Home Car Insurance Advice The all-new Toyota Corolla. A car with top class safety features to be proud of!

The all-new Toyota Corolla. A car with top class safety features to be proud of!

by jonckie@arrivealive.co.za

Corolla 1

  1. Introduction
  2. Assertive, fresh design with the focus on practicality
  3. Sophisticated interior décor and packaging
  4. Driving performance
  5. Sharper Dynamics
  6. Top-class safety
  7. Pricing, warranty and service plan

 

  1. Introduction

Did you know that every single minute of every single day, two brand new Corollas drive out of a Toyota factory somewhere in the world?

Meaning a ‘group of flowers’, the original brief to the very first Corolla Chief Engineer was to create a car that would cause full-scale, global motorisation to blossom. It would seem then that the Toyota Corolla has definitely lived up to its name.

Of course it’s not just about the numbers, but when you’re talking Corolla, they tell a fascinating story:

 

  • An inauspicious start in 1966 saw Toyota kick off annual production of the Corolla in November of that year with approximately 240 000 vehicles produced at its new Takaoka Japan factory and exports began immediately;
  • Eleven generations on and with 16 manufacturing sites in America, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and Venezuela, Corolla has clocked up more than 40 million sales worldwide, making it the best-selling automotive nameplate in history;

With customers in more than 150 countries, over 1.1 million Corollas find new homes each year;

  •  Up to November 2013, over 1 million Corollas had been produced and about 980 000 sold in South Africa alone.

And, as Glenn Crompton, Toyota SA Motors Vice President of Marketing, points out: “South Africa’s love affair with the Corolla began in the mid 70’s and the passion is still burning.

“Always the poster-child for Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability, the all-new 2014 Corolla is ready to shake off its point-A-to-point-B image with expressive styling, a premium interior, and extrovert driving dynamics.

“Corolla has taken a considerable step forward. The newcomer has real gravitas, a characteristic not readily associated with previous generations.

“It serves notice to competitors that Toyota is not about to give up the segment it has defined and dominated for all these decades. At 40 million we’re just getting started! ”

These sentiments are echoed by Shinichi Yasui, the Chief Engineer for the all-new Corolla: “I believe this new model clearly breathes the Corolla DNA that has been inherited over a period of more than 47 years.

“That DNA sets forth the mission of the Corolla to constantly provide concepts and technologies that lead the times and to create the world’s best-selling car, and that DNA has now been inherited for a new era.

“Each generation of the Corolla has pursued the “customer satisfaction” and “customer delight” around the world, and through those efforts the Corolla has constantly evolved.

“I am confident that we have developed an 11th generation Corolla that can be driven with Waku doki*, peace-of-mind, and of course, pride.”

*Waku-Waku is the anticipation of pleasure. Doki-Doki is the sound of your heart beating.

So, Waku doki is when you get excited about having fun, and your heart beats faster.

 Corolla 2

 

 

 2. Assertive, fresh design with the focus on practicality

Carrying design hints of the Furia concept, the new car is bang on trend and a lot more assertive, especially in its front-end treatment. The end result is a Corolla that is imposing without being overly aggressive.

Apart from aesthetic considerations, the design team also accepted the challenge to create an even more spacious interior. To achieve this, the wheelbase was extended 100 mm compared to the outgoing production model, and the additional length was allocated effectively for design enhancement and interior space expansions. It has also enabled the tyres to be positioned further towards the four corners of the vehicle, resulting in a “dynamic feel” that is the basis of the vehicle’s enhanced appeal.

Front overhang is pegged at 950 mm (15 mm longer than the current model) while a rear overhang of 980 mm is adopted which is 25mm shorter than the outgoing model. Further entrenching its dynamic stance, overall height is reduced by 5mm to achieve an overall height of 1465 mm.

Upfront the headlamp and the grille openings form a prominent T-shaped motif. The upper grille and the headlamps are made as thin as possible but expand towards the corners, to emphasise the width of the body. The contrast between the thin upper grille and the gaping trapezoidal lower grille further express the dynamism of the design.

