Better looking, better handling and better performance… And it is called Auris in Europe and Japan.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Aug 20, 2012
2013 Toyota Corolla Hatch (European Auris Hybrid shown) - $21,523 to start in Japan (with taxes) and Fuel Economy of 37.6 mpgUS on the JC08 or ~ 30 mpgUS combined at most on our own EPA???
Toyota has taken the wraps off its new Corolla hatch, revealing a sleek, sporty new look for the latest generation of the world's best-selling car. The Corolla went on sale in Japan today, just two months ahead of its local unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
Exterior
Toyota says this is the new "Smart Dynamism" design theme. A protruding character lines and deeply contoured fenders created by the distinctive shape of the profile are eerily Elantra like but stay above the door handles and heads straight back into the taillights. Close wheel to well fittings are standard fare and the rear corner window appears Mazda3 like in profile.
The vehicle dimensions were modified (length increased 1.2 in and height reduced 2.2 in.) to create a low center of gravity with more interior room.
2013 Toyota Corolla/Auris hatch exterior.
From the low quality shots, it appears to be a standard Toyota misstep but we’ll have to wait and see as the description sounds a lot better. A panoramic glass roof is also available as an option.
The seats were lowered 1.6 in for a lower driving position and the steering wheel angle was modified to enhance the feel of sporty driving ala Lexus GS.
The use of thin seat backs provides more legroom for the rear seats, and the larger cargo space is at the highest levels in its class at a measured 12.7 cu. ft. under the VDA method whatever that is?
Metallic surrounds at the door grips, audio controls, steering wheel and gear stick spiff it up a bit, And finally Toyota is listening as it appears they are going to install a cloth like woven headliner with the description of fabric covering on the front A pillar garnish. We will have to wait and see.
2013 Toyota Corolla/Auris Interior.
You can see new more modern designs but also the old stuff like a hard/harsh looking plastic radio bezel surround and lower center console.
Ride and Handling
The use of reinforced door openings increases body rigidity by 10 percent and creates a lower center of gravity for much needed improved stability when cornering. Overall vehicle weight has been reduced by up to 88 pounds depending on trim.
EPA features a modified gear ratio for improving steering response.
And a hope for the US is the Corolla hatch with the 1.8L has an honest to goodness double wishbone rear end improving not just handling but surely ride as well!
In Japan, a Sports Mode is available with 1.8L
CVT models. Improved engine response, quick acceleration and deceleration, and enhanced response during re-acceleration, increase the fun of driving.
In addition, G AI-Shift uses vehicle G-sensors to detect deceleration and turning force, enabling the AI to automatically downshift when entering a corner and to limit unnecessary up shifting when cornering.
The RS grade sports a 6-speed manual transmission with modified gear ratio and improved engine control for highly responsive acceleration. Features such as exclusive 16-inch disc brakes combined with special suspension tuning are designed to enhance the joy of driving.
The 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine that we will probably see in the US includes improved Valvematic (a continuously variable valve-life and valve-timing mechanism) and Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technologies, adjusted intake and exhaust valve timing, improved compression ratio, and lower friction to achieve better performance and fuel efficiency although at just 30 mpgUS combined on our own EPA, seems a bit low for a Corolla?
Safety
All Corolla/Auris models feature an omni-directional compatibility body structure that minimizes body deformation even in collisions with larger vehicles, and new features such as impact-absorbing hoods and bumpers that serve to minimize injuries afflicted on pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Optional (In Japan) SRS side and side curtain airbags as well as Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept seats and seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (rear seats) provide high safety performance.
Standard on all models, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) manages engine output and the brakes to maintain vehicle stability during vehicle skidding, and Traction Control (TRC) provides easy accelerator control to prevent wheel-spin when accelerating and starting from a stop. We will surely see the entire STAR safety system when it arrives here in the US.
Very Early Conclusions
From first glance it is the best looking Corolla in history. With the independently sprung rear end, Ride and Handling are guaranteed to be better than the loosey goosey current Corolla. A low Cd of just 0.28 and the 1.8L having more power should show better than the 30 mpgUS combined guesstimate. At least I hope so???
In Europe, they will receive the 1.8L powered hybrid, 1.33 and 1.6L conventional, and a 1.4L diesel. We'll hopefully see the hybrid and I can almost guarantee we will see the 1.8L conventional with a 6-speed stick and CVT.
Toyota is the world’s leading producer of C-segment cars, having sold more than 39 million Corolla’s in more than 140 countries since the introduction in 1966. Toyota is also the world’s leading manufacturer of full hybrid cars, with more than 4.3 million sold since the first generation Prius went on sale in Japan back in 1997.
More than 60,000 first generation Auris Hybrid have been sold since it joined the Toyota Europe model lineup in 2010, making it the second most successful hybrid model in Europe after the Prius.
Linear Mode
