Toyota Corolla sedan scores fresh look, new engine, more specs

Toyota's popular Corolla sedan is about to become even more attractive with a new 2.0-litre engine joining the range from this month. And despite the added value and fresh new look, four-out-of-five sedan models have actually seen a drop in the manufacturer's list price, the entry-level Ascent manual now priced at just $20,990*

Corolla's entry-level Ascent and mid-spec Conquest sedans remain powered by the existing 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, but gain an exterior facelift that includes revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, headlamps, fog lamps and tail lamps. New exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals are also added. Toyota says the new face of Corolla sedan is designed to emphasise the car's wider appearance, enhancing the horizontal appearance of the front mask and highlighting its low centre of gravity.

As part of the revisions, all Corolla models now include a new audio system and steering wheel, the stereo featuring MP3/WMA compatibility, USB jack and 3.5mm audio input jacks, and Bluetooth connectivity. Ascent models feature a single-CD tuner while Conquest and Ultima score a six-CD changer with 4.3-inch screen.

Staying inside, Ascent and Conquest also pick up new upholstery and silver decorative trim highlights while Conquest and Ultima models add chrome plating on the air register handles, Optitron instrument panels and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Optionally, Ascent models are available with two option packs: an enhanced safety pack featuring side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, and a cruise pack that includes cruise control, premium steering wheel with audio controls, premium gear shift and park brake levers. Both packs are priced at $750 each.

Conquest and Ultima models feature seven airbags as standard while all Corolla sedans are equipped with stability and traction control as standard.

The top-shelf Ultima sedan is the first Corolla in Australia to offer Toyota's new 2.0-litre 3ZR-FE four-cylinder engine. Featuring dual variable valve timing, the bigger engine offers eight per cent more power than the existing 1.8-litre unit, delivering 102kW/189Nm.

Mated to an electronically controlled automatic transmission, the Corolla Ultima sedan also includes new blade-design alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, boot lid spoiler and reversing camera.

2010 Toyota Corolla sedan pricing:

Ascent: $20,990 (m) / $22,990 (a)
Conquest: $24,490 (m) / $24,490 (a)
Ultima: $31,490 (a)

Options:

Metallic Paint: $350
Moonroof: $1500 (Ultima only)

*Pricing is the manufacturer's list price and does not include dealer delivery, statutory and on-road charges.

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