Chrome horizontal trim bars of the upper grille are visually extended into more expressive headlamp clusters to once again place focus on the width of the vehicle. Equipped with a halogen low beam lamp for improved visibility, the headlamp design reinforces Toyota’s new design language and lends the new Corolla greater on-road presence while providing a unique visual signature.

The front fog lamp housings feature chrome-plated bezels on Prestige models. Exclusive and Sprinter variants are additionally equipped with front fog lamps.

The two uppermost lines of the upper grille and the headlamp clusters extend along the curve of the low bonnet lip deep into the front fenders, highlighting the elegance of the unique, rounded edge bonnet, devoid of any sharp angles.

In profile, the front and rear lamp clusters anchor the clean curvature of ‘aero corner’ fender designs which emphasise the Corolla’s short front and rear overhangs. This, in conjunction with a long wheelbase and muscular front and rear wheel arches, creates a silhouette which emphasises the new Toyota’s dynamic stance and classic proportions.

The vehicle’s profile is further enhanced by a character line linking the top of the front wheel arch and the rear lamp cluster, and a choice of 15-inch steel wheels and wheel covers (Esteem models only) and 16-inch alloys.

A radical design departure for Toyota is the placement of the sculpted door handles aligned with the character lines of the doors.

To the rear, the recurrent trapezoidal form is mirrored by the license plate recession extremities and lower bumper styling. The crisp line of the boot lip is underscored by wide new rear lamp clusters connected by a chrome license plate trim for a cleaner, more prestige appearance.

Overall, the premium build quality of the new design is highlighted by the minimal panel gaps befitting a luxury vehicle. The gap between fender and front door has been reduced from 4.0 mm to just 3.9 mm, between front and rear doors from 4.5 mm to 4.2 mm, and between rear door and quarter panel from 4.0 mm to 3.9 mm. The width of the shut line between the bonnet and front fender has been reduced from 5.4 mm to only 4.5 mm.

The new Corolla will be available in a choice of seven exterior colours, of which three are new to the model range: Seaside Pearl Metallic (light blue), Avant-Garde Bronze and Grey Metallic.

Sprinter models are cosmetically differentiated by means of 16-inch smoked alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and unique Sprinter badging.

Aerodynamics

The new Corolla has been designed to achieve minimum levels of drag, contributing not only to enhanced cabin quietness, but also reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The lowest possible bonnet line, a steeply raked windscreen and seamless roofline combined to smooth the flow of air over the vehicle.

The optimised side shape of the front fog lamp housings and the  sharp near-vertical surface angle of the front and rear bumper ‘aero-corners’ combine to reduce air turbulence along the flanks of the vehicle and over the wheel arches.

Based on advanced Formula 1 technology sakana aero stabilising fins located on the door mirrors and rear combination lamps, accelerate the airflow along the body, enhancing vehicle stability and control.

Vehicle aerodynamics are substantially improved through the adoption of a front spoiler and numerous covers designed to create a flat underbody, optimising the flow of air beneath the new Corolla. They include an engine undercover, front suspension member covers, front and rear wheel spats, as well as floor undercovers.

In combination, the comprehensive measures have achieved a significant improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, and the new Corolla’s drag coefficient has been reduced from Cd 0.29 to a class-leading Cd 0.27.

Corolla 3 interior

  1. Sophisticated interior décor and packaging

In addition to the supersized cabin and luggage compartment, the all-new Corolla has received a completely refurbished interior featuring a stylishly re-designed cockpit, superior trim materials and enhanced ergonomics.

With reference to the latter, the driving position has been comprehensively revised. The seat height adjustment range has been extended by 15 mm to 60 mm, and the slide adjustment range expanded by 20 mm to 260 mm. The front seat hip point has been moved forward by 5 mm. The operating force required for the seat slide, lift and recline functions has also been reduced for ease of operability. Another change is to the steering wheel angle, which has been lowered from 24 to 22 degrees.

Additionally, the rear passenger room has been made more spacious and comfortable by, in part moving back the rear seat hip point by 75 mm. Allied to a new, thinner front seatback design, this has increased rear seat leg room by 92 mm, to a class-leading 706 mm.

The seats themselves have been redesigned, and feature a longer cushion with an ergonomically curved front edge offering comfort to the widest possible range of physiques. New, thinner seatbacks provide superior lumbar and lateral support, whilst the headrests have been shaped to combine comfort with excellent whiplash protection.

