Are car buyers in ASEAN countries not deserving of a fun high quality Toyota hot hatch? Are we less sophisticated than the North American and European car buyers? Why are we left with ASEAN only models?
These are the questions that we want answered by Toyota Japan who for years have left ASEAN nations, (which is the fastest growing car market in the world after China) to accept Toyota models that they see fit for our consumption.
The RAV4 SUV and Mark X sedan are just a small example of what ASEAN buyers had to miss out and now we get news of this hot hatch Corolla that is not coming to our region.
Based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, the hatchback is essentially the North American version of the Euro-spec Auris, and comes with a 2.0-liter, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine. It delivers a maximum power of 168 horsepower and a peak torque of 205 Newton-meters. Power is channeled exclusively to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a new CVT.
Toyota says the new engine is smaller and lighter than the 1.8-liter unit it replaces, and also has reduced noise vibration harshness (NVH) levels. All the right ingredients that we Malaysians want in a new car.
