Toyota to stop COTY dry spell

THE new Toyota Corolla is bang on trend and a lot more assertive, with the end result being a vehicle that is imposing without being overly aggressive.

The new Corolla 1.4D-4D Prestige is the car with which Toyota aims to win the coveted 2015 WesBank South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) Car of the Year (Coty) title.

It has been quite a long drought for Toyota in the South African Coty competition after winning it twice in the inception year of the competition in 1986 and again in 1989. Both Toyota winners were the always popular Corollas, being the Corolla Twin Cam and the Corolla GLi Executive respectively.

Equipped with a halogen low beam lamp for improved visibility, the headlamp design reinforces Toyota’s new design language and lends the new Corolla greater on-road presence, while providing a unique visual signature. The front fog lamp housings feature chrome-plated bezels on Prestige models.

In addition to the supersized cabin and luggage compartment, the all-new Corolla has received a completely refurbished interior featuring a stylishly redesigned cockpit, superior trim materials and enhanced ergonomics.

The soft instrument panel upholstery and high-gloss piano black finishes are complimented by chrome trim detailing and clear blue instrument, glove box and ambient cabin lighting to create a premium, quality feel to the interior.

All models except for the Esteem come with a new, leather-covered, multi-functional steering wheel incorporating a comprehensive array of switches for the operation of the audio, hands-free telephone and multi-function display system.

The Toyota Corolla 1.4D-4D Prestige is powered by a new 1.4 litre D-4D turbodiesel engine, while the other models consist of three petrol engines, a 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i unit, a 1.6 litre Dual VVT-i engine and another new powerplant, the 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i unit.

The Toyota 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engine produces 66kW at 3 800rpm and maximum torque range of 205Nm between 1800 and 2 800rpm. The 1.4 D-4D Prestige is propelled from 0 to 100km/h in 12,5 seconds. Maximum speed is given at 180km/h.

Equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the 1.4 D-4D unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4,5l per 100km and delivers Co² emissions of only 119g per km.

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.

The interior is comprehensively equipped with SRS airbags, whiplash prevention headrests and a child restraint system.

Active safety has been enhanced through a new next generation ABS system, shorter brake pedal stroke for better feel and system response and traction control (TRC).

The Prestige variants come standard with driver and front passenger airbags, as well as side airbags. The Corolla is fitted with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats to reduce whiplash injuries during rear end collisions. An enhanced child restraint system allows for either the belt or Iso fixing of a wide range of seats for children of all ages.

On-board gadgetry is generous and includes:
• Remote central locking across the range.
• Power mirrors and windows.
• Follow-Me-Home Light Control System.
• Ambient temperature indicator.
• On-board computer.
• 60/40 split rear seats.
• Airconditioning.
Touch-screen display audio incorporates:
• AM/FM radio.
• CD/DVD/MP3 player.
• Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility.
• USB port for the connection of portable music players.
• Facility to display iPod album cover art.

Price and warranties:

• 1.4 D-4D Prestige – R266 400.

The new Corolla comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a standard five-year or 90 000km service plan. Service intervals are set at 15 000km. The new Corolla models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme, which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.

The new Corolla model range can be viewed at Limpopo Toyota at 204 Tagore Street at Motor City situated next to the N1 highway.

Contact Limpopo Toyota at (015) 292 9500.