Toyota’s Indian line-up..

Everyone is talking about the success of Honda Civic, but they failed to notice Toyota Corolla is regaining its some of the lost ground. Toyota sells 1083 units of Corolla in March which is almost twice than its usual sales. But for the world’s NO 1 car maker which eyes 10% market share in one of the world’s largest growing market – India by 2010, this won’t be enough. Toyota plans to launch a C segment car ‘Vios’ which will take on Honda city and Maruti SX4. Toyota’s small car is also on the line. Toyota will also launch a new corolla to completely regain the lost glory. The only short come with the existing corolla is it has a generation ahead car – Honda Civic in its category. To make the Toyota lovers happy, it will launch the 10^th generation/2007 corolla in India soon. Let’s see what can we expect from the new corolla?

Engine and Powertrain:

The new corolla will get much torqueier 165Nm at 4200 rpm 1.8L engine and the new corolla will have a 1.6L dual VVTi (Variable Valve Timing Intelligence) and a new 2.0L CRDi engine. The 1.6L corolla will be positioned between Maruti’s SX4 and Honda Civic. The 1.6L engine pumps out a maximum power output is 124 hp at 6,000 rpm while the dual VVT-i technology ensures a remarkably constant torque output for a petrol engine, peaking at 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm. The new CRDi engine which develops 125bhp might be used to position the new corolla between soon to be launched Ford’s new Fiesta and Hyundai’s new Elantra diesel. If diesel corolla is launched this will be Toyota’s Diesel foray in India. Derived from the Toyota’s much successful 2.2L diesel engine, the new 2.0L diesel engine delivers 126 hp with a constant torque output of 300 Nm from 2,000 to 2,800 rpm. This means outstanding mid-range in-gear performance for maximum driving pleasure. For better emission control self- cleaning particulate filter is also available with this diesel engine. A conventional five-speed manual gearbox will be available with both petrol engines and for the 1.4-litre diesel a six-speed manual may be offered.

Styling and Design:

Exteriors:

The all-new Corolla is distinctive and different and it will be good even when viewed from a distance. Its low and wide stance (because of increased front and rear track) creates a sporty and dynamic look that is enhanced by the clear character lines and complex surface structures. While offering customers the traditional benefits of a classic three-box configuration, the new Corolla achieves more of a one-form style by moving the base of the A-pillar forward and integrating the trunk space within the slope of the rear pillars.

photos:new corolla front/rear/existing corolla rear

In side profile it is clear that the new corolla is not a hatchback with a trunk added as an afterthought – indeed the sleek, dynamic look is further enhanced by the increased overall length, low roof profile and slim pillars.

From the rear the new corolla looks almost the same as the existing corolla except for rear spoiler and aerodynamic panel beneath the rear bumper. The tail gate now gets the body colour.

Interiors:

In comparison with the current model, the overall height of the new Corolla (1,470 mm) remains unchanged while interior space and headroom increased through clever packaging. The result is the new corolla has more shoulder, hip room and very comfortable seat height. The upper surface of the dashboard has been lowered to create a sense of roominess and the panel is fully integrated into the relaxed curve of the high quality door trim to create an almost seamless surround. But American journals criticize Toyota for not giving enough space for tall drivers – pedals are too close, front passenger leg room also is not appreciable.

photos:LHD corolla passenger/Driver/instrument panel

In the rear, the new corolla is as good as existing one, the space for the rear passengers are very good and is enhanced by minimizing the backseat floor hump(by making the front muffler and catalytic converter into one unit) to create flat-surfaced legroom, enabling three adults to sit in the rear comfortably.

Safety and Engineering:

Safety is embedded form the design rather than incorporating active and passive features. One of the design targets of the new Corolla was to reduce both accident repair times and costs. To help achieve this, the radiator core and air-conditioning condenser have been designed to move backwards in a collision rather than absorb the impact. The radiator support along with the front and rear bumper reinforcements are bolted on rather than welded and headlights have breakable and replaceable brackets so the headlight can be reused. Safety features including front air bags air bags, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, which operate in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system, may be offered as standard.

Independent Macpherson’s front suspension and non independent suspension at the rear is offered for the new corolla. Disc brakes for all wheels and Engine speed sensible power assisted steering to control the new corolla. Even in western markets, there are voices criticizing the price of the new corolla and hence we shall wait and watch how and to what extent the trims are made for the Indian corolla.

What can we expect?

The new corolla is expected to be launched by the end of this year or in early 2008. The corolla one of the world’s successful car is upgraded in a nice manner. Its superb design and nice engineering makes it truly the next generation car. But 2007 new corolla has added more points only on its strength, the weakness more or less remains the same the poor driver’s space and ride and handling characteristics is also been not welcomed in western markets. But if Toyota makes some of this right while raising the suspension for the Indian model, Don’t miss the most reliable car you can pick anywhere in the world.