Despite a 25 mm reduction in the new Corolla’s rear overhang, the boot capacity has increased to 452 litres.

The new Corolla is not only more spacious and comfortable, but also quieter than its predecessor, and the interior has been designed to offer customers class-leading quietness. The total area of the dashboard silencer has been increased and extra sound absorption material added between the bonnet and fender liner minimising the intrusion of engine noise into the cabin. Floor silencer material offers excellent sound absorption qualities, particularly in the area of the front footwells. And the comprehensive use of body sealer at sheet metal junctions further isolates the cabin from the intrusion of external noise.

Tactile style

Taking styling cues from the bold new exterior, the Corolla’s indoor environment plays up the width of the cabin with a strong horizontal dashboard design. Topped by a soft, non-reflective upper surface which flows seamlessly over the driver’s instrument binnacle, the dashboard face combines convex, soft-touch padding with a recessed centre console panel finished in piano black.

The robust, uncluttered clarity of the new design is further emphasised by a full-width matt silver accent bar which separates the dashboard into upper and lower zones (for greater ergonomic efficiency), and continues across the top of the door panels, enveloping the cabin and emphasising the roominess of the seating area. New, vertical front door grips are finished in the same silver ornamentation.

The soft instrument panel upholstery and high-gloss piano black finishes are complimented by chrome trim detailing and clear blue instrument-, glove box- and ambient cabin lighting to create a premium, quality feel to the interior.

The new Corolla is available in a choice of four grades; Esteem (entry), Prestige (mid), Sprinter (sport) and top-of-the-range Exclusive. A grade-dependent choice of fabric (Esteem), fabric and leather (Sprinter) or leather (Prestige and Exclusive) are available. The Corolla is unique in its segment in offering leather as standard on all its models bar the entry-level Esteem variants.

The large, easy-to-read driver’s instrument binnacle may be equipped with a choice of two, grade-dependent meter designs. Esteem, Prestige and Sprinter models are equipped with a three gauge design. The large central speedometer dial incorporates a trip computer. Top–of-the-range Exclusive grade models feature a two gauge layout with a central, TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information display screen. Prestige, Sprinter Exclusive grade gauges are accented with chromed rings.

All models except for the Esteem come with a new, leather-covered, multi-functional steering wheel incorporating a comprehensive array switches for the operation of the audio, hands-free telephone and multi-function display system. (Exclusive models have the added functionality of cruise control.)

The operational feel of the pedals and shift lever has also been refined. The pedals have been positioned to help prevent unintended operation, and the stroke and firmness of the shift lever have been optimised for a smoother shift feel.

The capacity and usability of the new Corolla’s comprehensive range of storage spaces have been improved. They include a glove box, coin box and lidded compartment in the dashboard, a centre console box and cup holders, overhead sunglasses storage, front door pockets designed to hold a 1.5 litre bottle or a road map and rear door pocket space for a 0.5 litre bottle.

Boot space functionality has been improved through the addition of an external operation opening switch under the boot lip (Exclusive only) and easier, cleaner closing through the addition of a handle mounted on the underside of the boot lid.

On-board gadgetry is generous and includes:

  • Remote central locking across the range with keyless Smart Entry on Exclusive models
  • Power mirrors and windows (front and rear)
  • Follow-Me-Home Light Control System
  • Ambient temperature indicator
  • On-board computer (TFT Multi-information display screen on Exclusive)
  • 60/40 Split rear seats
  • Airconditioning (Esteem and Prestige)
  • Automatic Climate Control (Sprinter and Exclusive)
  • Touch-screen display audio incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/DVD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. A Back Guide Monitor is fitted as standard (Prestige and Exclusive) – ANOTHER SEGMENT-BEATING FEATURE!
  • Esteem and Sprinter models are equipped with a standard audio system, aux inport and USB port
  • Bluetooth hands-free system on all models except Esteem
  • Electrochromatic mirror (Exclusive)
  • Rain sensing wipers (Exclusive)
  • Cruise Control (Exclusive)

Corolla 4

4.    Driving performance

Thanks to the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions throughout the new engine range, the 2014 Corolla continues to deliver competent performance and consistently good fuel economy, all of which translates into attractive cost-of-ownership benefits.

