2019 Toyota Corolla sedan – 12th-gen makes its debut

2019 Toyota Corolla sedan – 12th-gen makes its debut

The wraps have officially come off the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan. The twelfth-generation C-segment model has made its global debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show in two variants – Prestige and Sporty (the latter sold in China as the Levin), with the US version also being announced simultaneously.

Underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, the Corolla has been unified globally for this generation. The China Corolla measures in at 4,640 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and 1,435 mm tall, making it 10 mm longer, five mm wider and 45 mm lower than the old car. The wheelbase remains at 2,700 mm long.

The sedan’s exterior design is based along ‘shooting robust’ lines, which the automaker says presents a sporty silhouette, complemented by a lower stance and wider tread than its predecessor. Front overhang has been shortened, while that for the rear has been increased. Aside from the lowered ride height, the engine is also mounted lower, resulting in the bonnet height being reduced by 3.5 cm to improve forward visibility.

2019 Toyota Corolla sedan – 12th-gen makes its debut

Toyota Corolla sedan, US version.

On the US version, the front end presentation varies by model grade, with the sportiest faces incorporating a body-coloured chin spoiler and aero-stabilising fins. Front headlights are of the bi-beam LED variety, and LED rear lamps are standard across the model range, the type and style again varying by model grade, with sporty grades featuring smoked outer light lenses. An adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) is also on the list.

The interior design, meanwhile, showcases elements drawn from a ‘sensuous minimalism’ concept, offering a clean, sleek and refined look. Inside, the automaker says that the cabin materials and elements in the new Corolla have been carefully selected for consistency and their aesthetic quality, with high-gloss materials paired with matte elements to accentuate a premium look and feel.

Interior colour schemes include several two-tone accents, with choices being a black/blue combination (black, with blue highlights) as well as Moonstone (light grey, with dark grey highlights) and Macadamia, a cream shade.

Gaps have also been minimised between buttons and switches to offer a tauter look, and the instrument panel has been lowered. Along with a reconfigured lower beltline, slimmer A-pillars and repositioned side view mirrors, these changes have improved outward visibility and created a much airier cabin.

Seating has also been revised. Aside from a configuration that lowers the driver’s hip point and shifts it rearward, sportier versions get a new front seat design featuring a unique shape, with broad shoulder supports and a headrest nestling into the shoulder area, while seat material on higher grades feature the use of SofTex synthetic leather.

The air-conditioning system has also been redesigned to be more efficient and effective. Highlights include an innovative twin-layer recirculation/fresh air induction unit, which in colder climates will automatically send dehumidified fresh air to the upper cabin to reduce glass fogging while promoting recirculation of warm cabin air in lower areas of the cabin.

2019 Toyota Corolla sedan – 12th-gen makes its debut

The new car is also quieter, the reduction in NVH achieved through increased use of sound-absorbing materials, including Thinsulate, sealants, foams and silencers. The TNGA structure also features additional seals in its body panel gaps to insulate noise penetration and enhance air-sealing performance.

As standard, the Corolla sedan comes equipped with a 4.2-inch thin film transistor (TFT) multi-info display (MID) in the instrument cluster, though there’s a larger seven-inch MID available as an option. As for the central unit, this is a high-resolution eight-inch multimedia touchscreen for higher spec models, with the baseline unit a seven-inch touchscreen. Also available is a 10-inch head-up display.

On the US Corolla sedan, a six-speaker audio system is standard fit, with a 800 watt JBL nine-speaker available on higher-spec models. There’s Qi wireless device charging available as an option, and there’s no shortage of connected services for the Corolla, varying only in their availability depending on the market.

In the US, items on the list will include Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa cloud-based voice service compatibility and Wi-Fi Connect. In China, the new models will come standard with an onboard Data Communication Module (DCM), an integral component of Toyota Connected, and European customers will get relevant services for the region.

A number of powertrain options will be available for the Corolla sedan globally, including the automaker’s new 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engine, the M20A-FKS. The US will get the new mill, which offers 169 hp at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,800, along with the 2ZR-FAE 1.8 litre unit carried over from before, but with performance improvements.

