2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch pricing and specification

Toyota has announced the pricing and specification of its all-new 2019 Corolla hatch, promising dynamic performance, premium ride comfort and advanced safety and driver support systems from $22,870.

Sitting on Toyota’s new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, the popular hatch features bold exterior styling, an upscale interior, plus advanced technologies.

Available in three grades – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR – and seven variants, the new Corolla hatch will be offered with hybrid technology at each level, a move Toyota says will result in a substantial uptake in sales of the Corollat hybrid.

Toyota Australia’s vice-president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said Corolla, more than any other car, had built the reputation of the Japanese automotive industry and the success of Toyota Motor Corporation.

“This all-new Corolla hatch leapfrogs everything in the affordable small-car segment and sets the new benchmark,” Mr Hanley said.

“Corolla has become the world’s and Australia’s best-selling passenger car – and the new Corolla hatch is even better through our commitment to produce more appealing and dynamic cars,” he said.

“Many of its ground-breaking technologies and class-leading features would normally be found in more expensive, prestige models.”

MORE REWARDING DRIVE

The new hatch’s Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform is claimed to guarantee a more rewarding driving experience with its lower centre of gravity, new multi-link rear suspension, 60 per cent more rigid body and improved weight balance.

New powertrains significantly boost performance and driveability. A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Toyota Dynamic Force petrol engine delivers 21 per cent more power (125kW) and 15 per cent more torque (200Nm) than its 1.8-litre predecessor while using less fuel.

A new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission offers a 10-speed sequential shift mode and mechanical launch gear – said to be the first in the world for a passenger-car CVT – to promote brisk yet fuel-efficient off-the-line acceleration.

Corolla’s improved hybrid system is lighter and more compact due to advances in engine, electric motor and battery technologies – smaller, lighter and more efficient.

The 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine shares a raft of technical features with the new 2.0-litre engine, including thermal efficiency of 40 per cent and a 13:1 compression ratio. Combined output is 90kW and fuel economy is rated at 4.2 litres/100km.

A more efficient, lighter and smaller multi-shaft transaxle has been tuned for greater low-down response and driveability. All CVT models feature three driving modes – ECO, Normal and Sport.

A new six-speed intelligent manual transmission is available on Ascent Sport, providing rev-matching control for smoother and more responsive gear shifts.

Across the range, driving characteristics also benefit from an active cornering assist system that applies brake force to the left or right driven wheels during high-speed cornering to supress understeer.

SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Toyota says the all-new Corolla brings unprecedented levels of advanced safety technology to the small car class with the Toyota Safety System. Toyota anticipates a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

A pre-collision safety system incorporates pedestrian detection, including at night, as well as cyclist detection during the day, autonomous emergency braking and emergency brake assist.

Active cruise control and lane departure alert with steering assist and sway warning are also standard. On CVT models, active cruise operates at all speeds while the lane departure technology is upgraded to lane trace assist, providing steering assistance to ensure the car stays centred in the lane.

Corolla’s windscreen-mounted camera recognises speed-limit signs – a first for a Toyota model in Australia.

Other standard safety features include automatic high beam, reversing camera, hill-start assist, seven airbags and two rear ISOFIX child safety seat anchor points. SX and ZR also have blind-spot monitor.

MORE APPEALING STYLING

Corolla is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor – resulting in a more dynamic, prestigious and sophisticated road presence.

The front profile is more vertical with a flatter bonnet flanked by bi-LED headlamps and integrated daytime running lights. At the rear, a lightweight composite hatchback sits between LED rear combination lamps housed in sleek units that emphasise the broad, solid stance of the car.

Corolla’s all-new interior design is said to significantly raise sensory quality while delivering an airy, open feel. Improved comfort and greater refinement are accentuated by the unity of colour, gloss and grain for the premium quality trims and surface finishes.

Corolla is also more spacious, thanks to a longer wheelbase and increased body width. A thinner instrument panel contributes to better forward vision and there are new, more comfortable and supportive seats.

ADVANCED FEATURES FOR EACH GRADE

The range starts with the 2.0-litre Ascent Sport that picks up all the new design, powertrain, safety and technology features. It is also equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch multi-info display, air-conditioning, heated exterior mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker multimedia system with Toyota Link. Fitted with Toyota’s intelligent manual transmission, the price is from $22,870**.

Satellite navigation is a $1,000 option on Ascent Sport and standard on other models. Buyers can opt for the new Direct Shift CVT for just $1,500.

Across the range, hybrid variants are available for just $1,500** over the equivalent petrol models. Ascent Sport hybrid gains extra equipment over the petrol model with dual-zone climate control and keyless smart entry and start.

Moving up to the SX, these two features are standard with petrol and hybrid variants having equivalent specification. SX also gains a wireless phone charger, DAB+ digital radio, front fog lamps, paddle shifters (CVT petrol), premium steering wheel and shift lever, privacy glass and a rear USB port. With CVT standard (petrol and hybrid), the step-up from Ascent Sport to SX is just $2,500**.

At the top-of-the-range, the ZR is equipped with a large colour head-up display, 18-inch alloys, leather accented and suede interior with sports front seats, 8-speaker premium JBL sound system, 7-inch colour multi-information display, ambient illumination, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and high-grade bi-LED headlamps. The premium over SX is just $3,500**.

Every new Corolla hatch is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped price servicing at $175 per service – now with 12-month/15,000km intervals.

NEW COROLLA HATCH PRICES (EXCLUDING ON-ROAD COSTS)**

Options:
Ascent Sport: Satellite navigation and privacy glass $1,000
All grades: Premium paint $550