September 2018
Corolla Touring Sports revealed
Just one conventional engine is available featuring in the range: the 115PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit. This will be offered alongside two hybrids with 120PS 1.8-litre and a 180PS 2.0-litre powertrains. The latter is unique among cars of the Corolla's size, as no conventional engine offers the same level of performance and low emissions.
The 1.8-litre hybrid is an improved version of Toyota’s bulletproof chain cam engine, offering quiet running, intuitive and responsive performance and self-charging electrified vehicle technology, together with low cost of ownership benefits. The new 2.0-litre system maintains all these qualities together with the ride comfort, stability, handling and driving enjoyment inherent in Corolla’s newly adopted Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform.
The suspension features a proven front MacPherson strut arrangement and an all-new rear multilink system. New shock absorber valve technology is used and, for the first time in a Corolla, adaptive variable suspension (AVS) is available.
The engine’s low mounting height, the low hip point of the seats and the location of the hybrid battery beneath the rear seats help give the Corolla Touring Sports a low centre of gravity and agile handling.
A comprehensive range of technology features for comfort and convenience will be provided as standard on high-grade models and available as options elsewhere in the range. These include a world-first 3D driver’s meter, premium head-up display, a JBL GreenEdge Premium sound system, wireless mobile phone charging and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.
The new Corolla Touring Sports was styled in Europe at Toyota’s Design Centre in Belgium. Thanks to the use of the TNGA platform, the new wagon is no longer simply a variation of the hatchback, but has become a distinct, separate model in its own right. The wheelbase measures 2,700mm, helping achieve best-in-class rear legroom.
Exclusive to its market segment, the Corolla Touring Sports will be available from launch in four optional bi-tone colour schemes. These match the body colour with a black roof, pillars and lower front grille surround.
The all-new interior creates a spacious, modern and cohesive cabin environment in which new textures, colours and trims combine to offer the highest levels of visual and tactile quality. This is in line with the model’s development to appeal specifically to European customers.
The new GA-C platform sets the front seat hip point lower, which in turn helps secure a lower centre of gravity for the car while providing a more engaging driving position. Furthermore, the front to rear seat couple distance is 928mm, giving ample space for rear passengers. The loadspace has a VDA capacity of 598 litres and is equipped with a number of features for ease of use.
November 2018
UK prices announced
Offered both with 1.2 petrol turbo engines and two different hybrid drivetrains. These are a revised 1.8-litre system and a new 180PS 2.0-litre version that’s engineered for more power on demand, effortless acceleration and fun-to-drive character, without compromising overall fuel and emissions efficiency. As full hybrids, both powertrains have the advantage of offering an all-electric drive capability, with zero emissions and fuel consumption; both are also matched to a seamless CVT automatic transmission.
The new Toyota Corolla hatchback and Touring Sports are manufactured at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire and are the first Corolla models to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, bringing multiple benefits in terms of strong dynamic performance thanks to a lower centre of gravity, balanced chassis and a highly rigid body. It also contributes to increased safety and greater design freedom that’s witnessed in distinctly different styling for the Hatchback and Touring Sports versions.
Both the new Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports share the same equipment grade structure, with Icon, Icon Tech, Design and Excel trim levels. Likewise, the two body styles offer the same combinations of grades and powertrains: Icon and Icon Tech models are available with the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system and 1.2T petrol engine, while Design versions additionally offer the new 2.0-litre hybrid system. Excel grade is all-hybrid, offered with both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre systems.
At the entry point to the new Corolla range, Icon models are equipped as standard with features including:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- E-Call system
- Heated front seats with lumbar support
- Toyota Touch 2 with eight-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Reversing camera
- DAB
- 2-inch colour TFT multi-information display
- Dual-zone air conditioning (1.8 Hybrid models only)
Icon Tech grade adds further useful technology features, including: –
- Toyota Touch with Go, with satellite navigation and voice control
- Seven-inch colour TFT multi-information display
- Parking sensors and Intelligent Park Assist (Intelligent Clearance Sonar on the 1.8 Hybrid models)
Design grade majors on added style and convenience, introducing: –
- 17-inch machined alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with automatic folding function
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Rear privacy glass
- LED front fog lights
- Optional opening panoramic roof
At the top of the new Corolla range, Excel grade goes further by adding: –
- 18-inch alloy wheels (Hatchback, 17-inch for Touring Sports)
- Bi-LED headlights
- Smart Entry
- Sports front seats
- Part-leather seat upholstery
- Optional opening panoramic roof
- Optional bi-tone paint finish (Hatchback only)
- Optional eight-speaker JBL premium sound system (2.0-litre Hybrid only)
The choice of colours for the new Corolla extends to eight shades, including new Sterling Silver and Scarlet Flare pearlescent. Excel Hatchback models can specified with a bi-tone finish that matches a black roof, pillars and door mirror casings with Pearl White, Sterling Silver, Scarlet Flare or new Titan Bronze bodywork.
