ascent Sport petrol manual | $23,335 |
| Ascent Sport petrol CVT | $24,835 |
| Ascent Sport hybrid CVT | $26,335 |
| SX petrol CVT | $28,235 |
| SX hybrid CVT | $29,735 |
| ZR petrol CVT | $33,635 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Toyota Corolla models, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.