2014 Toyota Corolla (Euro-Version)
Concept
The Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling car. To date, 40 million Corollas have been sold worldwide since the first generation was launched in 1966, 47 years ago.
With the introduction of the new Corolla - the 11th generation - it is now manufactured in 16 production locations and sold in over 150 countries around the world.
Shinichi Yasui, the Chief Engineer, believes this feat has been achieved because each successive development team has observed the philosophy set forth by Tatsuo Hasegawa, Chief Engineer of the first generation model, to develop a “Corolla that brings happiness and well-being to people around the world”.
With each new generation, the Corolla has adopted new concepts and technologies, and in its history with Toyota, the Corolla has taken the role of leader in the motorisation of Japan and the rest of the world.
However Corolla now plays a wider role and achieving continued success requires careful consideration of the diverse and ever-changing motoring requirements and expectations of different regions of the world. Therefore, in-depth analysis and the incorporation of customer feedback have been integral to the development of the new Corolla. This is a key part of Toyota’s standard process.
As a result, the company has built on the philosophy behind the creation of the first generation Corolla –a car of superior quality, durability and reliability (QDR) that fulfils customer expectations in every market throughout the world- with a determination to now exceed those expectations in every key area highlighted by their feedback.
The result is the new, 11th generation Corolla – a car that clearly inherits 47 years of Corolla DNA, but has been created to satisfy a wide range of global customer needs. It features an advanced, more contemporary design; improved roominess, comfort, practicality and user-friendliness; unrivalled fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and enhanced safety features.
Above all, the new Corolla builds on the model’s legendary QDR with significantly enhanced quality in every aspect of its design and engineering, whilst still representing impressive value for money in every market around the world.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Sophistication and Prestige
The 11th generation Corolla features an all-new exterior design. Highlighting the longer wheel base and reduced overall height, the design combines clean lines and balanced proportions to give the new Corolla a more sophisticated look with a prestigious and contemporary image.
At 4,620 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,465 mm high, the new Toyota is 80 mm longer and 15mm wider, yet 5 mm lower, than its predecessor. The rear overhang has been reduced by 25 mm, the front overhang increased by 5 mm and the wheelbase extended by a substantial 100 mm.
The new Corolla features an evolution of Toyota’s new design language.
The Keen Look and Under Priority design principles have been rebalanced, with the emphasis now placed on the upper grille for a distinctive, but more prestigious appearance.
The chrome-plated horizontal trim bars of the upper grille are visually extended into narrower, more expressive headlamp clusters to emphasise the width of the vehicle.
Equipped with a halogen low beam lamp for improved visibility, the new headlamps now incorporate 4-LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), strengthening the Keen Look styling of the new front treatment and giving the new Corolla greater road presence and a unique visual signature.
The two uppermost bars of the upper grille and the headlamp clusters extend along the curve of the low bonnet lip deep into the front fenders to emphasise the elegance of a unique, rounded edge bonnet design devoid of sharp angles.
The trapezoidal shape of the lower grille is defined by character lines which run up through the bumper to define the junction of headlamp and upper grille before flowing seamlessly across the bonnet and into the A pillar.
The design is further enhanced by the Keen Look detailing of integral foglamp housings with chromed surrounds, placed at the bumper extremities. The vertical ‘aero corner’ styling of the front fenders not only improves the new Corolla’s aerodynamic efficiency, but also gives the new Toyota a wider, more purposeful stance and a more ground-hugging appearance.
In profile, the front and rear lamp clusters anchor the clean curvature of ‘aero corner’ fender designs which emphasise the Corolla’s short front and rear overhangs. This, in conjunction with a long wheelbase and muscular front and rear wheel arches, creates a silhouette which emphasises the new Toyota’s dynamic stance and elegant proportions.
The vehicle’s profile is further enhanced by a character line linking the top of the front wheel arch and the rear lamp cluster, and a choice of 15” and 16” wheel designs.
To the rear, the trapezoidal form of Toyota’s Under Priority design language is mirrored by the license plate recession extremities and lower bumper styling. The crisp line of the boot lip is underscored by wide new rear lamp clusters connected by a chrome license plate trim for a cleaner, more prestige appearance.
