Toyota Australia has launched a stylish new Corolla range featuring more power, comfort and safety.

The tenth generation of the world’s bestselling car has completely different bodies and interiors for hatch and sedan models.

For the first time, all Corollas feature ABS anti-skid brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for optimum stopping power in an emergency.

Twin airbags are standard while an enhanced safety pack featuring front-seat side airbags, curtain shield airbags and a driver’s knee airbag is available on all grades.

Seven SRS airbags are available across the Corolla range - the highest number of available airbags in the vehicle’s class (VFACTS Small less than AUD$40K).

Corolla will be the first vehicle in its class with the availability of a driver’s SRS knee airbag.

Corolla hatch was styled in Europe to appeal to image-conscious younger buyers as well as Corolla’s loyal customer base.

Corolla sedan was designed to appeal to customers seeking a classic four-door car with a strong road presence.

The new cars are longer and wider.

Newly developed front and rear suspension systems together with wider tracks offer improved handling, stability and comfort.

Standard across the range is a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which delivers seven per cent more power at 100kW.

It is the only engine in its class to adopt continuously variable valve timing on inlet and exhaust ports for better performance and fuel efficiency with lower emissions.

The sedan and hatch are offered in entry-level Ascent and mid-level Conquest grades.

The range also includes sporty Levin SX and ZR hatches and a luxury Ultima sedan.

All new Corollas (except the auto-only Ultima) offer the choice of an all-new six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed electronic automatic.

Fuel economy is virtually on a par with the previous model - quite an achievement given the extra power and added features.

Other new features on all models include a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, slim front-seat design and a flat rear floor for more space, and MP3-compatible sound systems.

The advanced structural integrity of the Corolla means less twisting and vibration of the body which, in turn, results in a better drive and better quality.

This also makes new Corolla safer. Corolla hatch has just earned a maximum five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP tests.

Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the new cars will broaden the appeal of Corolla.

“There’s now a real focus on style and driving enthusiasm as we inject more passion into the Corolla brand,” Mr Buttner said.

“The new Corolla will be sought-after by existing owners as well as people who have never previously bought or considered a Corolla.

“We have a real opportunity with people under 35 who buy around a quarter of all small cars.

“We’re particularly targeting non-owners who rank design and style as their number-one purchase criteria - even above price, engine power and even above fuel efficiency.”

Mr Buttner said Corolla is much respected - and much sought-after.

“It has strong loyalty, with 57 per cent of Corolla owners remaining loyal to the brand,” he said.

“They recognise Corolla’s traditional quality, reliability, high resale values, low running costs and four-cylinder fuel economy.

“The new Corolla is even better.”

Source: Toyota Press Releases

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