corolla 2010

The Toyota Corolla range the world’s most popular car, with millions sold worldwide since 1966.

Significantly, this model unites the world’s Corollas, Toyota no longer building different versions for Japan, Europe, Americia and Australasia. New model body-styles include a saloon and hatchback , and the estate makes a welcome return from a seven year absence.

The Corolla’s contemporary European styling will help it against stiff competition from the Opel Astra – built in Belgium – and the Nissan Pulsar, its biggest challengers in the small car class. There’s also a smattering of Toyota hand-me-downs in the look, most noticeable is the headlight and grille shape, similar to the Echo compact car.

Corolla is built on the current Celica platform to keep costs down, which is why you’ll find a re-tuned version of the Celica’s 1.8 litre alloy four cylinder engine under the bonnet, driving the front wheels through either a five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission.

Toyota claims significant improvements in performance and economy over the outgoing Corolla model, largely due to the new engine, which features variable valve timing technology. Toyota is quick to point out that not only is “100kW in all models” a first for Corolla, but it is a first for the small car market.

Add to this a weight saving of around 37kg on all models, and it’s easy to see where the extra performance has come from. Factory testing suggests a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds.

Corolla’s new body is also more aerodynamic, which, along with the lighter weight and new engine, decrease fuel consumption by an average of 10-15 percent across the range.

Driving dynamics should also benefit from Celica hand-me-downs. It shares the same 2600mm wheelbase, as well as front and rear suspension basics. The MacPherson strut front suspension has been altered for better steering response, while changes to the damping and the addition of a front stabilizer bar should control body roll better in corners.

The rear suspension is a trailing torsion beam axle, which Toyota chose to save weight and reduce intrusion into the body. An inherent advantage of the torsion beam setup is reduced camber changes during cornering, which means more rear grip.

Corolla’s lighter body is also stronger, with careful attention paid to improve the crash worthiness of the body structure. On top of that, Toyota claims Corolla is the first car in its class with side airbags standard.

Toyota claims the new Corolla is now easier than ever to get into and out of, largely due to bigger doors, and a higher hip point

The new cabin is two toned for a feeling of space, comfort and style. Improvements to the fit and finish around the doors, along with better trim joins and thicker door fabric add a touch of quality to the Corolla’s interior. Improvements under the skin in the shape of double layered sound insulation should decrease cabin noise levels.