2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch

Toyota cars have often been talked about as being pretty artless sort of cars; the type of car that your Grandpa drives or perhaps one that you’d hire to do some travelling in.  With a reputation of reliability that is second-to-none the Corolla continues on as a hugely competent medum-size car.  But with each new model, the Corolla turns a leaf and gets more attractive, more creative and more adventurous.

Toyota says the 2019 Corolla hatch is the most technologically advanced small car the company has ever built.  Engine capacity has grown from the outgoing 1.8-litre VVTi to a new 2.0-litre motor with an even friskier driving experience.  Normally aspirated and lots of fun to drive, this is a FWD Corolla with a step up in power and response.  Power rated at 125 kW gets the Corolla very close to the turbocharged Honda Civic unit and the new found quickness is very satisfying.  A 205 Nm torque curve is strong and flat.

Also new is Toyota’s employment of a CVT transmission.  The combination of quick off the mark acceleration, smooth response and strong delivery is pleasant.  Where Toyota’s CVT is different from others is that their CVT uses a fixed first gear, not unlike that of an automatic transmission, which gives the car more grunt from a standstill.  Toyota also reckons that the fixed first gear also improves durability and efficiency in the long run, while dramatically cutting down on engine droning that is evident in other CVT cars.  This is the new CVT benchmark.  A six-speed manual is also pretty sweet to use in truly clinical Toyota fashion.

With more power and acceleration it was also timely for Toyota engineers to tweak the 2019 Corolla’s suspension componentry.  The brand new Toyota Corolla hatchback is loads of fun through fast switchback corners.  The road holding is first class while the steering feels very accurate in its control.  Great handling is helped by a superior lower centre of gravity versus the outgoing Corolla, making the new Hatch particularly agile.  Toyota says that the 2019 model has a 60 percent improvement in body rigidity!

Equipped with Active Cornering Assist which reduces understeer by lightly tapping the inner brakes ensures persistent grip.  And even in Normal mode the steering is lightweight and sharp.  Sport mode has the throttle a lot more responsive with the CVT holding “gears” for longer.  You can also opt to use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to flick the new Corolla through 10 mimicry gears.  If you really want to drive with gears, then the six-speed manual might be the better option.  What we have here is an exceptionally good handling FWD Hatch that easily takes on the very good Mazda3, Renault Megane and Honda Civic rivals.

You’ve also got to like the new 2019 Toyota Corolla’s appearance that boasts a sporty more muscular and sophisticated expression.  For a fact, the 12th generation Corolla is lower, wider and longer than the current model.  Up front, the gaping, trapezoidal grille is sharp, and gives the vehicle an even more aggressive look from Toyota’s newest Corolla.  Nice looking J-shaped LED headlights and a satin chrome grille surround further enhance the overall styling of the Corolla’s new face.  Head around the back of the Corolla Hatch and the car is very sporty – especially with the optional roof-mounted wing.   Top job Toyota; it’s pretty hard not to like the new styling and it definitely shouldn’t be said that Toyota’s designs are boring!

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch Interior

An artful and wily little number, you’ll also enjoy the sexy treatment inside of a new 2019 Corolla Hatch.  The cabin is tastefully appointed with accentuated leather for premium models – two tone in fact.  Seating is really comfortable and supportive, and leg room for rear seat occupants is good.  A debate might be had over the tablet-style eight-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash that comes standard across the range.  It is certainly very modern and even offers automaker’s Entune 3.0 app suite and Apple CarPlay and Alexa voice-command compatibility.  Nice!  Luggage space in the boot is very practical, low and sizeable – as it should be.

Whichever new Toyota Corolla Hatch you’ll end up choosing, you can rest assured that every model comes with a Toyota Safety Sense package.   This is version 2.0 of the suite and includes all of the same safety systems like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and sway warning that you find in the first edition.  Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 also provides a low-light pedestrian detection system, bicycle detection, and an upgraded lane-keep assist system to name a few of the extra features.  Five-star safety is evident.

Fifty successful years and more than 44 million Corollas have been sold worldwide.  Handsome styling combined with impressive, sporty driving dynamics and modern technology make the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback the benchmark in this highly contested segment. En avant Toyota!

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch model series will offer a range of new Hatchback trims and there will also be a Hybrid model on offer:

• Corolla Hatch CVT
• Corolla Hatch 6-speed manual
• Corolla Hatch Hybrid

For any more information on the 2019 Toyota Corolla or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!