New Toyota Corolla: interior details revealed

The 2019 Toyota Corolla will boast new safety and in-car technologies when it arrives in Australian showrooms in August.

Toyota Australia has confirmed more specification details ahead of the all-new hatchback’s local launch. However, it is yet to disclose pricing for the replacement for the nation’s top-selling car, which currently starts at $20,190.

Shown for the first time at the Geneva motor show earlier this month, the redesigned Japanese hatchback will boast safety technologies including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, active cruise control, automatic high-beam lane and departure alert with steering assist, in addition to seven airbags and a reversing camera.

Fresh images give us a first look at the next Corolla’s interior, ahead of another public reveal at next week’s New York motor show. The base model car features a choice of 4.2-inch or 7.0-inch displays depending on variant, along with single-zone or dual-zone climate-control.

The changes are supported by new sports seats, a longer and wider centre console and revised ergonomics aimed at improving everyday comfort and amenity. An electronic parking brake and two USB outlets are fitted, along with an optional JBL audio system.

The new Corolla has been remade from scratch, according to Toyota, underpinned by the Japanese marque’s new TNGA platform to make it longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces.

Overall, the hatch’s length has increased 40mm to 4370mm and height has reduced 25mm to 1450mm.

The architecture (which also underpins the C-HR) enables a longer wheelbase than before which, teamed with a lower centre of gravity, new multilink rear suspension and more body rigidity, are claimed to contribute to enhanced ride and handling.

Toyota has committed to a new 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Corolla that will “offer substantially more power and torque than the current car while requiring even less fuel”.

The outgoing Corolla is powered by a 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that consumes 6.1L/100km (base six-speed manual) and 6.7L/100km (CVT auto).

The new Corolla’s bigger, more powerful and more economical new engine will again be fitted with the choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission that promises to repair the reputation of CVTs.

In addition, Toyota’s proven 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric system will carry over into the new Corolla Hybrid, which the company says will offer improved low-range torque and extended all-electric driving range and efficiency.