Overall, the premium build quality of the new design is highlighted by the minimal panel gaps befitting a luxury vehicle. The gap between fender and front door has been reduced from 4.0 mm to just 3.9 mm, between front and rear doors from 4.5 mm to 4.2 mm, and between rear door and quarter panel from 4.0 mm to 3.9 mm. The width of the shut line between the bonnet and front fender has been reduced from 5.4 mm to only 4.5 mm.
The new Corolla will be available in a choice of 9 exterior colours, of which four -White Pearl, Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Blue and Dark Steel- are new to the model range.
Aerodynamics
The new Corolla has been designed to achieve minimum levels of drag, contributing not only to enhanced cabin quietness, but also reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The lowest possible bonnet line, a steeply raked windscreen and seamless roofline combined to smooth the flow of air over the vehicle.
The optimised side shape of the front foglamp housings and the sharp near-vertical surface angle of the front and rear bumper ‘aero-corners’ combine to reduce air turbulence along the flanks of the vehicle and over the wheel arches.
Based on advanced Formula 1 technology sakana aero stabilising fins located on the door mirrors and rear combination lamps, accelerate the airflow along the body, enhancing vehicle stability and control.
Vehicle aerodynamics are substantially improved through the adoption of a front spoiler and numerous covers designed to create a flat underbody, optimising the flow of air beneath the new Corolla. They include a full engine undercover, front suspension member covers, front and rear wheel spats, floor undercovers, a fuel tank side undercover, and a rear floor undercover incorporating sakana aero-stabilising fins to enhance high speed stability.
In combination, the comprehensive measures have achieved a significant improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, and the new Corolla’s drag coefficient has been reduced from Cd 0.29 to just Cd 0.27.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Packaging, Comfort and Quietness
Benefitting from a 100 mm increase in wheelbase length from 2,600 mm to 2,700 mm, the all-new, high quality interior design offers customers a superior cabin environment. It features a more spacious and comfortable cabin including a substantial increase in rear seat legroom, more comfortable seats and a greater boot capacity.
The driving position has been comprehensively revised. The seat height adjustment range has been extended by 15 mm to 60 mm, and the slide adjustment range expanded by 20 mm to 260 mm. The front seat hip point has been moved forward by 5 mm. The operating force required for the seat slide, lift and recline functions has also been reduced for ease of operability.
In conjunction with a reduction in seat height of 10 mm, the steering wheel angle has been lowered from 24 to 22 degrees. In combination, these measures offer drivers greater ergonomic flexibility for improved comfort.
Additionally, the rear passenger room has been made more spacious and comfortable , the rear seat hip point moved back by 70 mm, increasing the front to rear seat couple distance by 75 mm. Allied to a new, thinner front seatback design, this has increased rear seat leg room by 92 mm, to a class-leading 706 mm.
The seats themselves have been redesigned, and feature a longer cushion with an ergonomically curved front edge offering comfort to the widest possible range of physiques. New, thinner seatbacks proved superior lumbar and lateral support, whilst the headrests have been shaped to combine comfort with excellent whiplash protection.
Despite a 25 mm reduction in the new Corolla’s rear overhang, the boot capacity has also increased to 452 litres.
The new Corolla is not only more spacious and comfortable, but also quieter than its predecessor, and the interior has been designed to offer customers class-leading quietness.
The total area of the dashboard silencer has been increased and extra sound absorption material added between the bonnet and fender liner minimising the intrusion of engine noise into the cabin.
Floor silencer material offers excellent sound absorption qualities, particularly in the area of the front footwells. And the comprehensive use of body sealer at sheet metal junctions further isolates the cabin from the intrusion of external noise.
Quality, Functionality and Ergonomic Excellence
The all-new interior design combines clean, elegant, uncluttered styling with trim and detailing to reinforce the spaciousness of the new Corolla’s roomier, more comfortable interior.
The width of the cabin is reinforced by the strong horizontality of the new dashboard design. Topped by a soft, non-reflective upper surface which flows seamlessly over the driver’s instrument binnacle, the dashboard face combines convex, soft-touch padding with a concave centre console panel finished in piano black.
The robust, uncluttered clarity of the new design is further emphasised by a full-width silver accent bar which separates the dashboard into upper and lower zones, and continues across the top of the door panels, enveloping the cabin and emphasising the roominess of the seating area. New, vertical front door grips are finished in the same high gloss silver.
