The only conventional option is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor with 114bhp. Two hybrid variants will be offered: the 121bhp 1.8-litre motor currently used in the C-HR and Prius, plus a new 2.0-litre version with 178bhp. The same powertrains will be offered across all three bodystyles of the new Corolla range.
Speaking at the reveal of the latest version of the small car,?Toyota’s European boss, Johan van Zyl, said that the decision to axe a diesel variant was due to customer demand, noting that 41% of Toyota’s European sales in 2017 were hybrid models.
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Van Zyl said:?“In Europe, Auris is the model which moved [hybrid] technology from niche to mainstream. It’s been a breakthrough car for Toyota, because most have been bought by people new to the model or the technology.”
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Speaking about the decision to remove diesel engines from its passenger cars in Europe, van Zyl added: “Customer demand is a clear sign that our petrol-electric hybrids are a strong and popular alternative.”
The new Corolla is built on the TNGA?platform. Van Zyl said: “TNGA gives the car rigidity and a low centre of gravity. These are the qualities you need for outstanding comfort, handling and driving pleasure.” Styling, particularly at the rear,?takes clear direction from the 2009 Lexus LF-Ch concept, which previewed the CT hatchback.
The Corolla is 4370mm long, 1790mm wide and 1435mm high, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. That makes it 40mm longer and 30mm wider than the Auris, although it is 25mm lower.
The redesigned front end features a grille that Toyota says is shaped like a catamaran hull, and also sports new LED headlights and daytime running lights. At the back, the rear windscreen is increased in rake, while?a roof spoiler is standard on all trim levels.
Toyota’s Burnaston factory?benefitted from?￡240 million in investment last year in order?to prepare the plant for the transition to the TNGA platform.?
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