It’s here, the 12th generation Toyota Corolla debuts in a natural progression of the Corolla lineage with improved looks, a new TNGA platform, and an optional 2.0L dynamic force engine.
This is a very important car for Toyota in America, one that arguably Toyota built its reputation on for more than 50 years, and now, there’s a new one. As per Toyota in an official press release they dropped earlier today (Nov. 15, 2018) they’ve carefully pulled out all the stops with this 12th generation Corolla making it a more dynamic, powerful, efficient, and safer sedan than its predecessor. In a segment all its own that’s built itself on, more or less, staying the same, this is a big step forward for Corolla, one that should pay dividends in sales.
Introducing the all new re-imagined and reconfigured 2020 Toyota #Corolla. https://t.co/JUHfZ1TPHo pic.twitter.com/YY7wEf0lY4
— Toyota USA (@Toyota) November 16, 2018
The elephant in the room is that the base engine remains about the same, the same 1.8L engine from last year. Toyota says they’ve tweaked the 2ZR-FAE for more power and fuel efficiency so expect the base engine to put out 138 HP and 133 lb-ft, a marginal improvement from last year. Currently, the Corolla gets 30 city/ 40 highway so look for those numbers to improve by one.
Optional on certain trim levels is Toyota 2.0L Dynamic Force direct injection engine with 169 HP and 151 lb-ft which should add some much-needed grunt to this sedan.
Paired to either engine is a CVT standard with an optional 6-speed manual. God bless you, Toyota for saving the manuals.
The jury is still out on how good the twelfth generation Toyota Corolla looks like with its large cheese grater front grill and slim squint headlights but it’s certainly not boring to look at. The rear end styling is bold yet understated, a welcome change from the previous generation. Overall, the styling is inoffensive, a hallmark of Corolla.
Big news and sort of a no-brainer that everyone saw coming is improved handling thanks to Toyota’s all-new Toyota New Global Architecture that first debuted on the Corolla hatch. That means this chassis should be exceptionally more dynamic and engaging than Corollas before, returning to the fun roots the Corolla was once known for.
Toyota says this new TNGA platform is high strength thanks to more ultra-high strength steel in key places, 60 percent more torsional rigidity than its predecessor.
Gone is the torsion beam setup outback as Toyota welcomes a new multi-link rear suspension out back. Dampers have been tuned for dynamic handling and stability.
Standard on all Toyota Corolla’s is Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0.
If you’re really hankering for this new Corolla, you won’t have to wait too long as they arrive in dealerships in Spring 2019.
Source: Toyota
