First launched in 1966 with the E10 model, the Corolla went on to become one of the best-selling cars of all time, with over 46 million units sold in more than 150 countries.
Now more than half a century later, UMW Toyota (UMWT) has finally introduced the 12th-generation Toyota Corolla to the Malaysian market! The Toyota Corolla will be available in two variants – 1.8E (RM128,888) and 1.8G (RM136,888).
Chassis
A key improvement on the new Toyota Corolla is the adoption of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. First used locally on the C-HR, the flexible platform promises to enhance the driving experience, spaciousness as well as visibility out of the car.
The circular frame structure of the TNGA helps provide improved body rigidity for better handling stability. With the new TNGA platform, Toyota has also replaced the rear suspension with a double wishbone setup, paired with MacPherson struts at the front to provide a ‘linear steering response when cornering at mid to high speeds’. The shock absorbers and coil springs have also been optimised specifically for Malaysian road conditions.
Powertrain
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis will be powered by the 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 139 hp and 172 Nm of torque.
Both variants of the new Corolla are fitted with a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox, which incorporates a new cooperative control with drive-by-wire throttle. The engineers at Toyota programmed the transmission shifting characteristics to provide an experience similar to a regular torque converter ‘box. The 1.8G variant will include shift paddles for manual gear changes.
Toyota claims that the changes made to the drivetrain makes the new Corolla quicker by up to 0.6 seconds during overtaking maneuvers, accelerating from 60 to 80 km/h in 3.3 seconds, when compared to the previous generation.
The electronically controlled drivetrain also allowed Toyota to include two driving modes – Eco and Sport, to provide a driving experience suitable for every situation through revised throttle mappings and transmission shifting characteristics tuning.
Exterior
Toyota has refreshed the exterior design of the Corolla in-line with the change in the brand’s styling philosophy. We have covered the exterior design of the Corolla in more detail in our preview gallery, but in general the design of the Corolla is made to be more angular with dynamic forms and lines.
The side-view mirrors have been moved from the A pillar to the door panel, along with a redesigned housing to give the driver better visibility through the sides. The mirrors also automatically angle downwards when the reverse gear is engaged.
The new Corolla will be available in five exterior colours: Celestite Gray Metallic, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, and Attitude Black.
Exterior highlights
1.8E
* Automatic Bi-Halogen headlights
* Power adjustable wing mirrors with auto-fold and signal lamps
* Time-adjustable intermittent wipers
* 16-inch alloy wheels
1.8G
* Automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED turn signals
* Power-adjustable wing mirrors with auto-fold, reverse link and signal lamps
* Automatic wipers with rain sensor
* 17-inch alloy wheels
Interior
The interior of the new Corolla has been designed along with the TNGA platform to provide a more spacious interior, while improving driver ergonomics as well as visibility. The overall height of the dashboard has been reduced, lowering the base of the front windscreen.
Toyota has also fitted the Toyota Corolla with new ergonomically-correct seat structures to improve ride comfort. The driver’s seat now includes 8-way power adjustments with lumbar support, while the passenger seat will remain manually-adjustable.
Both variants will come with automatic air-conditioning systems, with rear blower vents at the centre console.
The new Toyota Corolla will receive a 6.8-inch infotainment system as standard on both variants. The 6-speaker system will include USB Mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones. The screen also acts as a display for the reverse camera.
Interior highlights
1.8E
* Standard instrument cluster with 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display
* Single-zone climate control
* Fabric seats, single stitching
* Manual day and night rear-view mirror
* Manual parking brake
1.8G
* Optitron instrument cluster with 7-inch TFT multi-information display
* Dual-zone climate control
* Leather seats, double stitching
* Electro-chromic rear-view mirror
* Wireless charger
* Rear manual sunshade
* Electronic parking brake
Safety and Security
The new Toyota Corolla will be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control, ABS, hill-start assist, and Tyre Pressure Warning System.
Both variants will come with 7 SRS airbags, and all seats are now equipped with 3-point ELR seatbelts. ISOFIX mounting points are available in the rear seats.
New in the latest generation Toyota Corolla is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety suite, consisting of the 5 main systems:
* Pre-Collision System (PCS)
* Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist
* Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
* Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) at all speeds
* Automatic High Beam (AHB)
The TSS system will only be available on the 1.8G variant, in addition to extra safety equipment such as dual Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and 3D Panoramic View Monitor, both available as options for the 1.8E.
As an value-added benefit, the new Corolla will come with Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film for both variants. The tint meets current JPJ regulations, and will help impede glass break-ins while reducing UV rays and reducing heat build-up.
UMW Toyota is also offering an optional Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for installation on the new Corolla, providing a GPS/GSM tracking system to help locate the car in the event of it being stolen.
IMAGE GALLERY
