Is the all-new Toyota Corolla sedan sexier than the Honda Civic?



Toyota has pulled off the wraps of the 12th generation Toyota Corolla sedan at the 2018 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition. Like the new Camry, the sporty looking Corolla is promised to deliver a fun driving experience thanks to the utilisation of the TNGA platform.

Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, the new Corolla has slightly tweaked dimensions, now measuring 4,640 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, 1,435 mm in height with the same wheelbase of 2,700 mm as the outgoing model. Compared to the old car, the new sedan is 10 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 45 mm lower than before.

The exterior of the new Corolla adopts a “Shooting Robust” design concept that gives the car an active and sporty silhouette by giving it a lower centre of gravity and lower stance. As for visual cues, the Corolla sedan is identical to its hatchback twin at the front with slim headlamps and wide front apertures.

Over to the back, is where the Corolla flaunts its unique design with a raised boot lid, sculptured bumpers and droopy taillamp design. However, the rear profile doesn’t quite add up to the front’s athletic stance. Perhaps it will grow on us with time.

Toyota’s Sensuous Minimalism cabin design concept is apparent in the new Corolla, with clean lines forming the dashboard. An LCD instrument cluster and floating infotainment screen helps to keep the dashboard relatively clutter free with the climate controls neatly arranged in a single strip.

Powertrain options have not been disclosed by the company, but the new powertrains developed under the TNGA initiative such as 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, Direct Shift-CVT and 6-speed manual transmission will be available for selected regions. Toyota Safety Sense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems will also be available in the new Corolla.

Chief Engineer for the new Toyota Corolla, Yoshiki Konishi said: “We have striven to design new models that are eye-catching, and fun to both ride in and drive. By enhancing not just the fun factors that are unique to cars, but “connectivity” functions to create new value, I wanted to make this new model a car that enriches mobility for customers around the world.”


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All-new Toyota Corolla Sedan – China Domestic Model

Toyota Corolla Levin for China Domestic Model