The soft instrument panel upholstery and high-gloss piano black finishes are complimented by silver trim detailing and clear blue instrument, glove box and ambient cabin lighting to create a premium quality feel to the interior.
A choice of two premium colours, ivory or black, completes the new interior colour scheme. The new Corolla will be available in a choice of three grades; Live (entry), Active (mid) and top-of-the-range Lounge (high). A grade-dependent choice of fabric or fabric and leather seat upholstery and on Active and Lounge grades also double stitch detailing are available.
The large, easy-to-read driver’s instrument binnacle may be equipped with a choice of two, grade-dependent meter designs. Active and Live grade models are equipped with a three gauge design. The large central speedometer dial incorporates a trip computer. Top–of-the-range Lounge grade[1] models feature a two gauge layout with a central, TFT multi-information display screen. Active and Lounge grade gauges are accented with chromed rings.
In keeping with the new Corolla’s revised driving position, the ergonomic positioning and easy, intuitive operability of all switchgear and instrumentation has been carefully considered.
All driving-related instrumentation and switchgear has been separated into an upper, display zone and a lower, operation zone to maximise ease of use and minimise driver distraction from the road. And the audio and navigation system controls have been located higher on the centre console for greater accessibility and visibility.
A new, 373 mm diameter steering wheel with optional paddle shifters[2] incorporates a comprehensive array of multi-functional switches for the operation of the audio, hands free telephone, cruise control, adjustable speed limiting and multi-function display system[3].
The operational feel of the pedals and shift lever has been refined. The pedals have been positioned to help prevent unintended operation, and the stroke and firmness of the shift lever have been optimised for a smoother shift feel.
The capacity and usability of the new Corolla’s comprehensive range of storage spaces have been improved. They include a glove box, coin box and lidded compartment in the dashboard, a centre console box and cup holders, overhead sunglasses storage, front door pockets designed to hold a 1.5 litre bottle or a road map and rear door pocket space for a 0.5 litre bottle.
Bootspace functionality has been improved through the addition of an external operation opening switch under the boot lip and easier, cleaner closing through the addition of a handle mounted on the underside of the boot lid.
User-Friendly On-board Technology
The quality and intuitive ergonomics of the new Corolla interior are complimented by a range of comfort and convenience-enhancing equipment such as Smart Entry & Start system, dual-zone air conditioning and the Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA) system.
Advanced human-machine interface technology is represented by the latest versions of Toyota’s unique range of affordable, touch-screen multimedia equipment; Toyota Touch 2 and the Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation system.
Smart Entry & Start system is available via a new, foldable key fob design featuring a simplified layout with larger switches. And Follow-Me-Home headlamps will automatically remain illuminated for 30 seconds after the vehicle has been switched off and locked.
The new Corolla may be equipped with dual-zone air conditioning, giving independent left and right cabin temperature control to enhance cooling and warming performance whilst reducing power consumption.
The system features a clean air filter, a partial recirculation system which automatically recirculates a certain volume of air in the cabin to enhance heating performance even in Fresh mode, and a blower customisation function which allows users to select Soft, Medium or Fast blower strength even in Auto mode.
Multimedia Systems
The New Corolla benefits from Toyota’s unique range of affordable, touch-screen multimedia equipment; Toyota Touch 2 and the Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation system.
Toyota Touch 2
Toyota Touch 2 is a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch-screen interface which represents a new approach to affordable, on-board multimedia systems.
The upgraded Toyota Touch 2 features a 800 x 480 resolution WVGA screen. The screen design has been revised for clarity, and now features mirror link mobile phone compatibility[4] and slide operation for ease of use.
Now available in 20 languages, the Toyota Touch 2 is also equipped with an upgraded multimedia base unit with the addition of an SMS on-screen send/receive function incorporating a contact person image display.
The system incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. A rear view camera is fitted as standard.
Toyota Touch 2 with Go
Toyota Touch 2 with Go builds on the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia base unit, offering customers an enhanced, full map navigation system representing the best value for money on the market. The system was developed in Europe, with European customers in mind.
It includes all the most popular navigation functions, such as advanced traffic coverage, customisable speed limits, speed camera warnings, motorway signposting, automatic zoom and junction view at motorway intersections.
