2019 Toyota Corolla: First impression

Japanese cars have been dominating the roads around the globe for a long time now, and the Toyota Corolla is one sedan that has become a favourite in numerous countries. After starting its journey in 1966 as a subcompact car, the Toyota Corolla entered the compact segment in the year 1991 and is currently in its 12th generation. While the sedan's newest iteration was introduced last year itself, the Malaysian masses were made to wait for long before the all-new Corolla finally arrived in the country.

So, since the 2019 Toyota Corolla is, at last, in Malaysia, it's time for us to share with you the first impression of the ever so popular Japanese sedan.

Exterior

Let us clear one thing right away, the all-new Toyota Corolla is not the old, bland car anymore. Instead, the compact sedan is now much more angular, sharp, and features a minimalistic appearance. Standing at 4,630 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, and 1,435 mm tall, the 2019 Toyota Corolla boasts style in every inch. Moreover, a wheelbase of 2,700 mm makes sure there is enough space inside for the occupant.

Coming on to the teach and features on the outside of the 2019 Toyota Corolla specs shows that the front end is bolstered by a pair of slim automatic Bi-LED projector LED headlamps with built-in LED DRLs. There is a wide blacked-out grille that is flanked by C-shaped chrome trims, which also house the LED fog lamps. A large Toyota badge sits right below the hood, and a chrome trim that begins from the sides of the Toyota logo stretches to the corners and joins the two headlamps. When looked from the side, the all-new Corolla looks like a very elegant and matured sedan. A set of up to 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-tone ORVMs, and a blacked-out B-pillar bring along a lot of class with them. Moving to the rear end, this part of the sedan is rather plain with a pair of slim wraparound LED taillamps, horizontally stacked reflectors, and a chrome strip joining the taillamps making up the rear end of the new Toyota Corolla.

Interior

Make no mistake, the interior of the 2019 Corolla is just where you want to be. For starters, the sedan comes equipped with smart entry and start system for that hassle-free ingress, Toyota's Optitron instrument cluster, all-black interior, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, portable tyre pump, luggage tray, and a rear armrest with cupholders. Furthermore, life inside the 2019 Toyota Corolla is modern and easy thanks to the likes of -

• 7-inch colour TFT multi-information display
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with tilt & telescopic adjustment
• 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB mirroring, tuner, MP3, voice dial, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth®

Other modern-day features that make way to the all-new Corolla include multiple USB charging ports, wireless smartphone charger, 3D panoramic view monitor, front & rear digital video recorder, leather seats with double stitching, all four power windows, sunshade, and even a portable tyre pump.

Powertrain

Similar to its exterior and the interior, the 2019 Corolla incorporates a potent powertrain that won't disappoint you at all. It is a 1,798 cc 2ZR-FE four-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i engine that is capable of generating 139 PS of maximum power at 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 172 Nm at 4,000 revs. The ample power is then channelled to the wheels via a seven-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT that also features paddle shifters.

Drive modes include Sport & ECO, and the braking duties are taken care of by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the back. As we mentioned earlier, the NEW Corolla gets up to 17-inch alloys that are wrapped with 225/45 tyres. Besides, occupants inside enjoy a comfortable ride courtesy of a suspension setup that incorporates MacPherson strut with stabiliser at the front and double-wishbone with stabiliser at the rear end.

Safety

Toyota cars are widely known for their high safety quotients, and the all-new Corolla is no exception. From the TNGA platform to the Toyota Safety Sense, the 12th generation Corolla is filled with safety features. Speaking more of the TNGA platform, not only the advanced architecture provides the new Corolla with a lower centre of gravity that reduces the body roll but also improves the sedan's handling capabilities. Moreover, outside visibility is also better than before due to narrowed pillars.

Standard safety equipment on the 2019 Toyota Corolla for the Malaysian masses comprises of -

• Seven SRS airbags (front, front side, curtain, and driver Knee)
• ABD with EDB & BA
• Seat belt warning
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Hill-start assist
• Emergency stop signal
• Vehicle stability control
• Traction control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front & rear parking sensors

That 2019 Toyota Corolla G variant, on the other hand, also gets the Toyota Safety Sense. The highly advanced safety suite equips the sedan with pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beam.

Here we come to the end of the out first impression of the 2019 Toyota Corolla. And, we bet you are mighty impressed by the 12th generation Japanese sedan. The newly launched Corolla in Malaysia is available in two trims, 1.8G and 1.8E, below is their respective prices. 

Toyota Corolla price and variants -

Toyota Corolla 1.8G	RM 136,888
Toyota Corolla 1.8E	RM 128,888

 

Like the 2019 Toyota Corolla? Why wait then? Head out to the nearest Toyota dealership and treat yourself with the newest iteration of the sedan.

Also Read: Say hello to new 2020 Toyota Yaris