Toyota has added much needed technology into their 10th generation Corolla range to outpace current competitors, the Civic and Lancer. However they have done little to ‘spice’ up the looks where the previous Altis shell was only slightly rehashed. Still, this is far cry from their previous dismal efforts from Toyota ASEAN where basic products and technology made it to our part of the world. The best was previously destined to North America and Europe and Asia was left with low tech models that sold very well due to the high value Toyota branding and image. Recent years have seen this branding starting to fade a little as Mitsubishi and Honda introduced latest models in line with the rest of the market and offered more high tech motoring to the segment. Now here comes a Corolla worthy of its pedigree.
The biggest changes in this new Corolla is the engine and transmission. Toyota engineers have now applied the dual VVT-i technology on the 1.8-liter engine (2ZR-FE) complement the existing similar technology in the 2.0 liter engine (3ZR-FE).
Add to this a transmission system that uses Super CVT-i with a seven-speed (7) Sequential Sport Shift. This transmission offers refinement, silently and contribute to improving fuel efficiency. Equipped with Sequential Shift, so the driver can still play the transmission lever to pursue the pleasure of driving. The new 1ZR-FE 1.6-litre engine produces 121 bhp at 6000 rpm and 154 Nm at 5200 rpm.
The 2.0V variant is powered by the new 3ZR-FE 2.0-litre engine generating 143 bhp at 6200 rpm and 187 Nm at 3600 rpm. The 1.8-litre, twin cam, VVT-i engine is essentially the same engine as before but now with a reworked chip that enables the pistons to thrust out 130 bhp peaking out at 6000 revs while 170 Nm of turning force is churned out at 4200 rpm. You can actually feel more refinement coming from this engine as we took around the race circuit.
Another option is a new gearbox 6 manual gearbox which is only for the base 1.6-liter version which is good for company car buyers and maybe also our taxi segment.
In terms of exterior changes visible on the front bumper, headlights, rear combination lamps, alloy wheels and rear bumper. Inside you get a new design Optitron meter, 3 spokes multi function steering wheel with paddle shifters (only with the 2-liter), push button ignition, driving ECO indicator and other material and fitment changes.
A full test drive report will be available in the coming month.
