SYDNEY: Fresh in showrooms is the new Corolla hatch with promises of more style, sharper dynamics and less fuel; Toyota keen to keep the Mazda3 at bay and propel Corolla to a third consecutive year as Australia’s best-selling car.
With an extensive exterior redesign, the new Corolla hatch is available in entry-level Ascent and Ascent Sport grades, while higher SX and ZR grades are your sportier numbers featuring body kits.
All are 55mm longer with increased overhangs; Ascent and Ascent Sport variants have a lower grille and new headlight clusters, plus new 10-spoke 16-inch wheels for the Sport.
SX and ZR Corolla hatches have piano-black honeycomb mesh for the grilles, while the body kit comprises front, side and rear skirts, roof spoiler, new 17-inch alloys and brighter highlights.
Range-topping ZR has Bi-LED headlights for the first time, while of the eight exterior colours, Blue Gem and Citrus are new to the Corolla palette.
Interior upgrades include a reversing camera and touchscreen monitor standard across the range; a new audio system, dash panel, centre console and instrument gauges; plus fresh upholstery and satin chrome-plated ornaments.
Under the skin the 1.8-litre four-cylinder remains with 103kW and 173Nm across the range, but efficiency has been improved thanks to revisions to the transmissions. Corolla’s six-speed manual brings fuel consumption down to 6.7 litres/100km (from 7.1 litres) while a revised seven-speed CVT offers 6.1 litres/100km (down from 6.6 litres).
Toyota says suspension revisions have improved initial roll damping, handling stability, steering feel and enhanced straight-line ride comfort.
Prices are up, down or static depending on your Corolla hatch choice: Ascent and Ascent Sport are up $300 (now starting from $19,790), SX remains the same ($23,490) and range-topping ZR with CVT as standard is reduced by $1000 ($28,990).
Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the latest updates will give Corolla a decisive competitive edge.
“Corolla hatch customers now have a clear choice between two compelling new designs: classic or sporty – both of which deliver a greater presence and visually broader stance,” he said.
“Buyers will also be attracted by a more stylish interior, under-the-skin tweaks that dial up the fun-to-drive factor and lower fuel consumption that will result in an even lower cost of ownership.”
The new Corolla hatches are on sale in Australia now.
