8 February 2011
Yes they share the same name, however the recently launched new Corolla wagon has little in common with its sedan and hatch sibling, which went on sale back in April.
While the all-new sedan and hatch is built for a global market the wagon is sourced solely from the Japan domestic assembly line. It is in fact built on the previous model Corolla wagon platform.
New Zealand is the only destination for this model outside Japan; other export markets such as Australia will no longer offer a wagon in their model line up.
The wagon is an important model for Toyota New Zealand with sales making up around twenty percent of total Corolla's sold. It's a no-brainer then that the model in any configuration is good news for the marketing team at TNZ. Sales of the wagon will help keep the Toyota brand heading the sales charts for what will be the twentieth straight year come December.
The wagon line up is easy to remember, as there is only one model and one grade. Don't assume however it's the previous model with a few extras because it's not. The engine for example has been downgraded from a 1.8 litre, which produced 100kW to a Variable Valve 81kW 1.5 litre power plant and is in fact taken from Toyota's popular small car the Yaris. Claimed fuel consumption on 91 Octane fuel is 5.8 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions are 135g/km when tested to the Japanese standard. The engine is compatible with a 10% ethanol blended fuel. A five-speed manual is the only transmission offered.
The recommended retail price for the wagon has been reduced by a staggering $6,300 to a competitive $25,990. Very few Toyota's are ever sold for their recommended retail price, so depending on your negotiating skills the Corolla wagon will become a very attractive vehicle, especially for business folk, which is the destination for most of these vehicles when sold new.
Safety features are a mixed bag with Anti Locking Brakes, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake force Distribution and driver and passenger front air bags all standard, however the rear centre seat belt is lap only, a downside of sourcing from the Japan domestic market. For many this will not be an issue however because the rear seat will remain folded to make use of the flat floor. Depending on the construction of any personalised fit-outs to the rear floor area, an additional passive safety air bag package may be added. This consists of front side and front and rear curtain airbags and has a retail price of $700.
Child restraint tether anchors and ISO fixing points are positioned on the outside rear seating positions.
Other enhancements over the previous model include retractable and heated outside mirrors, multi-information driver display, one-touch fold down rear seat, telescopic steering, electronic power steering and one-touch power windows.
Because the wagon is a vehicle built specifically for the Japan home market, Toyota New Zealand are unable to provide tow rating figures and will therefore not be offering a genuine tow bar as an accessory fitment. Its very much buyer beware if towing is undertaken.
Like the sedan and hatch models, the wagon will fill a need in the market, we do however caution previous buyers to carefully look at their actual needs before assuming the new wagon will do the same job as the previous model.