Toyota has revealed the all-new Corolla saloon, completing a range that includes the hatchback and Touring Sports estate already shown off in recent weeks. Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla is set to return to the UK next Spring, replacing the Auris as Toyota’s C-segment model.
2020 TOYOTA COROLLA SALOON LOOKS SHARP
It will be the first time a Corolla saloon has been sold on these shores for almost 15 years, and Toyota expects it to appeal to young professionals and ex-Avensis owners. It will offer them “more prestigious styling, on-board space and comfort” according to Toyota, while the hatch is aimed at young couples and the Touring Sports estate at families.
A different front grille is its most striking design change, with horizontal slats and an elongated lower bumper. Sharp headlights and wide flanks with chrome detailing complete the purposeful and upmarket nose. The move to a traditional boot lid has caused Toyota to rethink the Corolla’s styling, adding wide rear lights connected by a chrome strip and a broad bumper.
Inside, the Corolla saloon has the same extended 2,700mm wheelbase as the estate, increasing legroom for passengers in the front and back seats, thanks to the flexibility of the TNGA GA-C platform. Technical highlights will include an eight-inch touchscreen, seven-inch multimedia cluster and 10-inch head-up display, along with wireless smartphone charging.
The saloon will be powered by Toyota’s 1.8-litre ‘selfcharging’ hybrid powertrain already seen in the Prius and C-HR, capable of 65.7mpg (WLTP), with CO2 emissions of 98g/km. According to Toyota’s testing, it predicts up to 50 per cent of a typical commute can be accomplished in all-electric drive, without having to plug the car into the mains or a charging post.
Unlike the UK-built Corolla hatchback and Touring Sports estate, the Corolla saloon will be built in Turkey alongside the C-HR crossover vehicle.
