Hybrid to be part of new Toyota Corolla sedan range

Teased not long ago, Toyota has revealed its new generation Corolla sedan at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, which will include a hybrid drivetrain for the first time when it launches in Australia in late 2019. Using the same TNGA platform as the Corolla hatchback, the Corolla sedan is likely to be more dynamic, technologically advanced and efficient than the car it replaces.

Likely to use a similar model lineup to the new Corolla hatchback with lan Ascent Sport at the bottom, SX in the middle and ZR at the top, the new Corolla sedan hybrid will likely be offered in each model spec and will join the new RAV4 in Toyota Australia’s expanded hybrid offerings.

Toyota Australia’s vice president sales and marketing Sean Hanley said Toyota is the only automotive company capable of offering such a broad choice of hybrid vehicles.

“Toyota is focused on expanding its hybrid range to appeal to customers who have different vehicle requirements – whether hatches, sedans and SUVs – but the same desire for solid performance with fewer visits to the petrol station,” Mr Hanley said.

“This new Corolla hybrid sedan is further evidence of Toyota’s indisputable global hybrid leadership, which began more than 20 years ago,” he said.

Stylistically similar to the Corolla hatchback, the Corolla sedan features a slightly revised front end with a higher badge placement than the hatchback and a wider mouth for a sportier stance. The rear is obviously different to the hatchback though, with a slightly more conservative style and larger windows for a more practical look.

Dimensionally similar to the model it replaces, the new Corolla sedan uses a 2,700mm long wheelbase and a wider track for greater roadholding. Using the same 125kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the Corolla hatchback and the upcoming Lexus UX small SUV, a six-speed manual and a 10-speed CVT automatic will be offered on Australian-spec models.

The Corolla sedan hybrid will likely use the same 90kW 1.8-litre petrol hybrid combination as the hatchback, though like the hatchback, a more powerful 134kW 2.0-litre hybrid version will be offered overseas. Like the hatchback, the sedan features a multi-link rear suspension set up to replace the current model’s torsion beam set up for superior ride quality and more engaging handling. Toyota says that using their TNGA platform makes the Corolla’s centre of gravity lower, which further enhances its handling.

The multi-link rear end also enhances the car’s practicality and allows Toyota to fit the nickle-metal hydride battery pack underneath the rear seat, which enhances the car’s available bootspace.

The new generation Toyota Corolla sedan will be launched in Australia in late 2019, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. While the current Corolla sedan and made in Thailand, it’s currently unknown as to where the next model will be built and pricing could increase as a result.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more news from the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.