Toyota is marking the 50th anniversary of Corolla with a major upgrade for the sedan that incorporates safety and technology features, more standard equipment and refreshed styling.
Advanced safety equipment now available across the sedan range includes a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking.
The safety technology, which also encompasses lane-departure alert and automatic high beam, is standard on the top-of-the-range ZR variant and optional at $7501 for SX.
The $1,5001 option price for Ascent also includes a set of four stylish 10-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels.
Each of the three Corolla sedan variants gains a range of additional equipment, including a 7-inch touch-screen display audio system for Ascent, satellite navigation for mid-range SX and bi-LED headlamps on ZR.
As well as higher levels of technology and safety, Corolla’s sedan range benefits from updated styling with a prestigious exterior design and a strong focus on sensory quality for its roomy interior.
Toyota has also made running improvements to the Corolla sedan’s 103kW/173Nm engine, the Multidrive S continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the suspension set-up.
Ascent sedan’s 7-inch touch-screen audio display gives occupants access to Toyota Link connected mobility, which can provide access to Pandora internet radio and help find fuel, a destination, weather and other assistance.
Other new in-demand features for Ascent include three-dimensional-looking “Optitron” backlit instrument gauges and a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display.
All these features plus the new styling come with a price increase of just $5001.
The addition of satellite navigation for mid-level SX also provides drivers with the option of being guided to destinations found through the Toyota Link2 system. The SX comes with a price increase of $8301.
Range-topping ZR is fitted with the standard new safety technology and the bi-LED headlamps for an increase of just $9301.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the upgraded sedan inherits and builds on 50 years of Corolla DNA.
“Corolla has always evolved so that it continues to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of Australian motorists,” Mr Cramb said.
“New guests in the Corolla family will appreciate the sedan’s higher levels of technology and safety equipment, its stylish exterior design and the quality ambience of the interior,” he said.
“These new features are underpinned by Corolla’s traditional quality, durability and reliability and its impressive value for money.”
The latest upgrade comes just days after the Corolla hatch and sedan were confirmed as Australia’s leading passenger car in 2016, second only to HiLux as the country’s best-selling vehicle.
It also arrives as Corolla marks its 50th anniversary from the time the first-generation model arrived in local dealerships in early 1967.
The latest Corolla sedan’s front mask has been completely restyled to emphasise the car’s wide stance.
Its small upper grille is flanked by headlamp clusters with LED clearance lamps, and a revised front bumper incorporating a large lower grille.
Rear styling has been enhanced through the adoption of LED tail lamp clusters and a chrome garnish that further emphasises the vehicle’s width.
Inside, the instrument panel has been updated with a layered structure that hides joins, along with a redesigned climate control panel and circular air vents. Other upscale touches include a piano-black centre-cluster surround and chrome-plated ornamentation.
Under-the-bonnet updates achieve an improved driving feel with improved linear off-the-line acceleration, thanks to providing a better match between the driver’s intention (indicated by accelerator-pedal depression) and torque converter characteristics.
A new oil temperature sensor promotes improved fuel economy and improved control of variable valve timing while electric-fan voltage adjustments provide a better balance between coolant temperature and power consumption.
All variants are fitted with a system that automatically flashes the hazard warning lamps to alert other vehicles in the event of emergency braking.
Revised tuning of the CVT transmission delivers shifts that are quicker, crisper and smoother with better matching to engine speed.
In Sport mode, artificial intelligence shift control detects lateral G forces during cornering and maintains engine speed by restricting unnecessary shift changes.
The CVT also helps generate suitable engine braking when downshifting, including deceleration control that activates the fuel-cut system and holds the pulley ratio to maintain revs and enable easier reacceleration.
The front MacPherson strut and rear torsion-beam suspension systems adopt larger-diameter shock absorbers to enhance damping force for an improved balance between ride comfort and handling stability.
Improved mounting rigidity for the upper body and suspension and an additional rear damper bush contribute to improved handling performance.
Other changes that reduce noise, vibration and harshness include beading on the front fender liner to reduce turbulence inside the wheel housing, a thicker inner silencer for the dash panel and a denser material for the floor insulation.
The upgraded Corolla sedan range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $140 per service.