Europe, meanwhile, will get two powertrain options – a 130 hp 1.6 litre petrol mill and a 1.8 litre self-charging hybrid system, which offers 121 hp. Hybrids are set to feature strongly, with the automaker saying that hybrid models will be newly introduced in more than 90 markets globally.

Available transmissions are a new Direct-Shift CVT equipped with a simulated 10-speed sequential shiftmatic and an all-new six-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission), the latter featuring downshift rev-matching control and the promise of improved shift feel, which should no doubt delight those into sticks.

Mechanical upgrades over the previous iteration include a switch from a torsion beam setup in the rear suspension to a multi-link configuration. The front MacPherson strut layout has also been totally revised for this platform, and the Corolla also gets newly-developed shock absorbers, all aimed at improving ride and handling aspects.

Standard safety kit – on the US-spec Corolla – includes eight airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, EBD and brake assist. The American Corolla sedan will also come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 fitted as standard. Kit on this one includes a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane departure alert with steer assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beam and road sign assist.

2019 Toyota Corolla sedan – 12th-gen makes its debut

The initial line up will present the car in Sporty and Prestige forms. The Sporty model, which features a keener, energetic look, will be sold in North America, China (as the Levin), Japan and other countries/regions, while the Prestige model – which offers a high-end appearance – will make its way to Europe and China (as the Corolla) on top of selected countries. Wheel sizes offered for the car will range from 16- to 18-inch units.

Sales in the United States and Europe are set to begin in the first quarter of 2019, and the Corolla sedan will gradually be rolled out in more than 150 countries, including China, after mid-2019. In Japan, sales of the new sedan and wagon models are slated for sometime within 2019.

GALLERY: 2019 Toyota Corolla/Levin sedan, China version

GALLERY: 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan, US version

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Anthony Lim

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

 

Comments

  • John Minum Teh 8X on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Wow, the world’s best selling car has got even better. This car comes to Malaysia will sell like hot cakes. No wonder our regular Toyota bashers here, john and Mario and Bros are hiding today.

    They don’t know where to hide their face. Toyota is still No 1 in the world for a reason….quality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 45
    • HRH YB Albert on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:47 pm

      Any car that UMW distributes….remember….PREMIUM PRICING sets in.
      Even a cheaper Perodua or proton given to UMW to distribute,u can bet they will mark up cukup cukup to please their masters,PNB.Now is year end..u know…the pressure to give dividends is accelerating.So NEVER expect cheaper cars from UMW.It is just impossible.
      Remember,PREMIUM PRICING may not equate with VALUE FOR MONEY.In fact,carlovers are getting ripped off without realising how these vultures operate.Ah long also take their hats off for these premium pricing specialists.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 42 Thumb down 4
    • John Minum Teh 8X Penipu on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      Toyota fanboy detected. You put the same quote as what you are saying here

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
    • asali on Nov 16, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Reaching No 1 is the easy bit, staying there is the hard part …

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
    • dino toyo on Nov 19, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      This “new” toyota will come with the “tested and proven” 4 speed auto with super ECT automatic transmission and VVTi engine. Comes standard with 2 airbags. Base version 1 air bag. pssstt..early batch has no VSC, maybe it might be there in the facelift version. Enjoy a “powerful” drive with super smooth transmission. go and book one now quickly.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Don't Cry For Me John (Argentina) on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:35 am

    Toyota Cars in Malaysia still have the best RV. Buy this car brand new 2019 RM120k. 2 years later 2021 still can sell for RM90k

    Buy Proton X70 for RM100k in 2019. 2 years later in 2021, sell RM45k also very lucky to get

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 19
    • Safety First on Nov 16, 2018 at 7:02 pm

      Buy X70, can live to 2021 and see the real RV. Buy Corolla, high chance won’t live til 2020 so high RV in 2021 also no point.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
    • Nosushi on Nov 17, 2018 at 8:30 pm

      Nowadays jepunis cars got same same value with local cars descreasing summore

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Kakaka on Nov 18, 2018 at 8:23 am

      Toyota SA sudah goyang, who wants to sell car in 2 years? Pipu change cars every 2 years kah? Kahkahkah

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Mohd Shah Nasikon on Mar 30, 2019 at 7:28 pm

      That means those who bought X70 has bigger balls

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Big brother of keli but still the same species.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • Geely vs Proton??? Which should I buy? on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Toyota Corolla sold in 150 countries

    Geely 98% sold in China only. Rejected completely by First World countries.

