reasons to smile
Driving impression toyota corolla
ABOVE: still recognisable as a Corolla, but the newcomer has a more dynamic stance. OPP: broad taillamps accentuate wedge-shaped rear.
reasons to smile The world-record-selling car puts on a brave – and characterful – new face BY: Mike Fourie
MikeF_CARmag
T
HE Corolla has dominated South Africa’s compact-car market for 30 years and it remains the flag bearer for Toyota’s passenger vehicle line-up. The
24 CAR september 2013
nameplate is so ubiquitous that the Corolla has become part of the South African fabric. Yet, the C segment is in flux. Last year, saloons constituted less than half of new-vehicle sales in the
compact market and, given the proliferation of small SUV and crossover contenders, the Corolla and its four-door contemporaries are under siege from a sales point of view. So, clad in a sophisticated, spacious shell replete with an upmarket and feature-packed interior, the next-generation Corolla is set for introduction – and production – in Mzansi in early 2014. Upon arrival, it will purport a renewed focus on durability, reliability and, most notably, value for money. Longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, the latest (11thgeneration) Corolla incorporates the Toyota brand’s Keen Look and Under Priority styling motifs, but what does that mean from a seeing-it-in-the-metal experience? The squared-off corners and
elongated three-box profile are typically Corolla, but the newcomer has a much more dynamic front end. The bars of the grille extend into the oversized LED-adorned trapezoidal headlamp clusters to give the saloon a broad, thrusting nose. The flanks sport character lines that emphasise the rear arches as well as the kickedup leading edges of the side glass areas. At the back, protruding wraparound taillamp clusters and a centrally mounted chrome bar contribute to a wedge-like rear three-quarter profile. In effect, the Corolla has an almost compact-executive-like kerb presence, which is significant, because as Toyota South Africa general manager of marketing communications, Kerry Roodt, points out, the newcomer is packaged and specified in ways that
CARmag.co.za
Bet you didn’t know
Toyota has taken a huge stride in terms of the space the Corolla affords to rear passengers would make it a natural stepping stone for buyers into the newly launched Lexus IS range. The most notable aspect of the Corolla’s interior is the huge stride that Toyota has taken in increasing the space afforded to rear passengers (and that’s in addition to enlarging the boot
CARmag.co.za
capacity). The newcomer may be classified in the compact class, but there is generous leg- and headroom at the back. The horizontal, cliff-like facia architecture of the Auris has been carried over largely unchanged, but the new dashboard sports piano-black finish on the intuitive
touchscreen infotainment system, a soft-touch dashboard and tasteful silver accents. The driver’s seat is positioned low for a more engaging driving position and the quality of the stitching of the fabric trim looks smart and durable. The instrument panel features quite youthful,
Tatsu Hasegawa, chief engineer of the first Corolla (1966), sought to produce a car “that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world”. This is the 11th-generation Corolla, but the Japanese saloon debuted in South Africa with the third version in 1975, followed by fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth and 10th iterations, the latter of which was launched in 2007. More than 40 million Corollas have been sold and Toyota SA will soon produce its one-millionth example. The new Corolla will be built in 16 locations and sold in 150 markets. It’s estimated every two minutes a new Corolla is sold somewhere in the world.
september 2013 CAR 25
Driving impression Toyota corolla
ABOVE: electric blue backlighting adds executive-saloon-like sophistication. OPPOSITE: sleeker profile results in a drag coefficient of 0,27.
Shinichi Yasui
Waku-Doki practitioners
Akhihiro Inukai
Although it’s unsurprising that Shinichi Yasui set out to develop a new car that is “clearly the best Corolla yet”, the Toyota chief engineer’s motivation exceeded developing a product that “goes beyond expectation and faithfully serves its owner for many years”. The new car had to instil “an increased sense of pride in our customers”, said Yasui. Deputy chief engineer, Akhihiro Inukai, explained: “We listened to our customers and anticipated future needs based on their feedback. The feedback we got suggested we’d make a better car if its design generated a (positive) emotional response. “The onomatopoeic Waku waku doki doki represents the adrenaline-fuelled anticipation you feel when you are about to drive something exciting, and that was the principle that inspired our team in development of the new Corolla,” Inukai added.
