Toyota Corolla sedan 2020 gets a new look at its 12th generation

The Toyota Corolla 2020 sedan has been fully revealed, marking the first complete overhaul of the US version of the popular car since 2013.. The Corolla debuted today at a media event in California, alongside the unveiling of the car at the Guangzhou International Auto Show in China.

The Corolla 2020 follows many other recent Toyota models by switching to the automaker's New Vehicle Architecture (TNGA) modular platform. In particular, the Corolla hatchback of 2019 which was introduced earlier this year at the New York Auto Show already rides on TNGA. It's no surprise that the sedan and hatchback have a lot in common.

As suggested an earlier teaser photo, the Toyota Corolla 2020 looks a lot nasty, angrier and more angular than before. It starts with sportier proportions: the new car is lower and wider than its predecessor and, although the wheelbase is not changed, Toyota says it has shortened the front overhang and prolonged that of the rear. on the road.

At the front, the LED headlights are tight in an ultra-thin under-the-hood strip, which extends forward and down, as well as on the massive grille. The sporty-ish SE and XSE trim levels also have a lip spoiler and "aerodynamic fins" for the look. On the back also, the body of the Corolla is neat and crisp, with LED taillights wrapping around the wings and, on the SE / XSE models, a trunk spoiler and smoked tail lights. Overall, its design is certainly different and more interesting than that of the outgoing Corolla – although we had to spend more time on it personally to warm ourselves to this greedy and greedy nose.

It's a little easier to get used to inside the Toyota Corolla 2020, which usually follows in the footsteps of the previous five-door version. The clean, tidy dashboard design features centralized climate controls and a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (depending on trim level) mounted on the front and center. According to Toyota, the center console armrest is wider, while a storage space in front of the shifter can possibly be equipped with a wireless phone charging. The instrument cluster comes standard with a 4.2-inch on-board computer and an optional upgraded 7-inch computer.

Compared to the latest Corolla sedan, Toyota says the new one has significantly improved visibility, thanks to settings like a lower bonnet and a waist belt. The cabin would also be quieter, due to the intensive use of sound-absorbing materials. And the driver's sitting position has been moved nearly a full inch and 1.57 inches further back, adjustments aimed at improving the comfort and weight distribution of the car.

The Corolla 2020 offers two engines, each of them being offered only with specific trim levels. The standard choice is an online 1.8-liter of the old Corolla, rated at 139 horsepower and coupled only to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy has not yet been announced, although Toyota is promising that the 1.8-liter engine offers "better fuel efficiency" than before. We will probably have to wait to get closer to the date of sale of the Corolla next year to get the official figures.

The SE and XSE models use the same 2.0-liter engine as the Corolla Hatchback, although here rated for 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The XSE model comes only with a CVT – in particular, Toyota's dynamic change unit that has a fixed first gear ratio to take off more sporty – while the SE can also be equipped with a six-speed manual. As on the hatchback, the manual has an electronic lap matching function.

According to Toyota, the Corolla SE and XSE will benefit from a "sport-tuned" suspension, as well as more contoured tires on their 18-inch wheels compared to the 16-inch wheels of other versions. . All Corolla will use a multi-link rear suspension instead of the torsion beam of the old car, while the Mcpherson strut front suspension has been redesigned and the new shock absorbers provide "exemplary ride comfort".

All trim levels except the basic Corolla L, benefit from an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune 3.0 software, with a USB port and support for Apple CarPlay and Alexa from Amazon. The LE and SE models have two USB ports, while the XSE, XLE and, optionally, the CVT SE trim level feature the Entune 3.0 Plus system that adds satellite radio and HD radio. On XSE and XLE models, buyers can also opt for a Premium Audio Package with JBL audio system and integrated navigation.

Active safety technologies are legion, with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 series standard on all models. It includes precollision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road-centric lane direction, automatic high beam and sign recognition. Blind spot monitoring is available on select trim levels and packages.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla will go on sale in the spring of 2019. Since we enjoyed the Corolla Hatchback, we are also expecting good things from the new sedan.