The refreshed line-up features a choice of an all-new 1.4 litre D-4D turbo diesel and three petrol engines; a 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i unit, a 1.6 litre Dual VVT-i engine and another new powerplant, the 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i unit.

All engines are fitted with six-speed manual transmissions, but the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol variants may optionally be mated to Toyota’s new, high-gear, high-efficiency Multidrive S automatic transmission.

1.33l Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine

Employing Toyota’s Optimal Drive technology to maximise performance and driveability whilst minimising fuel consumption and emissions, the 1.33 litre petrol engine is equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) and features a high compression ratio of 11.5:1, which increases the thermal efficiency of the engine. It generates 73 kW at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 128 Nm at 3800 rpm.

The sprint from 0 to 100km/h comes up in 12,6 seconds. Top speed is 180 km/h.

A laudable fuel consumption of just 6 l/100 km is attainable in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km is achieved.

Profiting from Toyota’s extensive motorsport experience, the small bore, long stroke unit is exceptionally lightweight and compact, improving the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio. It features a resin-type cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and the intake channel has been streamlined to optimise airflow for improved combustion efficiency.

Dual VVT-i helps boost response levels across the entire rev range by varying the air-fuel intake and exhaust valve timing to suit the conditions at any given time. In addition to improving torque at low and medium engine speeds, the system also reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.

1.6l Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine

Available with either a six-speed manual or new Multidrive S automatic transmission and also benefitting from the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technology described above, the 1.6 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine develops 90 kW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 154 Nm at only 5200 rpm.

Acceleration times are 10,5 and 11,1 seconds for the manual and Multidrive respectively. Maximum speed is 195 (manual) and 185 km/h (Multidrive).

When equipped with the manual transmission the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6,6 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. The new Multidrive S auto transmission further reduces both fuel consumption and emissions to 6,3 l/100 km and 150 g/km respectively.

1.8l Dual VVT-i Petrol

Replacing the 2.0 litre unit of the outgoing model range, a new 1.8 litre petrol engine is fitted to top-end Corolla models.

Benefitting from the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technology described above, as well as Toyota’s Acoustic Induction Control System as well as an Electronic Throttle Control System, the 1.8 litre, 16V, DOHC Dual VVT-i petrol engine develops 103 kW at 6400 rpm, and a maximum torque of 173 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The 0-to-100km/h dash comes up in 10,2 seconds for the Multidrive S variant. Top speed is recorded as 195 km/h.  (Figures for the 1.8 manual not yet available.)

In manual form the 1.8 consumes an average of just 7 l/100 km and emits 165 g/km. Equipped with the new Multidrive S transmission, the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6,4 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 152 g/km.

1.4l D-4D Diesel Engine

The Toyota Optimal Drive 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engine benefits from optimised combustion chamber dimensions and enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler efficiency to produce 66 kW and maximum torque of 205 Nm at only 1800 to 2800 rpm.

The 1.4 D is propelled from 0 to 100km/h in 12,5 seconds. Maximum speed is 180 km/h.

Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4 D-4D unit returns a class-best combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4,5 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 119 g/km.

Other technical highlights of this all-new small diesel include:

  • A 2-step hydraulic control valve is installed in the timing chain cover. This has the benefit of reducing friction when hydraulic pressure is low by opening and closing the relief valve based on driving conditions.
  • Engine warm-up time is minimised through the installation of a coolant by-pass system that helps to reduce heat losses in engine coolant during start-up.
  • Piezoelectric injectors control the fuel volume and the timing of the injection more accurately. The high speed reaction time of Piezo injectors makes multi-phase high speed injection possible. This has the effect of both lowering the rate of combustion expansion and effecting a more thorough burn within the combustion chamber, thus further reducing particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions. This, allied to high common rail injection pressures of 160 Mpa, results in shorter injection times, combining a faster engine response with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Multidrive S Automatic Transmission

A new, high-gear, high efficiency Multidrive S automatic transmission is fitted as an option on the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol versions of the new Corolla.