Using a compatible mobile phone, via Bluetooth, the system offers on-board connectivity to Google Places –the largest and most up-to-date search database in the world. Via Google Maps, destinations may be input remotely from home or office, and Points of Interest may be downloaded for entry as destinations.
The upgraded Toyota Touch 2 with Go system further features a new map screen design, improved navigation data, better voice guidance, traffic visualisation, an SOS/emergency call assistance function and access to the on-line Toyota customer portal.
Further system access to online content and apps includes a Touch 2 with Go Apps function which offers several applications available for download, including fuel prices, weather and parking space information. A new Twitter App has been developed to allow Toyota owners to stay in touch with the 500 million Twitter users over the course of their journey.
Users can tweet a range of both personal and system generated templates whilst driving (free text input and URL links are blocked for safety reasons). Because the App is fully integrated into the navigation system, the templates can include destination and ETA information.
Toyota Touch 2 with Go has been designed specifically to be both affordable and flexible. The system can be easily upgraded with the newest functions, updated maps and the latest Apps, as they become available.
Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA)
The new Corolla may also be equipped with a Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA) system.
Activated by a simple push of a button, the system uses a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors on the front side-bumper to identify viable parallel parking spaces. It will then automatically apply the correct sequence of steering angles for the parking manoeuvre into the target space; all the driver need do is control the vehicle’s speed.
FUEL EFFICIENT PETROL AND DIESEL POWERTRAINS
The new 2013 Corolla delivers lower emissions and class-leading fuel economy across the entire engine range, offering customers attractive cost-of-ownership benefits.
The line-up features a choice of a 1.4 litre D-4D turbodiesel and four petrol engines; a 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i unit, a 1.6 litre engine available with Dual VVT-i and Valvematic systems, and a new 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i.
The 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine is fitted, as standard, with a new, high gear, high efficiency Multidrive S automatic transmission. All other engines in the line-up are fitted with six-speed manual transmissions. The 1.4 D-4D unit may also be mated to Toyota’s MultiMode automated manual transmission, and both 1.6 litre petrol engine variants may be equipped with the new Multimode S automatic gearbox.
A selection of engines feature the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive, and every engine meets emissions standards up to Euro 5+. Moreover, several key features further contribute both to lower emissions and the new Corolla’s status as the most fuel efficient vehicle in its segment
As fully described in the Design chapter, a comprehensive aerodynamics package equips the new Toyota with a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.27. In addition, the new Corolla range benefits from a reduction in vehicle weight, the adoption of Low RRC (Rolling Resistance Coefficient) tyres, the implementation of Valvematic technology, the replacement of the conventional four-speed automatic transmission with a new Multidrive S automatic gearbox, and the availability of both an Eco driving mode and a Stop & Start system.
Toyota Optimal Drive
Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.
These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development:
- Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions throughout the new Corolla engine range.
- Secondly, the minimisation of pumping losses through the adoption of Valvematic -a further development of VVT-i -in the 1.6 petrol engine, roller rocker technology and smaller, lighter pistons in the petrol engines, low viscosity oil, six-speed manual transmissions and a new Multidrive S automatic gearbox.
- Thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency. This has been achieved within the new Corolla petrol engine range through the use of compression ratios of 11.5:1, Valvematic, the refinement of intake port and combustion chamber design, and piston cooling by oil jet. The 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engine benefits from an optimised combustion chamber dimensions and enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler efficiency.
1.33l Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine
The 1.33 litre petrol engine is equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) and a high compression ratio of 11.5:1, which increases the thermal efficiency of the engine. It generates 73 kW/ 99 DIN hp and maximum torque of 128 Nm at 3,800 rpm.
Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this excellent dynamic performance is combined with fuel consumption of just 5.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions lowered from 136 to only 129 g/km.
Profiting from Toyota’s extensive motorsport experience, the small bore, long stroke unit is exceptionally lightweight and compact, improving the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio. It features a resin-type cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and the intake channel has been streamlined to optimise airflow for improved combustion efficiency.
Dual VVT-i helps boost response levels across the entire rev range by varying the air-fuel intake and exhaust valve timing to suit the conditions at any given time. In addition to improving torque at low and medium engine speeds, the system also reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.
