Toyota is revealing its all-new Toyota Corolla Saloon at the forthcoming LA Motor Show, in readiness of it joining the 12th generation range, alongside the new British-built hatch and estate car models presented earlier this year at both Geneva and Paris expositions. All three Corolla models will be introduced in the UK during the first quarter of 2019, marking a welcome return for a saloon version to our market, following a break of almost 15 years.
It is an interesting model reintroduction, as saloons sell better in Far Eastern markets than they do here. However, consumer security concerns, related to hatches and estates, let alone body rigidity aspects, should see the saloon enjoying a slightly larger share of the sales potential. Details of the UK range, specifications and prices will be announced nearer to the on-sale date.
Each car in the line-up is designed to fulfil different consumer needs: the compact hatchback being aimed at young couples; the versatile Touring Sports (estate) for families; and the comfortable saloon targeting young professionals, who want more prestigious styling, on-board space and comfort. With the average age of an UK new car buyer being 56 years, Toyota may struggle to find enough ‘youngsters’ to fill its Corolla seats but, fanciful aspiration, or not, the new car does present very well.
The saloon becomes part of the world’s best-selling model nameplate, with more than 46m Corolla models being sold worldwide, since Toyota introduced the original model in 1966. Sharing the wide and low stance that is inherent to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, it stands apart, with different front and rear styling that projects a more up-market appearance.
The frontal treatment evolves Toyota’s design cues (that it calls ‘catamaran’), with a striking two-step rendering of the front corners, flanking a projecting lower grille. The slim upper grille has a pronounced three-dimensional aspect and connects with the top of the sharply designed headlamp units, wrapping around the corners to emphasise the car’s low and firmly planted appearance.
The rear lamp clusters are specific to the saloon and are connected by a chrome trim, to further highlight the car’s wide stance. The lights also have a light guide that gives the model a more distinctive illumination signature. Inside, the Corolla is hallmarked by its high tactility and advanced technologies. The saloon shares the extended 2,700mm wheelbase of the Touring Sports, which ensures ample legroom and comfort for rear-seat occupants.
Technology highlights include wireless phone charging and an intuitive and easy to use combination of eight-inch multimedia touchscreen, seven-inch multimedia screen and a 10-inch head-up display. The new GA-C platform also guarantees a more rewarding driving experience. A lower centre of gravity, a 60% more rigid body shell and multi-link suspension as standard all contribute to better handling and stability, without compromising ride comfort.
Two powertrains are available: 120bhp 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system that promises low cost of ownership (WLTP: 65.7mpg, with CO2 emissions pegged at 98g/km). It is anticipated that up to 50% of typical commuting journeys can be accomplished in all-electric drive. The alternative is an improved 1.6-litre petrol engine that combines first-rate responsiveness with efficiency. Available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or a CVT gearbox, it delivers 130bhp (WLTP: 46.3mpg and CO2 at 139g/km).
All Toyota’s TNGA vehicles prioritise the highest active and passive safety standards and the new Corolla saloon benefits from the latest Toyota Safety Sense systems. These include Pre-Collision that can detect pedestrians in the car’s path both in daylight and night-time driving and also cyclists in daylight. Full-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam are also provided. In addition, a new Lane Tracing Assist system is introduced, giving the driver even more support. When the full-range Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist are active, the system makes subtle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centred in its traffic lane, even through gentle main road bends.
The new Corolla saloon is being built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey, while hatchback and estate models are being produced by Toyota Manufacturing UK, at its Burnaston plant, in Derbyshire. As soon as we gain early driving impressions, you will be informed.
