Fresh from the
all-new Corolla Sedan’s world debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show, Toyota has now
released information on the European-spec model. The 2019 Corolla Sedan will
expand Toyota’s Corolla lineup in Europe to three body styles, adding to the
existing Hatchback and Touring Sports. The automaker says the four-door model
targets “young professionals looking for more prestigious styling combined with
superior onboard space and comfort.”
Design-wise, it
looks identical with the Chinese-spec version unveiled hours ago but it
features different headlights and taillights than the North American model and
the China-only Levin. The European model also features some equipment
particularities.
More specifically,
the engine lineup includes a hybrid, a first for the Corolla Sedan in Europe.
It’s the same 1.8-liter self-charging hybrid system that’s also available on
the hatchback and wagon. It delivers a system output of 122 PS with a
claimed combined fuel economy of 4.3 l/100 km (65.7 mpg UK) on the WLTP test
cycle. Corresponding CO2 emissions are 98 g/km.
Depending on
driving conditions, Toyota claims the Corolla Sedan Hybrid offers up to 50
percent all-electric drive on the everyday commute. In addition to the hybrid
version, the Corolla Sedan will carry on with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine of
its predecessor. The unit delivers 132 PS and it comes with a standard
six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The WTLP-rated average fuel
economy is 6.1 l/100 km (46.3 mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.
Compared to the
previous Corolla Sedan, the shift to the TNGA GA-C platform results in a lower
center of gravity, a 60-percent more rigid body shell, and standard multi-link
suspension on all models. As a result, Toyota says the 2019 Corolla Sedan
offers better handling and stability “without compromising ride and comfort.”
The 2019 Corolla
Sedan shares its 2,700 mm wheelbase with the wagon version, resulting
in a spacious cabin with “ample legroom and high comfort levels for rear seat
passengers.” Toyota also claims the interior offers “high sensory quality and
advanced technology.” New features include wireless phone charging, an 8-inch
touchscreen-based infotainment system, 7-inch digital instrument panel, and
10-inch head-up display.
Safety-wise, the
2019 Corolla Sedan offers the Toyota Safety Sense technology as standard in
Europe. The pack includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclists
detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering assist,
Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beam. A newly added function is the Lane
Trace Assist, which maintains the vehicle in its lane through subtle steering
inputs.
The all-new Toyota
Corolla Sedan for Europe will be built in Turkey and will go on sale in the
first quarter of 2019.