26 CAR september 2013
sporty lettering and, although the electric blue colour of the digitalclock readout seems at odds with the black-on-grey LCD display of the dual-zone climate control system, the cool-blue backlighting of the instrument cluster and facia during night driving brings everything in sync. The all-new 1,4-litre D4-D turbodiesel model is arguably going to be the pick of the range and should banish memories of executing overtakes and hill ascents in a Corolla while being deafened by a strained engine note. With maximum torque of 205 N.m available from 1 800 to 2 800 r/min (which is more than the top-ofthe-range 1,8-litre petrol motor can produce), the turbodiesel is mated with a positive-shifting six-speed manual transmission and makes commuting far less of a
gearbox-churning affair. The engine is somewhat more vocal than one would expect, but at least the Corolla compensates with excellent road noise suppression and an absorbent overall ride quality. Meanwhile, a redesigned ABS system offers positive stopping power and the steering is fast and accurate. There’s a 1,8-litre Sport model with a six-speed manual ‘box on the cards for South Africa and, while its outputs of 103 kW and 173 N.m are less than outstanding, the new Corolla exhibits ample roadholding ability and progressive body control when driven with verve. As for self-shifting model options, the previous four-speed torque-converter automatic has been superseded by a “sevenstep” continuously variable transmission (Multidrive S), which
CARmag.co.za
FAST FACTS
toyota corolla
All manufacturer’s claimed figures
1,3 Dual VVT-i
Engine 1,3-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 73 kW/128 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual 0-100 km/h 12,6 secs Top speed 180 km/h Fuel consumption 5,6 L/100 km CO2 rating 129 g/km
1,4 D-4D
Engine 1,4-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Power/Torque 66 kW/205 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual 0-100 km/h 12,5 secs Top speed 180 km/h Fuel consumption 4,1 L/100 km CO2 rating 106 g/km
1,6 Dual VVT-i/ Multidrive S 1,8 Dual VVT-i Multidrive S
Engine 1,6-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 90 kW/154 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual/CVT 0-100 km/h 10,5/11,1 secs Top speed 195/185 km/h Fuel consumption 6,6/6,3 L/100 km CO2 rating 157/150 g/km Engine 1,8-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 103 kW/173 N.m Transmission CVT 0-100 km/h 10,2 secs Top speed 179 km/h Fuel consumption 6,4 L/100 km CO2 rating 152 g/km
can be operated in automatic, sport or manual modes, the latter which requires fore or aft tips on the gear selector to actuate “step” changes. On the evaluation drive, the transmission was unobtrusive when cruising with a so-equipped 1,6 petrol model on an extra-urban route. The sharp engine zings in response to leaden-footed throttle inputs (a characteristic of many, if not all,
CARmag.co.za
CVTs) are bearable (just!) given the benefits of smoothness and better fuel economy compared with models equipped with conventional autos. Although final specification and pricing details will be confirmed only after the Corolla’s shown at the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show, the Mid Grade specification of the newcomer (although local models
might may not be denoted as such) will be offered with a Toyota Touch infotainment system, as well as a reverse-view display and leather as standard. The examples we drove on the international launch were specified with, inter alia, dual-zone climate and cruise control, seat heating, keyless entry and start, as well as a park-assist system – all of which is under consideration for locally specified models.
