- Toyota Flaunts Features of New Corolla
Toyota Motor Corporation is not relenting in its continued upgrade of its unarguably most popular model, the Corolla, with the intent of positioning the vehicle as a consistent global leader in the compact car segment.
Introduced in November 1966, the Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since 1974 and the automaker has succeeded in making the brand a household name in many countries of the world including Nigeria.
Generally acknowledged as the most fuel efficient car, the legendary Corolla is said to have an interior that begs to be admired with an ideal blend of comfort, value and safety.
The Toyota’s Vice President (Marketing), Jack Hollis, was quoted as saying that the Americans and indeed the world’s love affair with the Corolla began in 1968, adding, “The passion is still burning.”
He made the remark five years ago when the Corolla sale hit the 40 million vehicle mark and described its styling as expensive with a premium interior, and terrific driving dynamics.
“It’s built for the way we live today and the places we go. From urban chic to family road trip, at 40 million, we’re just getting started,” he stated.
In Nigeria, Toyota Corolla has on many occasions won the coveted Car of the Year award at an annual auto industry event organised by motoring journalists, auto reviewers and other stakeholders.
The Corolla effortlessly generates the power for driving pleasure, delivering subtly smooth and stable performance, according to Toyota Nigeria Limited, adding that its “short-nose proportions highlight the advanced styling. Together with its expansive cabin space, it exudes a distinctive presence.”
Engine
The Corolla sedan is available in L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE trim levels, all with 4-cylinder power and a high level of standard safety equipment, reports the Car Connection in its review of the 2018 edition of the vehicle.
It also says the Corolla iM is only offered in one configuration that slots in about equivalent to the Corolla SE sedan, adding that regardless of body style, the Corolla scores well for its comfort and efficiency, as well as its crash-test record.
According to the auto reviewer (the Car Connection), the 2018 Corolla range is fitted with a 1.8-litre inline-4 engine rated at 132 horsepower in most sedans; the Eco sedan, as its name implies, is tuned for efficiency and, oddly enough, its version of the 4-cylinder engine offers eight more horse-power.
“Most Corolla variants are equipped with a continuously variable transmission, although a six-speed manual is available on the SE sedan and the iM hatchback,” says the Car Connection.
Interior
In its review of the 2018 edition of the Corolla, an online auto journal, Edmund, says slipping in and out of the vehicle’s cabin is easy, and once you are in, there is ample room to stretch out. “All cabin controls are straightforward, and the touchscreen is responsive, if not a bit oversensitive,” it notes.
Providing some other interior details of the car, the Car Connection says inside a nearly vertical dashboard presents all controls in a logical, easy to sort through manner.
“The Corolla’s interior is nicely done with interesting use of blue lighting, attractive seat fabrics on most models and pleasant contrasting stitching running across the dashboard’s edges,” it states.
Infortainment
Toyota Nigeria says that there is plenty of in-car technology to assist riders during every journey and keep everyone entertained.
It says, “Its music playback can be controlled safely through buttons mounted to the steering wheel. Also, it comes with more features such as power windows, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. The next grades impressed with the push start button, a multi-information display and rear parking sensors as a local accessory.
“Super Intelligent 4-Speed Automatic Transmission provides excellent response and smooth shift feeling. The uphill/downhill shift control automatically selects the optimum gear on uphill and downhill roads.”
Exterior
According to Car and Driver, the Corolla’s front end has been restyled with a new grille and LED headlamps.
It also says the LE Eco trim level and below feature bi-LED lights, while the SE, XLE, and XSE use multi-LED projectors with LED accent lights.
The SE and XSE are said to wear a unique front end with a glossy-black mesh grille that is meant to look sporty.
“We can appreciate the design team’s attempt to spice up the Corolla with interesting body lines and large fake brake-cooling ducts on the sportier trims,” it notes.
Performance
Toyota Nigeria says people should expect excitement to grow with every drive in Corolla due to its agile, sporty and responsive performance as well as superb fuel efficiency.
It also says the vehicle’s lightweight engine harnesses advanced technologies to deliver exhilarating performance and outstanding fuel economy.
“The MacPherson strut suspension on the front and torsion beam suspension on the rear are newly adopted, helping to realise both excellent driving stability and ride comfort at a high level,” says the TNL.
Safety
With an abundance of standard active safety assists and top marks in crash tests, the Corolla has been described as a safety superstar
Its airbags help reduce the impact to occupants in a collision. Specifically, the vehicle has been equipped with the SRS driver airbag, the SRS front passenger airbag; the SRS driver knee airbag, the SRS side airbags and the SRS curtain shield airbags.
The WIL Concept Seat used in the front seats helps to reduce injury to the vertebra in the neck in a rear-end collision.
When sensors detect a strong impact in a frontal collision, pretensioners rewind the seat belts instantly to help assist occupant restraint. In addition, force limiters help to relieve the force on the upper torso.