    Which should I buy? Should I buy a car that is accepted in 150 countries and is the Top seller in all First World countries

    Or

    Should I buy a car that is 98% sold in China only?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 13
    • Safety First on Nov 16, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      If you have more money than sense, why not? The rest of the population don’t share your sentiments though.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Sam “Hailat” Loo on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Yuck…!!! Just a bigger version of Vios, with Chinese DNA in it… Eww…!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 13
  • lilytan on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:44 am

    Wow handsome Prince is Back

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • pakcik on Nov 16, 2018 at 11:49 am

    Now everyone can afford a camry :p

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • what’s new?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • benzs on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    Impressed me? Mayb. But hardly compete with others

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Road Killer Machine (R.K.M) on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    Front looks nice but rear looks a bit dull and a bit old fashioned in my opinion. Nevertheless, it’s a nice looking car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Digidigi on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Alamak, the iPad on centre console look so weird

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Ah beng Level 2 on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    Alamak..so ugly esp the North American version..all Ah Beng vely sad today

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • Sohai (not ori) on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    The hatchback front end looks so much better…time to go booking Civic nw, soli Toyota u messed up, the ori 2014 model still looks the best followed by the FL

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • Toyota Salesman on Nov 16, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    What about the heart of car ? Any hints ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Please bring here…we love TOYOTA:)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • Mason on Nov 16, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    Nice move toyota. But why a conservative rear? Let us wait for mazda3 debut end of nov to decide the winner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Altis on Nov 16, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Nice interior, but exterior just so so. .. still look uncle ish like the current model. Civic looks sleeker .
    Will the new altis sales beat Civic? have to depend on the pricing & specs given by UMW.. lol.. don’t disappoint us!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
  • I thought its a honda city facelift

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Low2215 on Nov 16, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    Umw will price it at 150k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • sar buy dee my on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    bangkok taxi replacement model soon.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • albag on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    so the 70’s TV set is back to modern car interior again

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    Looks good TBH. Toyota has gotten it’s mojo back. I prefer this over the Civic and same goes for the Camry over the Accord.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
  • bonanza on Nov 16, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Any official 0-100km/h in sec figure?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • I prefer the US version than the China version. But I prefer the hatch version than the sedan tho. Civic is already boring (except for Type R), Corolla has gotten out of it’s boring dull looks and the Mazda 3 just keeps on getting better imo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • grgrgrgrgrggrgrgr on Dec 19, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      那就去吧,你们这些穷逼的马来落后国
      等我们中国人来收拾你们马来落后猪

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 10
  • john laughing like newborn baby on Nov 16, 2018 at 3:51 pm

    Superb and sleek design! I am sure UMW will give a superb sky price with modern features and engine absent.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • wait for the new mazda 3

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Very uninformative article for the Malaysian car buyer, as usual. So does the petrol China model have the same look as the the one shown with ‘Corolla Hybrid’ plate? Which one is coming to Malaysia? US model or China Hybrid model or Petrol China model or another model which is not shown here?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Malaysia still opting the 1 decade old 2.5 engine sigh

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Pakulupapito on Nov 16, 2018 at 5:17 pm

    Love the interior. Sleeker compared to the new Mazda 3 leak photo which seems over designed. But as usual, Malaysian will not get this Corolla. We will get the lite version, the diet coke of corolla, the kurang manis version named Altis.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Normal Guy on Nov 16, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    Paultan is doing a good job to stick to what it does best: auto related news. Unlike some sites who have been doing tech stuff started to write about auto.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Tun F on Nov 16, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    Generation after generation… Still similar looks with the predecessor models….. What is wrong with Toyota’s designer??? Sack the designer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Rear sucks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • KWAN CHON FAI on Mar 12, 2019 at 9:26 pm

    May i know when is this model on sales in Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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