Toyota launches cheaper Corolla sedan

Toyota Australia has launched the 11th-generation Corolla sedan this morning in Tasmania, revealing a pared-down three-model line-up and a $250 price cut for the entry-level Ascent, which now opens the range from $20,740 plus on-road costs.

The mid-spec SX, which replaces the old Ascent Sport and Conquest models, will be priced from $22,990 plus ORCs, while the top top-sec ZR, which replaces the old Ultima, costs $30,990 plus ORCs.

Toyota is claiming better value for all three cars because of a boost in equipment that includes a reversing camera in all grades. However, the sedan still starts at a higher price than the Japanese-built Corolla hatch (from $19,990), despite now being imported under a free-trade agreement from Thailand.

The old sedan, which debuted in 2007, and the five-door, which went on sale here in 2012, took the company to the top of the Australian sales charts for the first time in 2013 with more than 40,000 departing showrooms.

Toyota is forecasting the sedan could add more than 12,000 sales per annum, meaning overall Corolla sales push towards 50,000 in 2014, making it very hard for the new Mazda3 to reclaim the top rung.

The new Corolla sedan is powered by the same 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre engine as the hatch, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or, for an additional $2250, a ‘Multidrive’ continuously variable automatic transmission with seven-step manual mode.

The CVT version is the more economical version, claiming a 6.6L/100km fuel consumption average. The manual averages 7.0L/100km. Fuel economy is improved by better aerodynamics and the use of lighter weight materials.

Underneath the mini-Camry body style, which Toyota dubs ‘modern prestige, the sedan’s wheelbase has been extended by 100mm to 2700mm, providing increased interior space including an extra 92mm in rear seat kneeroom. Boot space grows to 470 litres.

The longer wheelbase, along with a stiffer body, also provides a claimed improvement in handling. Steering and suspension were tuned for local conditions by the Toyota Technical Centre in Melbourne.

Toyota is also claiming an improvement in cabin quality, with an increased use of soft-touch materials. An emphasis has been placed on making features more user-friendly, including larger instrument dials and new steering wheel.

Toyota is confident the Corolla sedan will score a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. It comes fitted standard with seven airbags.

The base Ascent has cruise control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, a multi-information display in the speedometer and a microphone and amplifier for hands-free mobile telephone connection. It can be distinguished from the outside by 15-inch steel wheels and halogen headlights.

The SX, which is $500 more than the old Ascent Sport and $1500 less than the old Conquest, features 16-inch alloy wheels including the spare, front foglights, Optitron instruments, keyless smart entry and start, front sonars and interior chrome detailing.

The auto-only ZR sedan is $1000 less than the previous Ultima. Premium features include automatic air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, auto-levelling LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, satellite-navigation, leather-accented seats with eight-way power operation for the driver's seat, paddle shifters and an acoustic windscreen.

Every Corolla is fitted with a 6.1-inch LCD touch-screen display with Bluetooth connectivity, an AM/FM tuner, single-CD player, USB and iPod inputs as well as an auxiliary jack.

SX and ZR sedan models debut the Toyota Link multimedia system that utilises compatible iPhone and Android smartphones to access a suite of onboard apps and services that help find fuel, the latest weather updates and local businesses, all through the car's audio unit.

There are six colours on offer, five of them premium paints that cost $450 extra.

The Corolla has been on sale in Australia since 1967, with more than 1.25 million sold here. It was manufactured locally between 1968 and 1999, with 680,000 built here.