08 January 2014
NEW COROLLA SEDAN ADDS SPACE, STYLE AND DRIVER APPEAL
The 11th generation Corolla sedan will be produced in Thailand for the Australian market and is set to go on sale here from the middle of February.
The latest information about the new sedan coincides with confirmation that Corolla was Australia’s best-selling car in 2013.
Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said a more spacious cabin was the most obvious benefit resulting from the decision by Toyota’s engineers to provide an extra 100mm between the front and rear axles.
“That 100mm is very important inside a car where more than half of the extra length has been devoted to improving the space and comfort of rear-seat passengers, including a significant increase in knee room,” Mr Cramb said.
“The entire cabin offers a roomier and more premium environment with redesigned seats for greater flexibility and comfort – and the boot is also larger for the convenience of owners,” he said.
“The longer wheelbase – along with a lower roofline and shorter rear overhang – have allowed designers to craft a dramatic and expressive shape with more dynamic proportions.
“Corolla’s revised dimensions also result in a larger footprint with the wheels pushed closer to the corners of the car, enhancing the driving feel.”
Mr Cramb said the decision to source the new Corolla sedan from Thailand was based on the plant’s ability to match the quality from Japan.
The Free Trade Agreement with Thailand had enabled Toyota to develop a larger car with added features while keeping a lid on prices.
“Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector is well-known for producing robust vehicles like HiLux,” he said.
Cumulative worldwide Corolla sales exceed 40 million since the nameplate was launched in 1966, including more than 1.25 million in Australia.
The new sedan will be built in 16 locations and sold in more than 150 countries.