Across the complete range, all models are equipped with the enhanced functions of the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense. The upgraded package includes a Pre-Collision System that can now detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path during both day and night-time driving, and cyclists during daylight hours. The Adaptive Cruise Control has improved deceleration and acceleration control, keeping the Corolla a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The ACC also has a new low-speed function for driving in stop-start traffic, bringing the car to a halt when the vehicle in front stops. Other systems include Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High beam
The full Corolla line-up and on-the-road prices are given in the table below. Toyota’s UK retailers are now accepting pre-orders for the vehicles ahead of the sales launch in March next year.
GRADE |
BODY STYLE |
POWERTRAIN |
OTR PRICE |
Icon |
Hatchback |
1.2T manual |
£21,300 |
Icon |
Hatchback |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£23,750 |
Icon |
Touring Sports |
1.2T manual |
£22,570 |
Icon |
Touring Sports |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£25,020 |
Icon Tech |
Hatchback |
1.2T manual |
£22,350 |
Icon Tech |
Hatchback |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£24,800 |
Icon Tech |
Touring Sports |
1.2T manual |
£23,620 |
Icon Tech |
Touring Sports |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£26,070 |
Design |
Hatchback |
1.2T manual |
£23,375 |
Design |
Hatchback |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£25,825 |
Design |
Hatchback |
2.0 Hybrid CVT |
£27,550 |
Design |
Touring Sports |
1.2T manual |
£24,645 |
Design |
Touring Sports |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£27,095 |
Design |
Touring Sports |
2.0 Hybrid CVT |
£28,820 |
Excel |
Hatchback |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£27,345 |
Excel |
Hatchback |
2.0 Hybrid CVT |
£29,070 |
Excel |
Touring Sports |
1.8 Hybrid CVT |
£28,615 |
Excel |
Touring Sports |
2.0 Hybrid CVT |
£30,340 |
December 2019
Toyota Corolla updated with petrol engine dropped
Corolla becomes exclusively a hybrid range in the UK with the discontinuation of the 1.2T turbo petrol engine. The new line-up carries forward Toyota’s improved 1.8-litre system and the new 2.0-litre hybrid which made its debut with the model.
A new GR Sport is also being introduced. This features a sharper design for the lower centre bumper section, a wide honeycomb mesh pattern for the front grille and piano black surrounds for the grille and fog lights. There is a black insert in the rocker panels and the new 18-inch black alloy wheels have a contrasting bright machined finish to the tips of each spoke and red GR centre caps (17inch diameter wheels in the same design are featured on the Touring Sports model). At the rear there is a silver insert in the lower bumper, creating the look of twin tailpipes and a diffuser.
The finishing touches are black backgrounds for Toyota emblems on the bonnet and tailgate, official GR (Gazoo Racing) badging and the option of a new Ash Grey paint finish.
The GR Sport cabin is fitted with sports front seats, upholstered in fabric with a dedicated pinstripe pattern and with seatback and cushion bolsters finished in black and grey synthetic leather. It is also equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia package, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions for seamless smartphone integration.
The equipment specification matches the Corolla Design grade and further includes a new seven-inch colour TFT multi-information screen with 3D-effect graphics, and a colour head-up display. Other standard features include Toyota Safety Sense, LED headlights, smart entry, rear privacy glass, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power-adjustable door mirrors with an auto-folding function.
The new head-up display measures 265 by 70.5mm and presents data clearly in the driver’s line of sight, even in bright light conditions. Brightness and the position of the display can be adjusted using controls on the steering wheel.
For 2020, the Corolla Excel grade has been enhanced with the standard provision of sports seats with black leather upholstery and red accents. The Excel Touring Sports further adds the convenience of a hands-free power tailgate that can be opened using a kick sensor below the rear bumper.
The Corolla Saloon matches its Hatchback and Touring Sports stablemates by introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functions as standard on all versions. It’s also available with a new Scarlet Flare paint finish option. The Saloon’s powertrain choice is the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system.
The new-look Corolla range is available in Icon, Icon Tech, Design, Excel and GR Sport grade for the Hatchback and, with the addition of TREK trim, Touring Sports. The Corolla Saloon, powered by the 1.8-litre hybrid system, is offered in Icon, Icon Tech and Design specifications.
Toyota’s latest multimedia system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, is standard on all new Corolla models.
The new line-up is on sale and available for delivery now.
April 2020
Toyota Corolla Trek priced from £29,225
A colloboration between Toyota and Trek bikes, the Corolla Trek is now on sale. Highlights include a 20mm increase in ride height for improved ground clearance, as well as protective wheel arch cladding and under-runs front and rear. Additional features include a honeycomb grille, bespoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, fog lamps, LED headlamps and Trek logos in the door steps and tailgate.
On board, the new Corolla Trek features two-tone textile upholstery coordinated with decorative wood-finish elements of the dashboard.
In 1.8 guise the Corolla Trek starts at £29,225 on the road, with the 2.0 option starting from £30,950.
The new Corolla Trek will continue to be built at Toyota’s plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK when manufacturing resumes following the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.