Press Release
- 10th generation of world best-seller
- Dynamic new sedan design boosts appeal
- Superior quality to ‘one class above’
- Interior space and comfort maximised
- Wide choice of engines and transmissions
The 2006 Helsinki Motor Show marks the European debut of the all-new Corolla. The 10th generation of the worldwide best-seller is becoming a symbol of Toyota’s core values of superior quality, style, driving pleasure and innovation.
The all-new Corolla is designed to appeal to European customers seeking both a classic sedan configuration and striking, dynamic styling. To achieve this goal, the new Corolla has been engineered to widen its appeal across a broad customer base; it will further enhance its virtue of quality while adding a more distinctive design, high interior space and exiting driving pleasure.
At the heart of the new Corolla is the concept of offering customers a superior quality sedan which is “a class above” and which will be a key player in the segment.
Toshi Ezaki, Chief Engineer for the new Corolla explains: “When it came to developing the 10th generation Corolla, the main challenge was to create a car that would attract the younger generation while inheriting the durability, reliability, and ease of handling that is highly rated by our current customers.”
“All drivers, regardless of age, are sensitive to dynamic, high quality styling that provides a sense of luxury. Our new and strong design, combined with excellent driving dynamics, should sweep away the stereotype of Corolla as a good car that lacks driver appeal. I am confident that we have developed a car that will stir great excitement the moment you see it.”
The new Toyota Corolla will follow in the footsteps of a remarkable family of highly successful previous models. The Corolla is produced in 16 countries, spread over the five continents, and is sold in more than 140 markets across the world.
Since its launch in 1966, almost 32 million Corollas have been sold worldwide – making it the world’s best selling car. The current generation Corolla Sedan continues this impressive record with 850,000 units sold around the world in 2005.
Production of the 10th generation Corolla for Europe will be based in Japan at the Takaoka plant and the car will go on sale in Europe as of February 2007.
Sporty, Dynamic styling
- Designed as a one-form style sedan
- Squat, sporty style with wide track
- Dynamic character lines and surfaces
The new Corolla also benefits from being designed from the outset as a sedan to create an unmatched sense of superior quality. While offering customers the traditional benefits of a classic three-box configuration, the new Corolla achieves more of a one-form style by moving the base of the A-pillar forward and integrating the trunk space within the slope of the rear pillars.
In side profile it is clear that this is not a hatchback with a trunk added as an afterthought – indeed the sleek, dynamic look is further enhanced by the increased overall length, low roof profile and slim pillars.
In comparison with the current model, the overall height of the new Corolla (1,470 mm) remains unchanged while interior space and headroom increased through clever packaging. The new model (4,540 mm) is 130 mm longer than the current one while the wheelbase remains at 2,600 mm.
But the more sporting effect created by the wider, low stance is most evident from the wider front and rear track which has pushed the width out to 1,760 mm (1,710 in the current model).
Perhaps the most distinctive features of the new Corolla are the strong character lines that flow the length of the car, starting at the front bumper and flowing back through the doors to the rear. They help create a complex, double concave surface on the front and rear wings of the car that is becoming distinctive in the Toyota sedan range and which is modern, yet classically simple.
To complete the fresh, dynamic look the new Corolla will be available in 8 specially selected body colours, 4 of which are new to the Corolla range.
Maximum interior space
- Design creates sense of spaciousness
- Superior quality and luxury feel
- Leg and headroom increased
- Bigger trunk, more storage
Chief Engineer, Toshi Ezaki, explains: “We wanted to develop an interior that portrays a sense of spaciousness beyond actual space, the moment you open the door and enter the car. We paid attention to everything from expanding the door trim fabric area to ensuring a good operation feel and a sense of volume with the newly developed seats. We pursued the creation of space that portrays luxury and authenticity.”
The new Corolla presents a natural and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. The upper surface of the dashboard has been lowered to create a sense of roominess and the panel is fully integrated into the relaxed curve of the high quality door trim to create an almost seamless surround.
The dynamic styling of the exterior is carried over into the character lines around the side to the upper surface of the seats and a sense of luxury is created by the silver trimmed centre console which creates a strong vertical element in the overall design. This houses the fully integrated ventilation, audio and (where fitted) navigation systems.
The main instrument panel and the driving position are sporty. The waveform panel moulding reflects the curves of the speedometer and tachometer which adopt optitron three-dimensional dials.
In order to offer customer choice, two different interior trim colours will be available: a traditional dark grey and a more relaxed, luxury greige.
Space around the driver and passengers has been increased with more head and leg room, leading to a couple distance (between the front and rear seat) of 900 mm. Rear passengers benefit from the flat floor to increase comfort while the hip points of the driver and front seat passenger have been raised to ensure a more natural seating position and better visibility.
The designers and engineers have also focused on storage space – not just as a concept, but in a practical way to ensure the new Corolla is both easy to load and easy to use on long trips.
The width and depth of the trunk have been increased and the overall capacity maximised by reducing unused gaps between the lining and the body surface. The front passenger glove box has been carefully positioned to offer a large storage space without intruding into the cabin and there are 15 different storage (18.9 Litres) areas around the passenger cabin.
