The 2006 Helsinki Motor Show marks the European debut of the all-new Corolla. The 10th generation of the worldwide best-seller is becoming a symbol of Toyota’s core values of superior quality, style, driving pleasure and innovation.
The all-new Corolla is designed to appeal to European customers seeking both a classic sedan configuration and striking, dynamic styling. To achieve this goal, the new Corolla has been engineered to widen its appeal across a broad customer base; it will further enhance its virtue of quality while adding a more distinctive design, high interior space and exiting driving pleasure. At the heart of the new Corolla is the concept of offering customers a superior quality sedan which is “a class above” and which will be a key player in the segment.
Toshi Ezaki, Chief Engineer for the new Corolla explains: “When it came to developing the 10th generation Corolla, the main challenge was to create a car that would attract the younger generation while inheriting the durability, reliability, and ease of handling that is highly rated by our current customers.”
“All drivers, regardless of age, are sensitive to dynamic, high quality styling that provides a sense of luxury. Our new and strong design, combined with excellent driving dynamics, should sweep away the stereotype of Corolla as a good car that lacks driver appeal. I am confident that we have developed a car that will stir great excitement the moment you see it.”
The new Toyota Corolla will follow in the footsteps of a remarkable family of highly successful previous models. The Corolla is produced in 16 countries spread over the five continents, and is sold in more than 140 markets across the world.
Since its launch in 1966, almost 32 million Corollas have been sold worldwide – making it the world’s best selling car. The current generation Corolla Sedan continues this impressive record with 850,000 units sold around the world in 2005.
Production of the 10th generation Corolla for Europe will be based in Japan at the Takaoka plant and the car will go on sale in Europe as of February 2007.
Sporty, dynamic styling
The all-new Corolla is distinctive and different; it has a strong road presence, even when viewed from a distance. Its low and wide stance creates a sporty and dynamic look that is enhanced by the clear character lines and complex surface structures.
The new Corolla also benefits from being designed from the outset as a sedan to create an unmatched sense of superior quality. While offering customers the traditional benefits of a classic three-box configuration, the new Corolla achieves more of a one-form style by moving the base of the A-pillar forward and integrating the trunk space within the slope of the rear pillars.
Perhaps the most distinctive features of the new Corolla are the strong character lines that flow the length of the car, starting at the front bumper and flowing back through the doors to the rear. They help create a complex, double concave surface on the front and rear wings of the car that is becoming distinctive in the Toyota sedan range and which is modern, yet classically simple.
To complete the fresh, dynamic look the new Corolla will be available in 8 specially selected body colours, 4 of which are new to the Corolla range.
Maximum interior space
Maximum interior space and a premium quality passenger environment are key features of the new Corolla. They ensure it delivers on its promise of “a class above”.
Chief Engineer, Toshi Ezaki, explains: “We wanted to develop an interior that portrays a sense of spaciousness beyond actual space, the moment you open the door and enter the car. We paid attention to everything from expanding the door trim fabric area to ensuring a good operation feel and a sense of volume with the newly developed seats. We pursued the creation of space that portrays luxury and authenticity.”
The new Corolla presents a natural and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. The upper surface of the dashboard has been lowered to create a sense of roominess and the panel is fully integrated into the relaxed curve of the high quality door trim to create an almost seamless surround.
The designers and engineers have also focused on storage space – not just as a concept, but in a practical way to ensure the new Corolla is both easy to load and easy to use on long trips.
Exciting driving pleasure
To ensure it delivers on its promise of greater driver appeal, the all-new Corolla features a selected range of high technology engines and drive trains to meet customer needs and expectations. There is a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines with three different transmissions.
All engines meet Euro IV emissions standards and the highly efficient aerodynamic styling ensures the new Corolla delivers low fuel consumption with reduced exhaust gasses while also contributing to remarkably low noise levels.
Two new engines, one petrol and one diesel, will be available in the new Toyota Corolla range.
The 1.6-litre petrol is an all-new, dual VVT-i engine developing excellent performance and low fuel consumption. The new, dual VVT-i technology adjusts both the intake and exhaust valve timing of the engine to ensure maximum efficiency under all operating conditions.
This results in significantly increased torque at low and medium engine speeds with increased power output at higher speeds. At the same time, it enhances fuel consumption and reduces emissions.
Maximum power output is 91 kW (124 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm while the dual VVT-i technology ensures a remarkably constant torque output for a petrol engine, peaking at 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm.
To complement the 1.6-litre petrol, the 1.4-litre VVT-i from the current Corolla range is carried over. It develops 71 kW (97 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 130 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
The new diesel engine to the Corolla range is the latest generation 2.0 D-4D 125 that is now at the heart of Toyota’s diesel growth strategy in Europe. This remarkable engine has been developed from the highly successful 2.2-litre D-4D range and offers both increased driving pleasure through high power output and excellent fuel economy.
Installed in the new Corolla, the D-4D 125 equipped with Oxydation Catalytic converter (CCo) develops a maximum 93 kW (126 hp DIN) with a constant torque output of 300 Nm from 2,000 to 2,800 rpm (with DPF from 1,800 to 2,400 rpm). This gives the new Corolla D-4D 125 outstanding mid-range in-gear performance for maximum driving pleasure under real world conditions.
The new Corolla D-4D 125 will be available with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which not only strictly reduces Hydrocarbons (HC) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) like conventional catalysts but also enable simultaneous reduction of particulate matter. The DPF is ‘self-cleaning’ and requires no long-term maintenance.
For maximum economy, the highly popular 1.4-litre D-4D from the current model is carried over to the new Corolla range. This engine develops 66 kW (90 hp DIN) at 3,800 rpm and 190 Nm of torque between 1,800 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
The wide range of customers for the new Corolla will also find a choice of transmissions, each carefully matched to suit the characteristics of the engine output.
A conventional five-speed manual gearbox is available with both petrol engines and the 1.4-litre diesel while the high performance D-4D 125 is available with a six-speed manual. Drivers wanting a more relaxed driving style can choose the MultiMode transmission with paddle shift which offers either automatic or manual gear changing – it is available with either the 1.6-litre dual VVT-i petrol or the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel.
Superior driving experience
Chief Engineer, Toshi Ezaki wanted the new Corolla to give drivers more “excitement and delight” without affecting its worldwide reputation for ease of use and superior quality. There has been a strong focus on driving dynamics with improved stability, responsive handling and precise steering control. At the same time ride comfort has been enhanced and noise levels reduced to ensure top class NVH.
Toyota is anticipating that the new Corolla will achieve a top class Euro-NCAP rating and the frontal design has been developed and engineered to help reduce injury to pedestrians.
For active safety, the new Corolla range is available with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is either standard or optional depending on the market.
The new Toyota Corolla model range will be available with up-to 9 airbags (depending on grade).
The new Corolla, setting new standards in its class.
