The ninth-generation Corolla offers some of the latest automotive technology and safety features. Its design might also attract a whole new group of young buyers...The ninth-generation Corolla offers some of the latest automotive technology and safety features. Its design might also attract a whole new group of young buyers...

"Our philosophy with this product is to offer our customers a new light car experience,” Dr Johan van Zyl, President of TSAM, said. “It re-states the core values of Corolla and adds significant value in every area over the model it replaces.”

Furthermore, Dr Van Zyl suggests that the new Corolla will “significantly expand Toyota SA’s potential customer base by attracting consumers outside of its traditional buyer profile, particularly young individuals, who will appreciate the appearance and performance of this new model range.”

Among the major areas where Toyota SA sought to improve on the previous Corolla were: Handling and straight line stability, performance and fuel economy; NVH characteristics, headlight performance and the availability of enhanced safety features.

To that end, the manufacturer paid special attention to the pricing of the range and the value added to the product in its latest form.

“There is a significant improvement in value for money based on retail selling price of the new model with its improved specification, and this takes into account only the tangible improvements, not those associated with the improved styling and dynamic performance of the new Corolla,” Van Zyl said.

If we consider our volume model, the 160i GLE, then the list of added tangible added value items is: Rear disc brakes, 195/60/15" tyres, tilt-adjustable steering column, lidded centre console, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear headrests, seat back pockets on driver’s and front passenger seats, seatbelt warning light and onboard computer,” he added.

The new Corolla will be sold in four specification levels, one of which will be a ‘safety specification’ on 140i and 160i models. These models will have the GLS nomenclature and, a driver’s airbag and ABS. The GLS specification level also applies to the 180i Auto.

The new range consists of 1,4, 1,6, and 1,8-litre three fuel-injected four-cylinder powerplants, equipped with Toyota’s VVT-I variable valve timing system.

According to the manufacturer, the VVT-i system changes the intake valve timing according to engine speed and acts to increase torque in the low- to mid-engine speed ranges.

This system improves performance, driveability and fuel efficiency and assists in producing cleaner exhaust emissions, Toyota claims. All three engines are equipped with catalytic converter exhaust systems.

The 1,4-litre engine (4ZZ-FE) produces 71 kW at 6 000 r/min and 127 N.m torque at 4 800 r/min. The shape of the combustion chamber has been optimised to allow the use of a relatively high compression ratio of 10,5:1, the manufacturer said.

The 3ZZ-FE 1,6-litre powerplant develops 81 kW at 6 000 r/min and 146 N.m torque at 4 400 r/min.

The 1,8-litre engine is designated 1ZZ-FE and produces 100 kW at 6 000 r/min with 171 N.m torque available at 4 200 r/min.

The 11 models in the new Corolla range are grouped in four specification levels; baseline, GLE, GLS, and GSX. All feature five-speed manual transmissions. The 160i GLE and 180i GLS are offered with a four-speed automatic transmission with lock-up.

Electronic control on this automatic transmission ensures smooth changes (a solenoid valve adjusts clutch pressure depending on driving conditions), Toyota SA claims.

The basic specification level offered on 140i and 160i models includes, amongst other items: All-aluminium, latest generation fuel injected engines, disc brakes front and rear, power steering, transponder key immobiliser system, remote alarm, central locking with selective unlock feature, digital clock, dome lamp delay, headlamp on buzzer, four-bulb halogen headlamps, centre console with lid, in-dash storage compartments, cup holders, whiplash reducing front seat design and head impact protection trim.

The GLE specification level is offered on 140i, 160i, and 180i models and adds items such as: air-conditioning; radio/CD player combination with four speaker system; height adjustment for the driver’s seat, and seat back pockets (passenger and driver), and a multi-function trip computer.

The GLS specification Toyota adds a number of extra safety items to the specification list on 140i, 160i, and 180i models over and above the GLE trim level. Included here are electric windows at the front, a driver’s side airbag, seat pre-tensioners and force limiters and ABS brakes with electronic force distribution.

The GSX specification level, offered in 160i and 180i variants, provides: power windows front and rear, power remote side mirrors, front fog lamps, leather inserts and side panels on seats, simulated wood panel detailing, two-tone dashboard, ivory coloured trim, driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and 6JJ X 15 alloy wheels.

All new Corollas are sold with a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan that covers all the manufacturer specified service items as per the ‘Toyota Book of Life’, parts and labour. Wear and tear items are excluded.

In addition, the warranty package on the Corolla is three years or 100 000 km. Warranty protection against corrosion perforation is three years and roadside assistance is provided over the 3-year/100 000 km warranty period.

Original article from Car