2019 Toyota Corolla officially goes on sale in Japan – three body styles; 1.8 NA, 1.2 turbo, 1.8 hybrid

2019 Toyota Corolla officially goes on sale in Japan – three body styles; 1.8 NA, 1.2 turbo, 1.8 hybrid

The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla has been launched in Japan, and just like in Europe, three body styles will be offered there – Corolla (sedan), Corolla Touring (wagon; previously known as the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder) and the Corolla Sport (hatchback).

In its domestic home market, both the Corolla and Corolla Touring share the same front end as the Levin sold in China (we get the European look), while the Corolla Sport looks identical to hatchback versions of the C-segment model found in Europe and the United States.

Interestingly, the Corolla models sold in Japan feature a stylised “C” badge at its nose instead of a regular Toyota one, although you’ll still find the mark of the carmaker at the rear as well as on the wheel caps.

That’s not all, as the Japanese versions of the Corolla sedan and wagon have different dimensions from their international counterparts. In the case of the Corolla, it measures 4,495 mm long (-135 mm compared to overseas models), 1,745 mm (-35 mm), 1,435 mm tall (no change) and with a 2,640 mm wheelbase (-60 mm).

As for the Corolla Touring, it shares almost the same dimensions as its sedan sibling, although it is slightly taller at 1,460 mm. Compared to overseas models, the JDM wagon is 155 mm shorter in overall length, 45 mm narrower and has a wheelbase that is 60 mm shorter. There are no JDM-specific dimensions for the hatchback.

In terms of engine options, the range starts of with a 2ZR-FAE 1.8 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit (140 PS and 170 Nm), which is mated to a Super CVT-i with seven virtual speeds driving the front wheels. This powertrain is available only for the Corolla and Corolla Touring.

Next up, there’s the 8NR-FTS 1.2 litre turbocharged four-pot (116 PS and 185 Nm), which can be paired with either a Super CVT-i with ten virtual speeds or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT).

All models can get this engine with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission, but only the Corolla Sport is available with the CVT in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Lastly, Toyota offers a hybrid powertrain based on the Atkison-cycle 2ZR-FXE 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine (98 PS and 142 Nm), with a 53 PS/163 Nm electric motor and 6.5 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery. An e-CVT is the sole transmission here, with front-wheel drive available for all body styles, while all-wheel drive (E-Four) is limited to the Corolla and Corolla Touring.

Pricing for the Corolla in Japan starts from 1.936 million yen (RM74,844), and rises all the way to 2,997,500 yen (RM115,864).

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • seancorr (Member) on Sep 17, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    The 1.2 turbo is a surprise but it could do with a 1.5 turbo like the Civic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
    • Eusoff on Sep 17, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      The 1.2 turbo in much awaited JDM recond unit.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Ben Yap on Sep 18, 2019 at 9:35 am

      even if Toyota were to bring in the 1.2 turbo to malaysia, it cannot beat the civic turbo in performance wise. The civic will continue to dominate the market with might. even the more powerful Elantra turbo has been discontinued here. With all the praises from car reviewers on the elantra turbo, the market sentiment towards the civic has always been and will be positive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Ahmad Hassan on Sep 17, 2019 at 6:42 pm

    The best car just got better. Let us see if the Hybrid is brought into Malaysia. This could mean cheaper prices because it can benefit from our EEV tax hybrid incentives.

    If this is so, the Corolla Hybrid can even be sold at RM80k, same like Langkawi prices.

    Let us see if greedy GLC UMW gives us this opportunity to own a Corolla cheaply

    I think they would not because greedy UMW is overbloated and they need the untung and money to feed their overbloated staff

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 9
  • How they know now that their airbag is actually ok

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Even the proton saga has digital fuel and temperature gauges but this corolla still stuck in the dinosaur age

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Bieight on Sep 17, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    Sadly we won’t get the 1.2 manual

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • potato on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      UMW ditch manual for Vios & even the sportier Yaris, no way they gonna sell manual for higher class Corolla.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • AkooIm on Sep 17, 2019 at 10:41 pm

    Toyota…
    The only manufacturer that produce a model verieties that can only be differentiate using a microscope…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Celup King on Sep 17, 2019 at 10:43 pm

    So shame Toyota still haven’t given hybrid tech to Perodua despite P2 boss promising to come out with their hybrid car using Toyota tech since 2003. 16 years waiting, habuk pun tarak.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
    • Raymond on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:11 pm

      Fake news. P2 has never said that they will release a hybrid car. Commenters here don’t count.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • vVivi Zurianti on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:18 am

    when this toyota (ever) comes to Malaysia, it will surely be as bland as brown cardboard box….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • autodriver (Member) on Sep 18, 2019 at 8:27 am

    If our southeast asia Corolla also come with 1.2 Turbo it will be exciting. Toyota has made big change over on its platform to TNGA and many people appraise on it especially it no more apply torsion beam at rear suspension. But still the powertrain 1.8NA coupled with CVT is non-surprised and no excitement.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • UMV sell u start from RM140k for 1.8L NA, RM150k for 1.2L turbo and RM160k for 1.8L hybrid.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • potato on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      folks won’t buy the 1.2T if it’s more expensive because unlike Civic Turbo the Turbo has less power but slightly more torque. The roadtax savings cannot justify the higher price for 1.2T.

      on the other hand other than reliability Civic Turbo is more superior than the NA counterpart.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
      • Civic Owner on Sep 19, 2019 at 5:21 am

        Current Civic lot of problems…as owner I won’t recommend.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • aires on Sep 18, 2019 at 10:04 am

    The real game changer! Habislah civic & Preve!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
 

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