Toyota Malaysia teases 2019 Corolla; to launch soon

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only a few hours back when Toyota Malaysia teased the arrival of the 2019 Corolla on its Facebook page. The post read ’12 generations across more than 50 years. Get ready to meet the All-New Corolla.’ Based on the posts (two to be exact, until now) the model seems to lose out on the ‘Altis’ moniker that was used on the previous model.

The upcoming iteration of the model rides on the company’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) GA-C platform. The model features an all-new design and revised dimensions.

Speaking of dimensions, the 2019 Corolla measures 4,640 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,435 mm in height. This makes the C-segment sedan 10 mm longer, 5 mm wider, and 45 mm lower than the ongoing model. The wheelbase, on the other hand, remains the same at 2,700 mm.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has already been launched in Thailand and the Philippines, in both the countries it is still called Corolla Altis. In the Thai market, the sedan wears the same design language as the Europen Corolla Sedan, and as per the teaser, the Malaysia-spec model will follow suit.

Under the hood configuration for the Malaysian-spec model is still unknown, until then let’s check out what’s on offer in the neighboring markets. The Thai-spec model is available in two naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol powerplants - a 125 PS/ 156 Nm 1ZR-FBE 1.6-litre and a 140 PS/177 Nm 2ZR-FBE 1.8-litre. Both the power units are paired to a CVT system that transmits energy to front-wheels.

Also on offer is a hybrid option that utilizes a 2ZR-FXE Atkinson-cycle version of 1.8-litre engine that develops 98 PS and 142 Nm. The mill is paired to an electric motor making 72 PS and 122 Nm. The total combined power is 122 PS and is paired to an e-CVT unit.

The ongoing 11th-gen Corolla Altis sold in Malaysia is offered in three variants and two engine options. The 1.8E and 1.8G trims are powered by a 2ZR-FE 1.8-litre unit that makes 139 PS and 173 Nm. The range-topping 2.0V variant gets a 3ZR-FR 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit offering 145 PS and 187 Nm.

Once launched, the 2019 Toyota Corolla will rival the likes of Mazda 3 and the all-new Honda Civic facelift.

Also Read:- 2019 Toyota Corolla - Is it worth the wait?