New engine and transmission technology announced by Toyota in February will make its debut in the Corolla sold worldwide which, outside Europe, where it will be sold as the Auris, will feature a two-litre Dynamic Force direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine as well as new manual and CVT automatic transmissions.
Dynamic improvements include a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that improves torsional rigidity by 60%, along with a new multi-link rear suspension and upgraded front suspension.
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On-road feel and fuel efficiency is further refined through a low centre of gravity and the extensive use of aluminium and high-strength steels in the lighter-weight chassis and body.
Standard advanced safety technologies include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, active cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam, seven airbags and a reversing camera.
The body is 25mm lower, 30mm wider and 40mm longer than its predecessor with wider tracks and a 40mm longer wheelbase. The bonnet sits 47mm lower.
An upscale interior has supportive new sport seats, a longer and wider centre console and quality touches including smaller gaps between buttons and switches.
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By GlobalDataFront-passengers hip points are lower to provide a more natural body posture and positioning for ideal access to the multifunction steering wheel, pedals, and gearshift.
Smaller and lighter than the current 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, the new two-litre engine helps lower the centre of gravity and benefits the car's overall balance.
It incorporates the latest D-4S fuel-injection that uses high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection. The set-up adapts its injection method based on driving conditions so that ideal combustion is achieved.
The engine is equipped with VVT-iE (variable valve timing-intelligence by electric motor) on the intake side and VVT-i on the exhaust. VVT-iE uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control the variable valve timing.
It features a longer stroke, higher compression ratio, more efficient and complete combustion, reduced friction and lighter timing chain. It is also quieter with improvements such as a more rigid crank case with integrated stiffener, a lighter resin cylinder head and a ribbed oil pan.
A new six-speed intelligent manual gearbox has downshift rev-matching control. It is claimed to be one of the world's most efficient and smallest transmissions – 6.8kg lighter and 24mm shorter than the current car's manual gearbox.
The two-litre engine is also available with a new Dynamic-Shift CVT that has simulated 10-speed sequential shift steps, sport mode and paddle shifters.
It features several innovative elements, including the claimed world's first launch gear in a passenger vehicle CVT for improved efficiency in lower gear ratios.
The system uses a gear drive off the line, resulting in powerful yet smooth acceleration. When switching from gear drive to belt drive, the transmission system uses highly responsive gear change control technologies from automatic transmission technology.
Corolla buyers will also be able to choose the latest version of Toyota's 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain with improved low-range torque and fuel efficiency to rival the Prius.
The European Auris will offer a 1.2 turbo petrol engine and 1.8 and two-litre hybrid powertrains. BMW and Toyota-sourced diesels have been dropped.
On all Corolla/Auris models, high-quality steering feel, ride comfort, and handling stability is aided by revised MacPherson strut geometry at the front, including new coil-spring rates and damping forces, plus reduced friction in sliding parts.
At the rear, a new multi-link suspension with stabiliser bar sharpens responsiveness. Lower arm locations have moved (for improved toe-in angle during higher-speed manoeuvring), as has shock absorber placement (moved forward for better cargo capacity and reduced longitudinal low frequency input). Overall, front and rear suspension friction has been reduced by 40%, and its centre of gravity is cut by a substantial 20mm.
The new frontal styling with a rounded nose and trapezoidal-shaped under grille is flanked by slim bi-LED headlamps that wrap deep into the front fenders.
Front overhang has been reduced by 20mm; at the rear, it's 20mm longer. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.
The hatch tailgate is now made from Super Olefin Polymer and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene for light weight that aids fuel efficiency. It is set at a more acute angle (moved 14 degrees forward) for a sportier look.
Tail-lamps are LED and the rear bumper echoes the front design with its thin lower lip and chrome diffuser.
All models feature an electronic parking brake and two front USB outlets while sound systems include an available JBL premium audio with Clari-Fi technology that analyses, rebuilds and restores audio signals that were lost in the digital compression process.
Grade-dependent features include single-zone manual air-conditioning or dual-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters and 4.2-inch or 7-inch thin-film transistor multi-information displays.
