2020 Toyota Corolla - All You Need To Know

Toyota’s most loved model Corolla has been overhauled for the UAE and other GCC countries. Existing since 1966, Toyota has sold over 47 million units of the sedan globally.

The latest update brings in some new elements to the model that has gone under the knife several times during its long product span. It gets a new hybrid variant, some additional features, and other styling tweaks, that promise to keep it abreast competitors in the crowded segment.

Here’s a look at what’s new in the 2020 Toyota Corolla and everything else you need to consider if you plan to buy it.

2020 Toyota Corolla exterior-

Toyota Corolla has evolved in terms of design over the years, surpassing its predecessor with each update. The latest iteration of the sedan is based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that provides a lower centre of gravity and more rigidity.

Halogen headlamps are standard save for the top-spec hybrid GLI HEV grade, which sports LED units at the front and LED combination lamp at the rear. Save for the base variants, the rest of the range feature chrome door handles and window molding for a premium look. Body-colored door mirrors with power adjusting and integrated side indicators, wireless door lock, etc. are standard exterior fitments.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla color option, include - grey metallic, silver metallic, beige metallic, red mica metallic, black mica, white pearl, super white II, and celestite grey metallic.

• Front fog lamps are bereft in the base 1.6-litre XLI and XLI HEV grades
• The 15-inch steel wheels are restricted to the entry-level 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre HEV variants
• Alloy wheels are available from 1.6-litre GLI
• Only the top-spec hybrid variant comes with chunky 17-inch alloy units
• Rear trunk spoiler is missing in the base 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre HEV trims
• The daytime running lights can be had only with the range-topping GLI HEV trim

Given below are 2020 Toyota Corolla dimensions -

Measurements	New Toyota Corolla
Length	4,630 mm
Width	1,780 mm
Height	1,435 mm
Wheelbase	2,700 mm

 

Does the new Toyota Corolla get a sunroof?

Ans. Yes, the new Toyota Corolla gets a sunroof on the top-spec GLI hybrid variant only.

2020 Toyota Corolla interior

The insides of the latest generation Toyota Corolla are spacious with generous room for occupants at both the ends. Similarly, the cargo room is ample for storing luggage. While the cabin looks plush and features a host of comfort tech, the use of hard plastic in some areas is a let-down.

In comparison to the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre variants, the hybrid version is more feature-rich. However, the entire range misses out on a contemporary infotainment system compatible with new-age connectivity bits that are mostly offered with models across segments.

• The Toyota Corolla interior is built on a long wheelbase of 2,700 mm
• The automatic air conditioner is offered only with the hybrid variants, while the conventionally powered Corolla trims make do with a manual unit
• The standard interior kit consists of fabric seats, electric power steering, central door locking, a multi-information display and cooler rear duct
• A 4.2-inch display, push-start button, and wireless charger come with the 1.6-litre GLI. These features are also available with the hybrid version
• Features such as floor mats, central door locking, eco/sport drive mode, etc. are some additional bits available with the 2.0-litre version
• The hybrid variants in the line-up additionally get eco/power/EV drive modes. A 7-inch information display is reserved for the GLI HEV only
• Audio system with AM/FM/CD/AUX/USB/Bluetooth, speakers and steering wheel audio control is standard across carline. A 7-inch display is missing in the 2.0-litre version

What connectivity features come with the audio system in the new Toyota Corolla?

Ans. The audio system in the 2020 Toyota Corolla includes speakers, steering mounted controls, Bluetooth connectivity, AUX-in, USB port, etc. It, however, misses out on new-age bits, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2020 Toyota Corolla specification

Toyota Corolla specs sheet tells it is available with two fossil-fuel engines and a hybrid set-up that has been recently added to the line-up. The base 1.6-litre engine can be had in two variants with a CVT gearbox. The four-cylinder motor emanates 121 hp of power along with 15.7 kg/m torque.

A more powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder is available in a single variant. On the other hand, the hybrid variants in the line-up feature a 1.8-litre, four-pot powertrain that works in conjunction with a hybrid set-up.

