Toyota’s Indian line-up..
Everyone is talking about the success of Honda Civic, but they failed to notice Toyota Corolla is regaining its some of the lost ground.
Engine and Powertrain:
Styling and Design:
Exteriors:
The all-new Corolla is distinctive and different and it will be good even when viewed from a distance. Its low and wide stance (because of increased front and rear track) creates a sporty and dynamic look that is enhanced by the clear character lines and complex surface structures. 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.
photos:new corolla front/rear/existing corolla rear
In side profile it is clear that the new corolla 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.
From the rear the new corolla looks almost the same as the existing corolla except for rear spoiler and aerodynamic panel beneath the rear bumper. The tail gate now gets the body colour.
Interiors:
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 result is the new corolla has more shoulder, hip room and very comfortable seat height. 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. But American journals criticize
photos:LHD corolla passenger/Driver/instrument panel
In the rear, the new corolla is as good as existing one, the space for the rear passengers are very good and is enhanced by minimizing the backseat floor hump(by making the front muffler and catalytic converter into one unit) to create flat-surfaced legroom, enabling three adults to sit in the rear comfortably.
Safety and Engineering:
Safety is embedded form the design rather than incorporating active and passive features. One of the design targets of the new Corolla was to reduce both accident repair times and costs. To help achieve this, the radiator core and air-conditioning condenser have been designed to move backwards in a collision rather than absorb the impact. The radiator support along with the front and rear bumper reinforcements are bolted on rather than welded and headlights have breakable and replaceable brackets so the headlight can be reused. Safety features including front air bags air bags, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, which operate in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system, may be offered as standard.
Independent Macpherson’s front suspension and non independent suspension at the rear is offered for the new corolla. Disc brakes for all wheels and Engine speed sensible power assisted steering to control the new corolla. Even in western markets, there are voices criticizing the price of the new corolla and hence we shall wait and watch how and to what extent the trims are made for the Indian corolla.
What can we expect?
The new corolla is expected to be launched by the end of this year or in early 2008. The corolla one of the world’s successful car is upgraded in a nice manner. Its superb design and nice engineering makes it truly the next generation car. But 2007 new corolla has added more points only on its strength, the weakness more or less remains the same the poor driver’s space and ride and handling characteristics is also been not welcomed in western markets. But if