1.6l Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine
Available with either a six-speed manual or new Multidrive S automatic transmission and also benefitting from the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technology described above, the 1.6 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine develops 90 kW / 122 DIN hp and a maximum torque of 154 Nm at only 5,200 rpm.
When equipped with the manual transmission the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. The new CVT transmission further reduces both fuel consumption and emissions, to 6.3 l/100 km and 150 g/km respectively.
1.6l Valvematic Petrol Engine
Valvematic is a further development of Toyota’s highly successful Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) system.
Valvematic takes VVT-i technology a step forward by adding lift and duration control to the inlet valve variable timing. This improves intake airflow volume and speed management -and, subsequently, combustion process management- to deliver 7% more power for 8% less fuel consumption, with reduced CO2 emissions. The adoption of Valvematic further reduces friction and pumping losses under light engine loads, further lowering fuel consumption.
Valvematic efficiency is further improved through the adoption of a variable length inlet manifold. This acts as an accelerator at low to medium engine speeds, maximising inlet air speed for optimum combustion efficiency. At higher engine speeds the manifold is fully open. This allows air to travel via a shorter route, maximising the volume of air entering the combustion chamber and, hence, engine power output.
Available with either a six-speed manual or new Multidrive S automatic transmission, the 1.6-litre Valvematic engine develops 97 kW / 132 DIN hp and a maximum torque of 160 Nm at only 4,400 rpm.
When equipped with the manual transmission the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.
The new Multidrive S transmission reduces fuel consumption to 5.6 l/100 km and emissions to 130 g/km; the latter a substantial reduction of 20 g/km over that of the previous generation 1.6 litre VVT-i engine mated to a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission.
1.8l Dual VVT-i Petrol
Replacing the 2.4 litre unit of the outgoing model range, a new 1.8 litre petrol engine is fitted, as standard, with a new, high gear, high efficiency Multidrive S automatic transmission.
Benefitting from the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technology described above, the 1.8 litre, 16V, DOHC Dual VVT-i petrol engine develops 103 kW / 140 DIN hp at 6,400 rpm, and a maximum torque of 173 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
Equipped with the new Multidrive S transmission, the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 152 g/km.
1.4l D-4D Diesel Engine
Available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed MultiMode transmission, the Euro 5+ compliant 1.4 litre D-4D engine develops 66 kW / 90 DIN hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm at only 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.
Available with Stop & Start technology in the new Corolla, the 1.4 D-4D turbodiesel unit also benefits from improved Toyota Optimal Drive technology, maximising performance and driveability whilst minimising fuel consumption, and CO2 and particulate emissions.
A 2-step hydraulic control valve is installed in the timing chain cover. This has the benefit of reducing friction when hydraulic pressure is low by opening and closing the relief valve based on driving conditions.
Engine warm-up time is minimised through the installation of a coolant by-pass system that helps to reduce heat losses in engine coolant during start-up.
Piezoelectric injectors control the fuel volume and the timing of the injection more accurately. The high speed reaction time of Piezo injectors makes multi-phase high speed injection possible. This has the effect of both lowering the rate of combustion expansion and effecting a more thorough burn within the combustion chamber, thus further reducing particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions.
This, allied to high common rail injection pressures of 160 Mpa, results in shorter injection times, combining a faster engine response with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
When equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and Stop & Start technology, the 1.4 D-4D unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km –a reduction of 26 g/km.
Multidrive S Automatic Transmission
A new, high gear, high efficiency Multidrive S automatic transmission is fitted as standard on the 1.8 petrol version of the new Corolla and available as an option with both VVT-i and Valvematic variants of the 1.6 litre petrol engine.
Developed for its compact size, light weight and fuel efficiency, the new, metal belt-type Multidrive S features a torque converter and fully electronic, ‘multidrive’ oil pressure control.
Offering drivers a wider transmission ratio band, a more responsive gear change and better fuel economy than the outgoing 4-speed automatic transmission, Multidrive S may be operated in three modes: A fully automatic, seamless shift mode, Sport mode, or a 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode.
In automatic mode, the system is optimised for quietness and fuel economy, precisely matching the transmission to the engine at all times by monitoring accelerator pedal angle, vehicle speed and braking force.
