In a marked step to the right for South African motorists, the all-new Toyota Corolla launches locally as a fully-imported model instead of the local manufacture of many previous generations.

Priced from R372 700, it also heralds a new positioning for the once basic family car with the new version fully kitted with enhanced driving dynamics and ride comfort, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance safety features and the latest-generation multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The new-generation Corolla sedan has pricing, grades and features aligned with the freshly-minted Corolla hatch to simplify the choice for customers and allow them to select the body style and powertrain that best suits their lifestyle without a single compromise.

“Like its hatched sibling, this new-generation sedan is built on the latest TNGA platform. It is a marked step up from its predecessor with a powerful and efficient new drivetrain, a sharper design language, crisp handling and superb ride comfort, as well as a long list of driver-assistance safety niceties never before seen on Corolla,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing.

This new sedan will be offered in two grades – the top-of-the-range XR is complemented by a new TNGA 2,0-litre petrol engine that comes with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or ‘10-speed’ continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the mid-range XS is equipped with the 104 kW 1.8-litre powertrain, exclusively mated to the CVT transmission.

The new 2,0-litre petrol engine delivers a substantial 22 kW and 27 Nm increase in power and torque compared with its predecessor, with maximum outputs of 125 kW and 200 Nm.

At the same time, its high level of efficiency and advanced technology offers a lower claimed fuel consumption than the previous petrol engine, returning combined cycle figures of 6,0l/100 km for the CVT versions and 6,5l/100 km for the manual variant.

In addition to the aforementioned new powertrain, Toyota has substantially improved comfort, convenience and safety features across the board to deliver a premium, refined small sedan. A major contributor to the enhanced ride and handling is the new double-wishbone, rear suspension set-up which is now standard across the Corolla sedan range.

Priced from R372 700 for the Corolla 1.8 XS CVT, this variant comes with a whole host of ‘nice-to-haves’ including LED headlights, push-start, cruise control, auto climate control, reverse camera with state-of-the-art Toyota Display Audio, Multi-information Display, steering switches with Voice Command as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

On the safety front this model is equipped with seven crash bags (including a driver’s kneebag), an electronic parking brake, Hill Assist Control and VSC as standard.

Flagship 2.0-litre XR grades gain items such as Smart Entry, Bi-LED headlights with Auto High-Beam, laser-cut two-tone 18-inch alloys, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, combination leather upholstery, steering wheel with paddle shifters (CVT), as well as Toyota’s Safety System which includes Pre-Crash activation, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive All-Speed Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert.

Toyota Corolla sedan pricing

Corolla 1.8 XS CVT                –                       R372 700

Corolla 2.0 XR manual           –                       R412 300

Corolla 2.0 XR CVT                –                       R425 200