Toyotas have sometimes been criticised for not offering classleading value for money. However, as was the case with the recent introduction of the RAV4 and repositioning of the Yaris line-up, Toyota SA has undertaken to prioritise competitive pricing with the launch of this Corolla. With car prices under intense pressure due to a weak exchange rate, that bodes well for consumers.
september 2013 CAR 27
ABOVE: still recognisable as a Corolla, but the newcomer has a more dynamic stance. OPP: broad taillamps accentuate wedge-shaped rear.
reasons to smile The world-record-selling car puts on a brave – and characterful – new face BY: Mike Fourie
MikeF_CARmag
T
HE Corolla has dominated South Africa’s compact-car market for 30 years and it remains the flag bearer for Toyota’s passenger vehicle line-up. The
24 CAR september 2013
nameplate is so ubiquitous that the Corolla has become part of the South African fabric. Yet, the C segment is in flux. Last year, saloons constituted less than half of new-vehicle sales in the
compact market and, given the proliferation of small SUV and crossover contenders, the Corolla and its four-door contemporaries are under siege from a sales point of view. So, clad in a sophisticated, spacious shell replete with an upmarket and feature-packed interior, the next-generation Corolla is set for introduction – and production – in Mzansi in early 2014. Upon arrival, it will purport a renewed focus on durability, reliability and, most notably, value for money. Longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, the latest (11thgeneration) Corolla incorporates the Toyota brand’s Keen Look and Under Priority styling motifs, but what does that mean from a seeing-it-in-the-metal experience? The squared-off corners and
elongated three-box profile are typically Corolla, but the newcomer has a much more dynamic front end. The bars of the grille extend into the oversized LED-adorned trapezoidal headlamp clusters to give the saloon a broad, thrusting nose. The flanks sport character lines that emphasise the rear arches as well as the kickedup leading edges of the side glass areas. At the back, protruding wraparound taillamp clusters and a centrally mounted chrome bar contribute to a wedge-like rear three-quarter profile. In effect, the Corolla has an almost compact-executive-like kerb presence, which is significant, because as Toyota South Africa general manager of marketing communications, Kerry Roodt, points out, the newcomer is packaged and specified in ways that
CARmag.co.za
Bet you didn’t know
Toyota has taken a huge stride in terms of the space the Corolla affords to rear passengers would make it a natural stepping stone for buyers into the newly launched Lexus IS range. The most notable aspect of the Corolla’s interior is the huge stride that Toyota has taken in increasing the space afforded to rear passengers (and that’s in addition to enlarging the boot
CARmag.co.za
capacity). The newcomer may be classified in the compact class, but there is generous leg- and headroom at the back. The horizontal, cliff-like facia architecture of the Auris has been carried over largely unchanged, but the new dashboard sports piano-black finish on the intuitive
touchscreen infotainment system, a soft-touch dashboard and tasteful silver accents. The driver’s seat is positioned low for a more engaging driving position and the quality of the stitching of the fabric trim looks smart and durable. The instrument panel features quite youthful,
Tatsu Hasegawa, chief engineer of the first Corolla (1966), sought to produce a car “that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world”. This is the 11th-generation Corolla, but the Japanese saloon debuted in South Africa with the third version in 1975, followed by fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth and 10th iterations, the latter of which was launched in 2007. More than 40 million Corollas have been sold and Toyota SA will soon produce its one-millionth example. The new Corolla will be built in 16 locations and sold in 150 markets. It’s estimated every two minutes a new Corolla is sold somewhere in the world.
september 2013 CAR 25
Driving impression Toyota corolla
ABOVE: electric blue backlighting adds executive-saloon-like sophistication. OPPOSITE: sleeker profile results in a drag coefficient of 0,27.
Shinichi Yasui
Waku-Doki practitioners
Akhihiro Inukai
Although it’s unsurprising that Shinichi Yasui set out to develop a new car that is “clearly the best Corolla yet”, the Toyota chief engineer’s motivation exceeded developing a product that “goes beyond expectation and faithfully serves its owner for many years”. The new car had to instil “an increased sense of pride in our customers”, said Yasui. Deputy chief engineer, Akhihiro Inukai, explained: “We listened to our customers and anticipated future needs based on their feedback. The feedback we got suggested we’d make a better car if its design generated a (positive) emotional response. “The onomatopoeic Waku waku doki doki represents the adrenaline-fuelled anticipation you feel when you are about to drive something exciting, and that was the principle that inspired our team in development of the new Corolla,” Inukai added.
