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Toyota's Corolla is set to retain its mantle as Australia's best-selling passenger car with the imminent arrival of a new-generation hatch.
The all-new Corolla hatch sits on an innovative platform that underpins bold exterior styling, an upscale interior, impressive driving dynamics and ride comfort, plus advanced technologies including class-leading safety.
There are three grades and seven variants with hybrid technology now available at each level - Ascent Sport, SX and ZR, in a move expected to result in a substantial uptake in sales of Corolla hybrid.
Toyota Australia's vice-president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said Corolla, more than any other car, had built the reputation of the Japanese automotive industry and the success of Toyota Motor Corporation.
"This all-new Corolla hatch leapfrogs everything in the affordable small-car segment and sets the new benchmark," Mr Hanley said.
"Corolla has become the world's and Australia's best-selling passenger car - and the new Corolla hatch is even better through our commitment to produce more appealing and dynamic cars," he said.
"Many of its ground-breaking technologies and class-leading features would normally be found in more expensive, prestige models."
More Rewarding Drive
The new hatch's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform guarantees a more rewarding driving experience with its lower centre of gravity, new multi-link rear suspension, 60 per cent more rigid body and improved weight balance.
New powertrains significantly boost performance and driveability. A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Toyota Dynamic Force petrol engine delivers 21 per cent more power (125kW) and 15 per cent more torque (200Nm) than its 1.8-litre predecessor while using less fuel*.
A new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission offers a 10-speed sequential shift mode and mechanical launch gear - the first in the world for a passenger-car CVT - to promote brisk yet fuel-efficient off-the-line acceleration.
Corolla's improved hybrid system is lighter and more compact due to advances in engine, electric motor and battery technologies - smaller, lighter and more efficient.
The 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine shares a raft of technical features with the new 2.0-litre engine, including world-leading thermal efficiency of 40 per cent and a 13:1 compression ratio. Combined output is 90kW and fuel economy 4.2 litres/100km*.
A more efficient, lighter and smaller multi-shaft transaxle has been tuned for greater low-down response and driveability. All CVT models feature three driving modes - ECO, Normal and Sport.
A new six-speed intelligent manual transmission is available on Ascent Sport, providing rev-matching control for smoother and more responsive gear shifts.
Across the range, driving characteristics also benefit from an active cornering assist system that applies brake force to the left or right driven wheels during high-speed cornering to supress understeer.
Unprecedented Safety Technologies
All-new Corolla brings unprecedented levels of advanced safety technology to the small car class with the Toyota Safety System. Toyota anticipates a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
A pre-collision safety system incorporates pedestrian detection+, including at night, as well as cyclist detection during the day, autonomous emergency braking and emergency brake assist.
Active cruise control and lane departure alert with steering assist and sway warning are also standard. On CVT models, active cruise operates at all speeds while the lane departure technology is upgraded to lane trace assist, providing steering assistance to ensure the car stays centred in the lane.
Corolla's windscreen-mounted camera recognises speed-limit signs - a first for a Toyota model in Australia.
Other standard safety features include automatic high beam, reversing camera, hill-start assist, seven airbags and two rear ISOFIX child safety seat anchor points. SX and ZR also have blind-spot monitor.
More Appealing Styling
Corolla is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor - resulting in a more dynamic, prestigious and sophisticated road presence.
The front profile is more vertical with a flatter bonnet flanked by bi-LED headlamps and integrated daytime running lights. At the rear, a lightweight composite hatchback sits between LED rear combination lamps housed in sleek units that emphasise the broad, solid stance of the car.
Corolla's all-new interior design significantly raises sensory quality while delivering an airy, open feel. Improved comfort and greater refinement are accentuated by the unity of colour, gloss and grain for the premium quality trims and surface finishes.
Corolla is also more spacious, thanks to a longer wheelbase and increased body width. A thinner instrument panel contributes to better forward vision and there are new, more comfortable and supportive seats.
