Ireland’s favourite car, the legendary Corolla saloon, had its world premiere at the China Motorshow. This marks the launch of the 12th generation Corolla Saloon.
Globally renowned, the Corolla has sold more than 46 million units in more than 150 countries since its introduction in 1966. And, for the first time, the Corolla Saloon is arriving as a self-charging hybrid and will feature a 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain. There will also be a petrol variant; however Toyota Ireland predicts that 90 per cent of the sales in Ireland in 2019 will be in hybrid.
Design
Building on the sleek and dynamic design that characterises the new Corolla model line-up, the new saloon features the same wide and low stance inherent in the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA ) platform. However, its own individuality within the Corolla family is reflected in its unique front and rear styling.
To the front, Toyota's under priority catamaran design philosophy has been further evolved. A more striking, two-step, execution of the fender front corners flank the powerfully projecting lower grille, a common design theme of the new Corolla family. The slim upper grille has a three-dimensional design and connects with the top of the sharply designed headlamps, wrapping around the corners to emphasise the car’s low and firmly planted appearance.
The rear design mimics the frontal execution through the dynamic shape of the bumper and the inversed trapezoid design of the trunk lid. The saloon-specific rear lamp clusters are connected through a chrome ornamentation, further highlighting the model’s wide stance.
Furthermore, the unique signature of the front and rear LED light guides make the new Corolla saloon instantly recognisable.
Like the other Corolla models, the all-new Corolla saloon features a spacious and ergonomically excellent cabin hallmarked by its high sensory quality and advanced technology. The saloon also benefits from the same extended 2,700mm wheelbase as the touring sports, ensuring generous legroom and high comfort levels for rear seat passengers.
Some technological highlights within the premium quality interior include numerous comfort and convenience features such as the intuitive, easy to use, combination of an eight inch multimedia touch screen, a seven inch multi-information display, and rear seat heaters.
In addition to the design freedom which allows for a greater distinction of saloon, hatchback, and touring sports models than ever before, the newly adopted TNGA GA-C platform also guarantees a more rewarding driving experience. A lower centre of gravity, a 60 per cent more rigid body shell, and trailing wishbone rear suspension fitted as standard all contribute to better handling and stability without compromising ride and comfort.
Powertrain
The new Corolla saloon will be available with a choice of two powertrains. The 1.8 litre self-charging hybrid system develops 90 kW/122 DIN hp. It fulfils all the requirements that customers have come to expect from a Toyota self-charging hybrid powertrain – quiet, intuitive, responsive, and self-sufficient EV technology with no need for plug-in recharging.
It offers low cost of ownership, outstanding fuel economy of only 3.4 l/100km (WLTP 4.3 l/100km ) and CO2 emissions of only 77g/km (WLTP 98g/km ), while offering up to 50 per cent (depending on driving conditions ) all-electric drive on the everyday commute.
The improved 1.6 litre petrol engine combines responsiveness with efficiency. Available with a six-speed manual transmission, it delivers a total output of 97 kW/132 DIN hp, while fuel consumption is as low as 5.8 l/100km (WLTP 6.1 l/100km ) and emissions are as low as 131 g/km (WLTP 139g/km ).
Safety
All TNGA-based vehicles prioritise the highest active and passive safety standards. And, fitted as standard with the sophisticated functions and systems of the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology, hybrid versions of the new Corolla saloon are no exception.
The new Toyota Safety Sense active safety package includes a pre-collision system (PCS ) with pedestrian detection during both day and night time, and cyclist detection in daylight hours, a full range adaptive cruise control (ACC ), lane departure alert (LDA ) with steering assist, road sign assist (RSA ), and automatic high beam (AHB ).
In addition, hybrid versions introduce a new lane trace assist (LTA ) system for advanced driving support. When the full range ACC and LTA are active, the latter assists the driver in steering control with subtle inputs to keep the vehicle in the lane, even on gentle highway bends.
Irish arrival
The Corolla saloon self-charging hybrid prices start from €26,820 (excluding delivery and related charges ) or from €208 monthly price on PCP. Further pricing and specifications are available from all Toyota dealerships. With more than 1,500 handraisers, customers are encouraged to order now to ensure they get a 191 Corolla saloon.
There will be two opportunities to see the new Corolla saloon hybrid before its official arrival to Ireland. On December 13 in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, the Corolla saloon, along with the rest of the next generation hybrid models, will be available to view.
On Monday January 14, Tony Burke Motors, Toyota Dealer, Ballybrit, Galway, will host the new models as part of the 2019 Hybrid Roadshow 9.30am to 1.00pm.
Final cars for registration will arrive from mid-February 2019.
For further details contact your local dealer, Tony Burke Motors, Ballybrit, Galway on 091 480123.
Commenting on the new Corolla saloon self-charging hybrid Steve Tormey, chief executive of Toyota Ireland, said; “The Toyota Corolla saloon has long been Ireland’s favourite car, and we are delighted to launch a self-charging hybrid on the back of unprecedented demand. Completely re-designed inside and out, we are confident that Irish customers, both current and new, will appreciate significantly more attractive, dynamic, and modern design aesthetic of the new model, which brings a whole new premium feel to the family saloon segment.
"Hybrid is moving from strength-to-strength which can be seen from the unparalleled number of pre-orders received for the new models, and we are going into 2019 with an even better range of hybrids than ever before. Self-charging hybrids meet customers with excellent fuel economics and by contributing to cleaner air, and we are expecting 80 per cent of our passenger car mix to be self-charging hybrid in 2019"
