2020 Toyota COROLLA HATCHBACK Hybrid Drive Test POV.

The new 12thgeneration. Toyota Corolla model range will compete strongly in the European C-segment for two key reasons:

Firstly, its newly adopted Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform not only equips it with superior driving dynamics and enhanced safety levels, but has also provided Toyota’s designers with the freedom to give each body type a visually distinctive and individual look.

The all-new Corolla model line-up showcases the wide, low stance of a more dynamic design which differentiates between the sporting, compact Hatchback, the sleek, versatile Touring Sports and the refined, prestigious Sedan more strongly than ever before.

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.

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 prioritise the highest active and passive safety standards. The new Corolla line-up is designed to meet the exacting standards of independent crash testing programmes and provide increased active safety levels through the sophisticated functions and systems of the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology.

Targeting the heart of the European C-segment, the new Hatchback, Touring Sports and Sedan are dynamic and stylish cars which meet all the requirements of both the daily commute and diverse weekend usage, whilst combining driving enjoyment in all road conditions with the peace of mind and low running costs unique to Toyota’s self-charging hybrid drive technology.

“The all new Corolla model line-up showcases a more dynamic design which differentiates between the Hatchback, Touring Sports and Sedan more strongly than ever before”

Corolla carries a heritage of more than 50 years. From the first generation model until the latest one it has always remained true to its original concept: a passenger car which offers strong levels of quality, durability and reliability (QDR), and a smooth driving experience which people from all around the globe can enjoy. This foundation, or ‘Corolla-ness’, as we call it, was our starting point.

Then, in the concept development phase, we looked at which new elements we could add for this new generation Corolla. We identified ‘dynamic styling’ and ‘driving pleasure/fun-to-drive’ as the two main pillars. To achieve these two elements we knew we could rely on the new TNGA-based GA-C platform.

One of the big merits of this new platform is that it allows designers more freedom to create a dynamic exterior. All three Corolla body types now have a visually distinctive and individual look with a lower stance and more appealing proportions. We’ve also ensured better all-around visibility for the driver by implementing thinner A-pillars and a lowered dashboard and bonnet.

The new Corolla shares its platform with the latest generation Prius and C-HR. From that point of view we already knew we had a good basis for driving dynamics thanks to a low driving position, a lowered centre of gravity and the multi-link rear suspension. Nevertheless, we were able to improve the dynamic performance even further.

For example, the steering response has been further developed to provide a better steering feel, and the rear suspension now features newly developed shock absorbers with new friction technology to provide an even better balance between ride and handling.

Based on the customer research which we conducted at the beginning of the project, it was clear that Hatchback and Touring Sports customers are very keen to have a dynamic looking vehicle, whereas Sedan owners tend to prefer a vehicle with a more prestigious look.

Visually the three body types are clearly related thanks to their overall sporting shape, but we’ve added a more prestige touch to the Sedan’s exterior design.

From the customer interviews which we held in Europe, the USA and Japan we learned that they all want a nice looking car that handles well. This makes it easier for us to have one main direction for dynamic performance which can be appreciated by all customers around the world.

Dynamically, the car is aimed at Europe, but for other markets we conducted some further regional tuning, optimising suspension and steering set-ups to ensure that the car copes well with local road conditions.

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