Developed for its compact size, light weight and fuel efficiency, the new, metal belt-type Multidrive S features a torque converter and fully electronic, ‘multidrive’ oil pressure control.

Offering drivers a wider transmission ratio band, a more responsive gear change and better fuel economy than the outgoing conventional 4-speed automatic transmission, Multidrive S may be operated in three modes: A fully automatic, seamless shift mode; Sport mode; or a 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode.

In automatic mode, the system is optimised for quietness and fuel economy, precisely matching the transmission to the engine at all times by monitoring accelerator pedal angle, vehicle speed and braking force.

In 7-speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode, the step position can be selected by the selector lever. In Sport mode, the system is optimised for response and direct engine control. On detecting deceleration, the system downshifts and applies engine braking to assist the braking force. On corner exit, predictive downshift logic controls the system to ensure the optimal gear ratio is selected for required level of acceleration.

For an even more sporting driving experience, the 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode offers drivers manual override control of the transmission, operable by the gearshift lever. In this mode, the transmission performs close ratio upshifts in perceptible steps, and has a direct downshift feeling under braking and deceleration.

  1. Sharper dynamics

Three main areas were targeted to improve overall drivability: weight reduction, suspension geometry and steering responsiveness.

Lighter, high rigidity bodyshell

The increased use of high tensile steel throughout the body structure has allowed for the adoption of a lighter metal in several areas, its increased strength offering a weight saving of some 5.7 kg per vehicle with no detriment to overall rigidity.

Overall bodyshell rigidity has been enhanced through an increase in the number of body spot-welds, a coupling of the front suspension spring supports with a straight-shaped cowl front, an improvement to lateral rigidity within the underbody, and an increase in structural rigidity around the back panel.

These measures combine to contribute to both excellent ride comfort and improved response to steering inputs for greater agility.

Revised suspension

The new Corolla shares the proven front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension systems of its predecessor. However, significant revisions to both front and rear systems promote improved ride comfort combined with greater agility.

A newly developed front strut features a larger, 35 mm diameter shock absorber cylinder, with damping force tuned to optimise stability and ride comfort. The length of the urethane bound stopper has been reduced to accommodate the strut within the lower vehicle height, and a solid input type upper support has been adopted to reduce high frequency vibration and enhance steering response.

The coil springs feature a pigtail structure at either end for a compact, lightweight installation. Coil spring reaction force is controlled by adopting a lateral force reduction spring, and suspension friction has been lowered by reducing the bending force on the shock absorbers.

A reduction in the rotational force on the strut bearings achieves a light and responsive steering feel. And an increase in bodyshell stiffness has allowed for a reduction in the coil spring rate, enhancing ride comfort with no detriment to steering response and handling agility.

Featuring independently located coil springs and dampers to minimise loadspace intrusion, the lightweight rear torsion beam suspension also benefits from solid input type upper supports, urethane bound stoppers and pigtail coil springs. A reduced spring rate and retuned dampers further improve ride comfort, stability and response to steering inputs.

Sharper Electric Power Steering (EPS) Response

In conjunction with a lowered column angle designed to offer drivers a more involving driving experience, the new Corolla’s EPS system has been revised. The power steering gear specification has been optimised and its rigidity enhanced to give a sharper steering response and smooth, linear operation.

System rigidity has been improved through structural changes to the intermediate shaft and the rigid attachment of the steering gear box to the suspension member, creating a more direct, linear steering feel. A revised upper column support further reduces unnecessary vibration.

The system now features an integrated ECU with a new control logic to improve steering feel, and the ratio of the steering gear itself has been lowered from 14.8 to 13.4 making it 8% faster than its predecessor to promote a sharper response to steering inputs.

Corolla 5

6.    Top-class safety

The new Corolla has been engineered to provide the highest active and passive safety standards, and enhanced pedestrian impact protection. The new Toyota has achieved a 5-star rating in the latest, more stringent Euro NCAP crash test programme. (Please note that the model tested was a Turkish-built, European-spec 1.6 model which featured the same safety kit as our SA-spec 1.6 Sprinter and 1.8 Exclusive models.)

The collision safety performance of each component has been maximised through extensive CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and repeated experimental prototype testing.