In 7 speed sport sequential shiftmatic mode, the step position can be selected by the selector lever or shift paddle switch. In Sport mode, the system is optimised for response and direct engine control. On detecting deceleration, the system downshifts and applies engine braking to assist the braking force. On corner exit, predictive downshift logic controls the system to ensure the optimal gear ratio is selected for required level of acceleration.
For an even more sporting driving experience, the 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode offers drivers manual override control of the transmission, operable by the gearshift lever. In this mode, the transmission performs close ratio upshifts in perceptible steps, and has a direct downshift feeling under braking and deceleration.
MultiMode Transmission
Available on the 1.4 D-4D diesel version of the new Corolla, MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It offers the driver a choice of two, fully automatic gear change modes or a manual, sequential gear change with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Selecting E (Economy), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to ‘creep’ in the manner of a conventional automatic. In E mode, the car makes automatic gear shifts that will maximise fuel economy. Selecting ES (Sport) mode will delay changing up to a higher rpm, giving a more sporting style of drive.
Stop & Start Technology
Now available with the 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engine, Toyota’s Stop & Start system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stopped.
Featuring an immediate restart with virtually no engine sound or vibration, the system delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions during urban driving, and can lead to noticeably lower average fuel consumption, depending on driving conditions.
Stop & Start automatically stops the engine when the shift lever is moved to the neutral position and the clutch pedal is released, enhancing fuel economy. The engine will automatically restart, within less than half a second, when the clutch pedal is depressed.
Toyota Stop & Start technology allows for the continued operation of the air-conditioning system, and idling stop time when the air conditioning is in use has been expanded.
With the air-conditioning in use, the engine will not stop if the desired cabin temperature has not been reached. When that temperature is reached, the air-conditioner will switch, allowing the engine to automatically stop. The engine will automatically restart in the event of low battery charge, or if the vehicle begins to move, in the interest of safety.
When the driver door is open or driver seatbelt is unbuckled during idling stop, the system pre-starts the engine to warn the driver.
In conjunction with the Stop & Start system, an ‘ECO’ indicator will illuminate during every automatic stop. An ECO counter also displays the elapsed time of stops during each drive, and a re-settable ECO odo-counter displays the vehicle’s total accumulated idling stop time.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
The new Corolla has been engineered to offer customers a more enjoyable and involving driving experience.
As previously highlighted, the Corolla features a longer wheelbase, a lower centre of gravity through an overall reduction in height, improved aerodynamic performance for greater high speed stability, a lower, more engaging driving position and a new Multidrive S CVT gearbox incorporating a sport-mode.
The new Corolla further benefits from a lighter, yet more rigid body structure, revised suspension and a more direct steering response.
Lighter, High Rigidity Bodyshell
The increased use of high tensile steel throughout the body structure has allowed for the adoption of a lighter metal in several areas, its increased strength offering a weight saving of some 5.7 kg per vehicle with no detriment to overall rigidity.
Overall bodyshell rigidity has been enhanced through an increase in the number of body spot-welds, a coupling of the front suspension spring supports with a straight-shaped cowl front, an improvement to lateral rigidity within the underbody, and an increase in structural rigidity around the back panel.
These measures combine to contribute to both excellent ride comfort and improved response to steering inputs for greater agility.
Revised Suspension
The new Corolla shares the proven front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension systems of its predecessor. Significant revisions to both front and rear systems promote improved ride comfort combined with greater agility.
A newly developed front strut features a larger, 35 mm diameter shock absorber cylinder, with damping force tuned to optimise stability and ride comfort. The length of the urethane bound stopper has been reduced to accommodate the strut within the lower vehicle height, and a solid input type upper support has been adopted to reduce high frequency vibration and enhance steering response.
The coil springs feature a pigtail structure at either end for a compact, lightweight installation. Coil spring reaction force is controlled by adopting a lateral force reduction spring, and suspension friction has been lowered by reducing the bending force on the shock absorbers.
A reduction in the rotational force on the strut bearings achieves a light and responsive steering feel. And an increase in bodyshell stiffness has allowed for a reduction in the coil spring rate, enhancing ride comfort with no detriment to steering response and handling agility.
Featuring independently located coil springs and dampers to minimise loadspace intrusion, the lightweight rear torsion beam suspension also benefits from solid input type upper supports, urethane bound stoppers and pigtail coil springs. A reduced spring rate and retuned dampers further improve ride comfort, stability and response to steering inputs.
