With more than 45 million Toyota Corollas sold globally since its introduction in 1966, it would be difficult to find a driver who did not recognize the name. Everyone, it seems, has a Corolla story. Many, though are going to be doing double takes when they see the re-imagined and reconfigured 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan. And that’s exactly the point.
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla is already selling in many markets (especially North America) with success. There is a sedan and hatchback and both versions are based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is far more than a new body structure, also bringing together new approaches to engineering, design, assembly, and materials.
TNGA transforms both Corolla styles into drivers’ delights while also bolstering the model’s renowned value and reliability. Both draw from the same DNA and share powertrains.
The Corolla sedan’s bold new look is a perfect reflection of the bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof transformation that has taken place. The TNGA platform means an available engine that produces more power than its predecessor yet delivers better fuel efficiency. TNGA imbues the Corolla sedan with greater agility, yet also with its smoothest, quietest ride. TNGA also means an elevated feeling of quality in every surface, switch and control the driver sees and touches. And, critically, TNGA delivers on Toyota’s commitment to driver and passenger safety with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety systems – standard on every Corolla sedan model.
Design Transformation
Toyota shook up the midsize sedan ranks with the new-generation Camry, and now the compact sedan segment is in for a jolt with the 2020 Corolla sedan. From every angle, the new Corolla looks lower and leaner, tauter and tighter. Powerful fender flares and generously curved fender top surfaces accent its sculpted, athletic core.
The design team called its working concept “Shooting Robust,” because they were shooting for a robust, confidence-inspiring stance. Yet, they had to maintain ample space for practical, real-world use. That’s why people buy sedans, after all.
The 2020 Corolla sedan rides on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, like its predecessor, yet any commonality ends there. Corolla’s dynamic performance and stance benefit greatly from wider front (+11 mm.) and rear (+22 mm) track dimensions. The front overhang was shortened by 33 mm, and the rear overhang extended by more than 15 mm. Height was reduced 20 mm, and the hood lowered 35 mm. for better forward visibility, made possible by mounting the engine lower. Those changes, plus many others, reduce the centre of gravity by 20 mm. – a significant amount, as any racecar engineer can attest. That’s just one part of the transformation that has turned the Corolla sedan into a highly nimble, engaging machine to drive.
The bold front fascia details has the sportiest Corolla face ever, including a body-color chin spoiler and aero stabilizing fins to emphasize the wide stance. The slim, J-shaped Bi-Beam LED headlamps wrap deeply into the front fenders and give the Corolla sedan a steely stare and a distinct nighttime signature.
The rear leaves a distinct lighting impression as well, with narrow combination lamps that wrap deeply into the fenders. All 2020 Corolla sedan models use LEDs, the type and style varying by model grade. The sporty grades feature smoked outer light lenses.