The high-strength cabin has been designed to provide optimum front, rear and side collision performance. Numerous energy absorbing front components offer significantly improved pedestrian protection. And the interior is comprehensively equipped with SRS airbags, whiplash prevention headrests and a child restraint system.

Active safety has been enhanced through the adoption of a next generation ABS system and a shorter brake pedal stroke for better feel and system response. Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are available on two of the four model grades – Hill Start Assist Control (HAC2) is fitted to vehicles equipped with VSC.

High-strength cabin

The new Corolla’s bodyshell features an increase in use of high tensile steel to combine enhanced strength with lighter weight and greater rigidity. A multiple-load-path front structure has been adopted to effectively disperse impact load through the frame, minimising cabin deformation in a frontal collision.

The same principle applies to side impact protection, the multiple load-path-structure featuring strengthened side members, cross members and roof reinforcement.

Pedestrian protection

The adoption of numerous energy absorbing components offers significantly improved pedestrian protection in the event of a frontal impact.

The front of the bonnet, for example, features an energy-absorbing inner reinforcement structure, the fender is mounted on an energy absorbing bracket, and both the cowl and cowl louvre have been designed with an energy-absorbing structure.

Leg impact performance has also been improved through the adoption of energy-absorbing structures within the front bumper cover, grille and the leading edge of the bonnet.

Occupant Restraint

The new Corolla is equipped with up to seven SRS airbags; driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, twin-chamber front side airbags and full-length side curtain shield airbags. Esteem and Prestige variants come standard with driver and front passenger airbags as well as side airbags. The Sprinter and Exclusive grade models come with the full complement of airbags.

All front and rear seats feature three-point, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts. The ELR is designed to lock up the seatbelt when excessive load is applied over a preset value. Driver and front passenger seatbelts further benefit from a pre-tensioner and force limiter function. During a collision, the force limiter fractionally reduces seatbelt tension to lower occupant chest impact forces.

The Corolla is fitted with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats to reduce whiplash injuries during rear end collisions. Should a rear impact of sufficient velocity occur, the seat structure allows the occupant’s upper body to sink backwards, matching the movement of the lower body to that of the head to reduce the risk of a whiplash injury.

An enhanced child restraint system allows for either the belt or ISO fixing of a wide range of seats for children of all ages.

Braking and Stability Control Systems

The new Corolla’s servo assisted, next-generation ABS braking system features new, 277 mm ventilated front discs and 270 mm solid rear discs.  The front brake pads have been upgraded to combine more effective performance with a reduction in NVH under operation.

The braking system incorporates a new, compact and lightweight design of brake actuator, a new master cylinder, low-expansion brake hoses and a link-type brake pedal with a reduced pedal stroke for enhanced response and feel.

The vehicle is equipped, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) incorporating Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are available as standard on Sprinter and Exclusive models, and an improved Hill Start Assist Control is fitted to these vehicles equipped with VSC. It now operates brakes for maximum 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal to avoid rolling back on an incline.

EBD ensures that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions. By preventing the wheels from locking, ABS helps to maintain sure-footed stability during cornering and braking.

BA detects sudden or ‘panic’ braking and adds pressure if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking.

TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car’s wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels spins, it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.

VSC (standard on Sprinter and Exclusive models) is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body yaw, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an excessive understeer or oversteer slide. The system restores stability by automatically adjusting engine output and applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, helping the driver to restore vehicle stability.

  1. Pricing, Warranty and Service Plan

 

1.3 Esteem                              –                                   R214 900

1.3 Prestige                             –                                   R232 900

 

1.4 D Esteem                          –                                   R237 900

1.4 D Prestige                         –                                   R249 900

 

1.6 Esteem                              –                                   R225 900

1.6 Prestige                             –                                   R241 900

1.6 Prestige Multidrive S         –                                   R252 900

1.6 Sprinter                             –                                   R248 900

 

1.8 Prestige                             –                                   R251 900

1.8 Exclusive                          –                                   R272 900

1.8 Exclusive Multidrive S      –                                   R283 900

 

The new Corolla benefits from a three-year/100,000km warranty and comes with a standard five-year/ 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km (including the 1.4 D). The new models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance, ensuring ultimate peace-of-mind motoring.

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