26 CAR september 2013
sporty lettering and, although the electric blue colour of the digitalclock readout seems at odds with the black-on-grey LCD display of the dual-zone climate control system, the cool-blue backlighting of the instrument cluster and facia during night driving brings everything in sync. The all-new 1,4-litre D4-D turbodiesel model is arguably going to be the pick of the range and should banish memories of executing overtakes and hill ascents in a Corolla while being deafened by a strained engine note. With maximum torque of 205 N.m available from 1 800 to 2 800 r/min (which is more than the top-ofthe-range 1,8-litre petrol motor can produce), the turbodiesel is mated with a positive-shifting six-speed manual transmission and makes commuting far less of a
gearbox-churning affair. The engine is somewhat more vocal than one would expect, but at least the Corolla compensates with excellent road noise suppression and an absorbent overall ride quality. Meanwhile, a redesigned ABS system offers positive stopping power and the steering is fast and accurate. There’s a 1,8-litre Sport model with a six-speed manual ‘box on the cards for South Africa and, while its outputs of 103 kW and 173 N.m are less than outstanding, the new Corolla exhibits ample roadholding ability and progressive body control when driven with verve. As for self-shifting model options, the previous four-speed torque-converter automatic has been superseded by a “sevenstep” continuously variable transmission (Multidrive S), which
CARmag.co.za
FAST FACTS
toyota corolla
All manufacturer’s claimed figures
1,3 Dual VVT-i
Engine 1,3-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 73 kW/128 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual 0-100 km/h 12,6 secs Top speed 180 km/h Fuel consumption 5,6 L/100 km CO2 rating 129 g/km
1,4 D-4D
Engine 1,4-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Power/Torque 66 kW/205 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual 0-100 km/h 12,5 secs Top speed 180 km/h Fuel consumption 4,1 L/100 km CO2 rating 106 g/km
1,6 Dual VVT-i/ Multidrive S 1,8 Dual VVT-i Multidrive S
Engine 1,6-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 90 kW/154 N.m Transmission 6-speed manual/CVT 0-100 km/h 10,5/11,1 secs Top speed 195/185 km/h Fuel consumption 6,6/6,3 L/100 km CO2 rating 157/150 g/km Engine 1,8-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Power/Torque 103 kW/173 N.m Transmission CVT 0-100 km/h 10,2 secs Top speed 179 km/h Fuel consumption 6,4 L/100 km CO2 rating 152 g/km
can be operated in automatic, sport or manual modes, the latter which requires fore or aft tips on the gear selector to actuate “step” changes. On the evaluation drive, the transmission was unobtrusive when cruising with a so-equipped 1,6 petrol model on an extra-urban route. The sharp engine zings in response to leaden-footed throttle inputs (a characteristic of many, if not all,
CARmag.co.za
CVTs) are bearable (just!) given the benefits of smoothness and better fuel economy compared with models equipped with conventional autos. Although final specification and pricing details will be confirmed only after the Corolla’s shown at the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show, the Mid Grade specification of the newcomer (although local models
might may not be denoted as such) will be offered with a Toyota Touch infotainment system, as well as a reverse-view display and leather as standard. The examples we drove on the international launch were specified with, inter alia, dual-zone climate and cruise control, seat heating, keyless entry and start, as well as a park-assist system – all of which is under consideration for locally specified models.
Toyotas have sometimes been criticised for not offering classleading value for money. However, as was the case with the recent introduction of the RAV4 and repositioning of the Yaris line-up, Toyota SA has undertaken to prioritise competitive pricing with the launch of this Corolla. With car prices under intense pressure due to a weak exchange rate, that bodes well for consumers.
september 2013 CAR 27
