AIMS: Familiar engine but new CVT for Corolla

It might wear a rakish new body, but underneath Toyota’s 11th-generation Corolla hatchback will be a familiar powertrain layout with just one surprise.

Due for Australian release immediately after its local debut at the Sydney Motor Show on October 18, the redesigned Corolla five-door will be powered by a slightly more powerful version of the current model’s 1.8-litre petrol four-, mated to an upgraded six-speed manual and, for the first time, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Australia’s new 180-series Corolla hatch received federal design certification in July after months of local testing and is now in production in Japan ahead of its Australian launch. The Corolla hatch will be joined by a new sedan within 12 months.

Full details of the replacement for Toyota’s top-selling model – known as the Auris in other markets – were revealed more than a week ago, when the most radical looking Corolla since 1966 went on sale in Japan.

But according to federal certification documents, the new model will again come to Australia with just one petrol engine, this time offering 103kW at 6400rpm – a slight increase over the current model’s 100kW at 6000rpm.
Apart from revving harder, it’s believed the upgraded engine features continuously variable valve timing, higher compression and reduced internal friction.

The new, more sophisticated transmissions are likely to see the improved engine deliver lower fuel consumption than the current model’s lacklustre 7.3L/100km.

The biggest difference is likely to be on models equipped with the new CVT gearbox, which replaces the current Corolla’s outdated four-speed auto.

It remains to be seen, however, whether Australian small-car buyers will embrace the CVT technology, which has been criticised for its unnatural ‘slipping clutch’ feel. CVT gearboxes are not new and are fitted to all of Toyota’s hybrid models, as well as the Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza, but remain relatively rare in the small car segment.

In Japan, the new Corolla/Auris is fitted with a fuel-saving automatic idle-stop function and is available with 1.3 and 1.5-litre petrol engines, in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. European buyers also have the choice of diesel and hybrid versions, but at this stage none of these technologies are slated for Australia.

Official ADR documents show Toyota Australia has so far homologated only two Corolla variants – significantly less than the five equipment grades currently offered – all riding on 16x6.5-inch wheels with 205/55 tyres and a 1300kg towing capacity (450kg unbraked).

Foglights and 17-inch alloys with 215/45 tyres appear to be the only options at this stage, with the documents also revealing the new Corolla weighs around 40kg lighter than before, ranging from 1225 to 1280kg.

Despite the weight reduction, the Corolla’s new body is said to be 10 per cent more rigid due to greater use of high-tensile steel.

All other local details appear consistent with the specifications revealed by Toyota earlier this month, including a low 1460mm roof height that shaves 55mm off the current car’s height.

The new Japanese hatch rides on the same 2600mm wheelbase and is the same width as before (1760mm), but is 30mm longer at 4275mm, with an extra 20mm of rear knee room. Luggage space is up slightly to 360 litres for all hatch models and the load floor is 90mm longer.

Metallic highlights and softer-touch surfaces are said to have improved interior quality, while Japanese domestic versions offer features like cooled and ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors and HID gas-discharge headlights with automatic high-beam function.

It’s not clear at this stage whether these features will be available on Australian-delivered Corollas.

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