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2020 Toyota Corolla: need to know

A car known for being safe and reliable now has other attributes: More style and technology
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The SE is the image car for the Corolla brand, with its extra trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. It also gets the more powerful four-cylinder engine. Photo: Toyota

More than 46 million Toyota Corollas have been sold since the nameplateÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s beginnings in the 1960s, making it the most popular one in automotive history.

That means thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s constant pressure on Toyota to keep the ball moving forward in terms of comfort, reliability, and resale value.

The new 12th-generation Corolla sedan, which joins the new-for-2019 Corolla Hatchback, might not be the sharpest-looking sled on the block, or the quickest, but itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s special for other reasons. The Corolla is ideal for people who donÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t want to think about how the car works, but believe it will work faithfully and safely well past the powertrain warranty stage and/or the monthly loan or lease commitment.

The 2020 model does however shed much of its previous design frumpiness, including a nose that keeps faith with ToyotaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s signature open-mouth grille. A reduction of about 2.5 centimetres in body height Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” plus a hood thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 3.5 centimetres lower Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” means a noticeably sleeker silhouette. More curves and creases elsewhere give the Corolla a much-needed character injection.

The adoption of ToyotaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s latest TGNA platform hasnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t resulted in any increases to the CorollaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s length, width, trunk volume or distance between the front and rear wheels, but the available powertrains now sit slightly closer to the ground, which means a lower centre of gravity. As well, a new independent rear suspension replaces the previous torsion-beam unit and is claimed to improve both handling and ride comfort.

A redesigned dashboard includes a tablet-style touch screen, larger floor console and armrest, and better-quality trim and seat fabrics.

For 2020, there are three different powerplant choices for Corolla buyers to ponder. The base unit is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that basically carries over from 2019 and is rated at 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque.

Optional is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” standard issue in the Hatchback Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.8, while a continuously variable unit (CVT) is optional, but standard with the 2.0.

For the first time, the Corolla can be ordered with a hybrid system thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s similar to whatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s used in the Toyota Prius. Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (with a CVT) combines with a pair of electric motors to produce 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque.

As with the Prius, the Corolla HybridÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s battery pack is located beneath the rear seat (and not within the trunk) so thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s no reduction in storage space with the seatback in place or folded flat.

Best-fuel-economy honours go to the Hybrid with 4.5 l/100 km in combined city-highway driving. That trounces the next-best 2.0-litre four-cylinder model that earns a rarting of 6.7 l/100 km (combined). Interestingly, the base 1.8/CVT is a bit thirstier at 7.1 l/100 km, combined.

The base Corolla L starts at $19,800, including destination fees. That gets you fleet-level basics, a seven-inch touch-screen with navigation, and ToyotaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Safety Sense suite of dynamic safety technologies.

The LE trim comes with an eight-inch touch screen, automatic climate control, premium fabric upholstery and up-level interior trim. The SE gets a unique grille and rocker-panel trim, paddle shifters for the CVT, and 18-inch alloy wheels (smaller steelies for the L and LE). YouÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ll pay a bit more for the SE, but you get the 2.0-litre engine plus sport-type front seats with more side bolstering.

The XLE comes with a power moonroof, adaptive headlights (pivoting left and right as you turn), heated front seats and a premium JBL-brand audio package. The top-rung XSE receives most of the SEÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s content (including the more powerful engine with normal and sport driving modes) plus a premium sound system.

Note that the Hybrid costs $3,000 more than the comparably equipped non-hybrid LE.

As a cornerstone vehicle for Toyota, thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a lot riding on any Corolla redesign, and perhaps more so in the face of a declining small-car market. After more than 46 million vehicles sold, reliability is perhaps a given for the Corolla. This time around thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s greater emphasis on style and powertrain technology, further enticement for buyers to join the club.

What you should know: 2020 Toyota Corolla

Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive compact sedan

Engines (h.p.): 1.8-litre DOHC I-4, (139); 2.0-litre DOHC I-4 (169) 1.8-litre DOHC I-4 plus electric motor (121 net)

Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT); six-speed manual (opt.)

Market position: The worldÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s best-selling automobile brand has a history of success spanning five decades. With each successive generation, the CorollaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s reputation as a trusted and trouble-free conveyance has remained intact.

Points: Much improved in the looks department. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ New interior treatments and a modern-design touch screen should help bolster interest. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Available 169-horsepower 2.0-litre engine is quite an improvement over the underwhelming base 1.8. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ For more space, the Hatchback is a viable alternative. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ An all-wheel-drive option is rumoured to be on the way.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (std.); emergency braking (std.); pedestrian detection (std.)

BY COMPARISON

Mazda3

Base price: $19,800

High-style model is available in sedan or hatchback with up to 186 h.p on tap.

Kia Forte

Base price: $18,950

Great style, roomy interior and standard 147-h.p. engine make it a fun ride.

Volkswagen Jetta

Base price: $21,300

The PassatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s junior relation has a punchy turbo I-4. GLI version can really hustle.

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today!

-written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

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The SE can be ordered with a manual transmission and is the sporty member of the family with more supportive seats. Photo: Toyota
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With the available seven-inch screen at the centre of the gauge display, the driver can switch between analog and digital speedometer styles. Photo: Toyota
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The CorollaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s dashboard really shows how far this entry-level model has come, even in the last decade. Now, designers go for style as much as function, but that certainly wasnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t always the case. Note how few buttons there are, other than on the steering wheel. Photo: Toyota


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