8 February 2011
There is no doubt the all-new 10th generation Toyota Corolla will be a big seller in NZ. Already one of NZ's best selling vehicles, any enhancements over the old model will only continue to see the vehicle maintain its loyal customer base and no doubt attract new customers into the Toyota family.
For many years, all Toyota products have enjoyed a long and proven reputation for reliability and quality, which becomes a strong reason for existing owners to remain with any product and for those looking for an alternative vehicle to what they are currently driving.
There are now seven Corolla variants and three body styles (hatch, sedan and wagon) in the new line up. Hatch and sedan are available in two grades, GX and the higher specification GLX, while the wagon, which will not be available until later in the year, will be badged GX only.
Pricing is identical for hatch and sedan with the GX manual retailing for $30,500 and the automatic $31,650. The GLX is sold as an auto only and retails for $36,990 while the wagon will be available for $25,990. Leather seat trim adds a further $2,000 to the GLX sedan.
European styling has certainly turned the hatch into a much more appealing vehicle while the Japan designed sedan is an improvement over the previous conservative model. Both sedan and hatch are larger in every direction and enjoy much-improved interior and boot space due in part to the new body designs, a reworked rear suspension and exhaust design.
The combination of the front muffler and catalytic converter into one unit to help create a flat floor pan is one example of clever engineering. Luggage space in the sedan is particularly impressive at 450 litres, which gives it a 4GB rating (4 Golf Bags).
A bridged style centre console in the hatch, which unites the essential controls including the gearlever, is used for claimed better ergonomics but some may find this design claustrophobic, and an unnecessary barrier between the driver and passenger. The sedan has the more traditional console design which offers a more spacious in-cabin feeling.
A newly developed inline 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing, roller rocker arms and hydraulic valve clearance adjusters powers the hatch and sedan. The addition of variable valve timing increases both power and torque (7kW and 14Nm respectively) while maintaining low fuel consumption and low emission levels while the hydraulic valve clearance adjusters will reduce maintenance costs.
Also helping with fuel consumption is the use of a lightweight vehicle-speed-sensitive electric rack and pinion steering system while a tilt and telescopic column is standard on all models.
Claimed fuel consumption for sedan and hatch models is 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the auto and 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual.
Those looking to update their Corolla wagons would be advised to undertake a good test drive before purchasing, as the only engine available will be the 1.5 litre unit as fitted to the Yaris.
Drivers get spoilt for choice when driving a manual with 6 forward gears to choose from while the automatic is confined to a mere 4-speed unit only.
Tyre size changes (GX 195/65/15, GLX 205/55/16) and a revised McPherson strut front suspension have created a very good handling vehicle with minimal in-cabin noise and vibration.
Safety features including front air bags and front seat side air bags, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, which operate in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system, are standard across the range.
GLX models have the addition of driver's knee and front/rear curtain shield airbags, which are also available as an option on the GX models for a recommended retail price of $500. The wagon can also be upgraded for an additional $500 with front seat side and front /rear curtain airbags.
One of the design targets of the new Corolla was to reduce both accident repair times and costs. To help achieve this, the radiator core and air-conditioning condenser have been designed to move backwards in a collision rather than absorb the impact. The radiator support along with the front and rear bumper reinforcements are bolted on rather than welded and headlights have breakable and replaceable brackets so the headlight can be reused.
Euro NCAP have given the sedan and hatch with the full compliment of airbags a five-star rating for adult protection and four stars for child protection. Pedestrian safety is equally impressive with a three out of a possible four star rating being achieved.
Satellite Navigation is available as an accessory across the Toyota range including the Corolla. Not only does it provide Satellite Navigation it also has: a four disc MP3 CD Changer, Blue tooth hands free, auxiliary input for an MP3 audio device and provision for a reversing camera. If fitted after the vehicle has been purchased a trade in allowance is made for the standard audio unit. Costs are best discussed with a Toyota dealer.
Overall a major improvement over the previous model but one should expect no less when a new model is launched.
We do however; have some disappointments in the new Corolla mainly based around value for money and specification levels.
Lack of stability control even at the top of the model range is a noticeable omission in our view. Designed to help avoid an accident, we expected this active safety feature to be fitted to complement the plethora of passive safety features fitted. Steering wheel mounted audio controls are fast becoming the norm in vehicle spec across the range, but one has to pay $36,990 to get this feature on the Corolla. To a lesser extent the same can be said for cruise control and climate air-conditioning. And no reverse sensors not even on the GLX - another safety feature that we feel should be accommodated.
While none of the above will stop the Corolla selling well, many of its competitors offer the same or in some cases more for less retail pricing.