Time goes fast: the iconic Corolla now rolls into its 12^th generation…and this is again important news.

It will be a strong contender in the C-segment for two reasons: firstly, its newly adopted Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform not only equips it with very good driving dynamics and safety levels, but has also gave Toyota’s designers the freedom to give each body type a visually distinctive and individual look.

The all-new Corolla model line-up has a wider, lower stance with a more dynamic design which differentiates more strongly between the Hatchback, the sleek, the versatile Touring Sports and Sedan.

Secondly, the new Corolla model range further expands the brand’s hybrid line-up. The Hatchback and Touring Sports are the first models to offer a choice of two self-charging hybrid powertrains –an improved 1.8 litre with 122 DIN hp or a brand new 2.0 litre unit developing 180 DIN hp- marking the debut of Toyota’s dual hybrid strategy.

And for the first time, the Sedan is available with the 1.8 litre self-charging hybrid powertrain. Rightly so, as we have experienced in our Lexus CT200h how well engineered this hybrid drivetrain concept is, achieving top notch consumption figures…

Reflecting the brand’s continued focus on self-charging hybrid technology, all new Corolla models will offer customers just one conventional engine; a 114 DIN hp, 1.2 litre turbo petrol unit for Hatchback and Touring Sports models and a 132 DIN hp, 1.6 litre for the Sedan.

All new TNGA-based vehicles are of course prioritising high active and passive safety standards.

The new Corolla line-up meets of course the independent crash testing programmes and provides increased active safety levels through the  functions and systems of the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology.

We will soon tell you more in detail about the range, and the dynamic PR people also provided us with interview material of the designers and engineers and managers behind the new Corolla, so stay posted!

Hans Knol ten Bensel