Sharper Electric Power Steering (EPS) Response
In conjunction with a lowered column angle designed to offer drivers a more involving driving experience, the new Corolla’s EPS system has been revised. The power steering gear specification has been optimised and its rigidity enhanced to give a sharper steering response and smooth, linear operation.
System rigidity has been improved through structural changes to the intermediate shaft and the rigid attachment of the steering gear box to the suspension member, creating a more direct, linear steering feel. A revised upper column support further reduces unnecessary vibration.
The system now features an integrated ECU with a new control logic to improve steering feel, and the ratio of the steering gear itself has been lowered from 15.9 to 14.6 making it 8% faster than its predecessor to promote a sharper response to steering inputs.
SAFETY
The new Corolla has been engineered to provide the highest active and passive safety standards, and enhanced pedestrian impact protection. The new Toyota targets a maximum, 5-star rating in the latest, more stringent Euro NCAP crash test programme.
The collision safety performance of each component has been maximised through extensive CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and repeated experimental prototype testing.
The high-strength cabin has been designed to provide optimum front, rear and side collision performance. Numerous energy absorbing front components offer significantly improved pedestrian protection. And the interior is comprehensively equipped with SRS airbags, whiplash prevention headrests and a child restraint system.
Active safety has been enhanced through the adoption of a next generation ABS system and a shorter brake pedal stroke for better feel and system response. Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are available, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC2) is fitted to vehicles equipped with VSC.
PASSIVE SAFETY
High Strength Cabin The new Corolla’s bodyshell features an increase in use of high tensile steel to combine enhanced strength with lighter weight and greater rigidity. A multiple-load-path front structure has been adopted to effectively disperse impact load through the frame, minimising cabin deformation in a frontal collision.
The same principle applies to side impact protection, the multiple load-path-structure featuring strengthened side members, cross members and roof reinforcement.
Pedestrian Protection
The adoption of numerous energy absorbing components offers significantly improved pedestrian protection in the event of a frontal impact.
Soften the impact of the head, the front of the bonnet features an energy-absorbing inner reinforcement structure, the fender is mounted on an energy absorbing bracket, and both the cowl and cowl louvre have also been designed with an energy-absorbing structure.
Leg impact performance has also been improved through the adoption of energy-absorbing structures within the front bumper cover, grille and the leading edge of the bonnet.
Occupant Restraint
The new Corolla is equipped with 7 SRS airbags; driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, twin-chamber front side airbags and full-length side curtain shield airbags.
All front and rear seats feature three-point, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts. The ELR is designed to lock up the seatbelt when excessive load is applied over a preset value. Driver and front passenger seatbelts further benefit from a pre-tensioner and force limiter function. During a collision, the force limiter fractionally reduces seatbelt tension to lower occupant chest impact forces.
The Corolla is fitted with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats to reduce whiplash injuries during rear end collisions. Should a rear impact of sufficient velocity occur, the seat structure allows the occupant’s upper body to sink backwards, matching the movement of the lower body to that of the head to reduce the risk of a whiplash injury.
An enhanced child restraint system allows for either the belt or ISO fixing of a wide range of seats for children of all ages.
ACTIVE SAFETY
Braking and Stability Control Systems
The new Corolla’s servo assisted, next-generation ABS braking system features new, 277 mm ventilated front discs and 270 mm solid rear discs. The front brake pads have been upgraded to combine more effective performance with a reduction in NVH under operation.
The braking system incorporates a new, compact and lightweight design of brake actuator, a new master cylinder, low-expansion brake hoses and a link-type brake pedal with a reduced pedal stroke for enhanced response and feel.
The vehicle is equipped, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) incorporating Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are available, and an improved Hill Start Assist Control is fitted to vehicles equipped with VSC. It now operates brakes for maximum 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal to completely avoid a move downward.
EBD ensures that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions. By preventing the wheels from locking, ABS helps to maintain sure-footed stability during cornering and braking.
BA detects sudden or ‘panic’ braking and adds pressure if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking.
TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car’s wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels spins, it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.
VSC is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body yaw, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an excessive understeer or oversteer slide.
The system restores stability by automatically adjusting engine output and applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, helping the driver to restore vehicle stability.