• All the engines in the line-up are linked to a CVT gearbox
• These engines adhere to Euro IV emission norms
• With a power output of 168 hp, the 2.0-litre unit is the most powerful of all three engines
• While the base 1.6-litre engine and the 1.8-litre hybrid set-up is available with two variants each, the 2.0-litre motor is offered in a single variant
• The hybrid variants get two electric motors along with the 1.8-litre engine
• The combined power for the hybrid version stands at 121 hp and 14.5 to 16.6 kg-m torque

New Toyota Corolla specs table -

Engine	1.6-litre, 4-cylinder in-line	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, in-line engine	1.8-litre, four-cylinder, in-line (2ZR-FXE)
Power	121 hp at 6,000 rpm	168 hp at 6,600 rpm	96.5 hp
Torque	15.7 kgm at 5,200 rpm	20.4 kgm at 4,500 rpm	14.48 kgm
Transmission	CVT	Direct Shift CVT	CVT

 

Which is the most fuel-efficient engine of all the three units available with the updated Corolla?

Ans. The 1.8-litre engine available with the hybrid variants is the most fuel-efficient engine of the three available units. It is claimed to deliver 27.6 kmpl in ideal conditions. While the 1.6-litre base engine can return up to 18.2 kmpl and the 2.0-litre motor is claimed to offer 19.8 kmpl.

2020 Toyota Corolla variants

The new Toyota Corolla range comprises of three engines, the base 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre, and the 1.8-litre units. The 1.6-litre engine is available in two variants-XLI and GLI, while the 2.0-litre motor can be had in a single XLI grade. On the other, the hybrid version is available with a 1.8-litre unit in XLI HEV and GLI HEV variants.

• The 1.6L XLI variant comes bereft of alloy wheels and chrome finishing on the outside. Front fog lamps, smart keyless entry, and rear trunk spoiler have also been left out
• On the inside, the XLI lacks 60:40 split-folding function for the rear seat, push start button, and wireless charger
• The 2.0-litre XLI variant features 16-inch alloy wheels, floor mats, central door locking, eco/sport drive mode, etc.
• Daytime running lights and a sunroof are reserved for the hybrid variants only

2020 Toyota Corolla price

Toyota has priced the new Corolla from 71, 900 AED to 79,900 AED for the conventionally powered variants. The Corolla price tag for hybrid variants is relatively higher from 83,900 AED onwards. Here is the complete price list -

Toyota Corolla 1.6 XLi	AED 71,900 to 72,000
Toyota Corolla 1.6 GLi	AED 78,900 to 79,000
Toyota Corolla 2.0 XLi	AED 77,900 to 78,000
Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XLi	AED 83,900
Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid GLi	AED 95,900

2020 Toyota Corolla safety features

Toyota has armed new Corolla with a plethora of active and passive safety features. It gets an anti-lock-braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, an anti-theft system with immobilizer, vehicle stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, etc.

Cruise control is also part of the standard safety suite, and so is hill start assist control. Airbags are equipped in front for both driver and co-passenger, and ISOFIX mounts are provided for child seats. Fog lamps at the back are standardized, though base 1.6 XLi and 1.8 hybrid XLi do not get the rearview camera.

• The 2.0-litre grade misses out on the rear view camera, which is available only with the top-spec 1.6 and 1.8 hybrid variants
• Along with dual front airbags, the Corolla range also benefits from side airbags

What are the crash test ratings for Toyota Corolla?

Ans. The Toyota Corolla was crash tested by EuroNCAP, and it was awarded an excellent five-star rating in adult protection.

2020 Toyota Corolla competition

Toyota’s longstanding premium sedan has carved a niche in the UAE market. However, regular updates ensure it keeps abreast among rivals. The executive sedan segment has grown in size, with new models being launched over the years.

Talking of rivals, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra are some of the popular names in this space that pose a threat to it.

Is Toyota Corolla an affordable model compared to rivals?

Ans. The Toyota Corolla is an expensive model compared to the rivals mentioned above.

Which is a more powerful option, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic?

Ans. Out of the two models, Honda Civic powered by the 1.5TC I4 FWD is the more powerful option. The engine produces 12 hp more power than Corolla’s 2.0-litre engine at 180 hp.

Verdict

With the addition of the new hybrid version, Toyota Corolla joins the league of several other models offered with a hybrid set-up in the UAE market. Another significant change is the improved styling that gives it a cusp in the crowded segment. It is roomier on the inside and packs a host of comfort features. While the infotainment system now features a 7-inch display unit, it still misses out on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

The sedan sees improvement on several fronts with the latest update; however, the cargo volume is a bit tight, and lack of cubby holes pinch a bit. Overall, Toyota Corolla is a great option in the segment though pricing is on a higher side.

Also Read: Toyota Corolla - Top 5 features