The 2004 Toyota Corolla

Comprehensive improvements in style, safety, quality and performance

Key points

• 2004 Corolla range benefits from improved styling, performance and equipment levels
• Revisions provide Corolla with broader market appeal, targeting younger drivers
• Complete redesign for hatchback models with new bonnet, grille, bumpers and lights
• New front section and lights for saloon and estate models
• New Euro IV-compliant 89bhp 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel engine
• (due 1 September 2004), replacing 89bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit
• 1.4-litre D-4D first diesel to be offered with the option of Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT)
• T3 hatchbacks redefined with new sports styling inside and out
• High performance T Sport model given new styling and improved dynamics
• Improved equipment levels on all grades
• Curtain shield airbags, front airbag cut-off switch and two-stage seatbelt warning system (light and buzzer) fitted as standard
• Air conditioning and Optitron dashboard display now standard on all models
• Now on sale in the UK
• On-the-road prices from £11,695

THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE CAR

The Corolla was Toyota’s first car designed for a world market and its success in that role has been phenomenal with global sales of more than 28 million since the original saloon was unveiled back in 1966.

The ninth generation, launched in the UK in 2002, is now well established as one of Toyota’s core European models, alongside Yaris and Avensis, and contributing strongly to Toyota’s

sustained record-breaking market performance. In 2003 global sales of Corolla topped 1,165,000, while in the UK the Corolla achieved record annual sales of more than 26,400 units.

STYLISH THREE AND FIVE-DOOR HATCHBACKS

The UK-built Corolla hatchbacks have a more commanding presence thanks to a flowing line from the bonnet down to the front bumper. The upper part of the radiator grille is body-coloured, while lower down, the intakes have been reshaped and provide a neat location for the front fog lamps.

The headlamps use separate housings for different functions: high beam lamps are positioned lower than the low beam ones, with their cylindrical shape cutting into the lower line of the headlamp unit to give a “teardrop” appearance.

At the rear, new lamp clusters are red-toned and feature two cylindrical lights units set one above the other to give a sporting look. The bumper has been made larger, adding to the robust feel and feature black coloured accents.

PRACTICAL SALOON AND ESTATE

Both the Corolla saloon and estate models have been enhanced with new rear combination lamps in a simple, solid design which sets cylindrical forms inside white circles, keeping the look in line with the rest of the Corolla range.

In addition to the new front grille and headlamp design also seen on the hatchbacks, the bonnet and front bumper have been redesigned to convey a stronger look. Front fog lamps, where fitted, are now set well to each side, for a sleeker appearance.

At the back the car has also been changed with new rear lamp clusters now red-toned for a more sporting look.

UK SALES AND PRICING

The new Toyota Corolla went on sale in the UK on 14 June. The new 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine will be available from 1 September. For the rest of 2004, Toyota expects to sell 12,500 new Corolla models (excluding the Verso).

The new Corolla retains the current grade structure of T2, T3, T Spirit and T Sport, but the range of colours has been extended with the addition of four metallic shades new to Corolla: Silver Steel, Kielder Green, Ixion Blue and Alsace Granite (unique to T Sport).

On-the-road prices start at £11,695 for the 1.4-litre VVT-i T2 three-door hatchback model. Pricing works to a logical system: the move from three to five doors and three doors to saloon adds £500; five-door to estate adds a further £1,000. T2 to T3 grade adds £700 and T3 to T Spirit £1,000. Automatic transmission on 1.6-litre VVT-i costs £1,000 and the Multi-mode Manual Transmission is a £500 option on 1.4-litre D-4D models.

All new Corolla models are protected by Toyota’s 3-year/60,000-mile warranty. They also benefit from Toyota’s pan-European Health & Safety schedule with major maintenance services only every 20,000 miles. Health & Safety checks, including an oil change, are required at 10,000-mile intervals or annually.

SUPERIOR QUALITY AND COMFORT ACROSS THE RANGE

Improved quality and comfort were the focus of changes to the interior of the new Toyota Corolla.

Different upholstery fabrics are used to reflect the character of each grade. T Sport models can now be specified with optional leather and Alcantara suede-effect seats, while black leather is available as an option on T Spirit models. The new sporting character of the T3 grade is reflected in a new blue fleck upholstery, echoing the pattern and finish of the fabric used for the T Sport.

IMPROVED EQUIPMENT LEVELS

Equipment levels have been improved on all grades. All models now feature a steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment and a new steering support bracket that provides a more rigid steering feel. Easy-to-read Optitron instrumentation and air conditioning are also now standard right across the range.

All models have been fitted with a new design steering wheel, which now adjusts for reach as well as rake. The secondary audio controls on T3 grade and higher have been relocated from the underside of the wheel to the front face for greater ease of use.

T2 models gain colour-keyed side protection mouldings and a new wheelcap design for the 15-inch steel wheels.

Toyota decided to reinvigorate the T3 grade hatchbacks to appeal to younger drivers who want the look of the T Sport at a more accessible price.

On the outside the new T3 has dedicated 15-inch alloy wheels, side and rear skirts and front fog lamps. On the inside, the trim features special blue accents in a new fabric, exclusive to the grade. The interior also features carbon fibre-style inserts, like the T Sport. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob are also included as standard, along with a four-speaker sound system with CD player.

The high level of comfort and convenience offered by T Spirit models now includes as standard an automatic dipping electrochromic rear view mirror and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

BOLD CHANGES FOR T SPORT

The flagship of the new Toyota Corolla range, the T Sport, has been completely reworked for even better driving dynamics and looks.

The exterior has been substantially improved. Changes to the upper part of the front bumper and a larger Toyota insignia at the front express the stronger character. In addition, the upper and lower sections of the front grille have a honeycomb mesh.

The new front and rear spoilers and side skirts also promote the car’s sporting nature and are not just for show: each element of the body kit plays its part in terms of improving roadholding. Aerodynamic performance is sharpened thanks to aerodynamic undercovers front and rear, which smooth out the airflow beneath the car to help achieve excellent high speed handling and stability.

Fog lamps are now located at the outer ends of the front bumper air intakes. Larger door mirrors have been fitted, too, which improve driver vision and, due to their redesigned visor shape, create less wind noise.

Aluminium pedals and footrest plate have been introduced and carbon fibre-style trim sections with the T Sport logo are built into the scuff plates. The carbon fibre look also extends to the centre instrument cluster and the switch surrounds for the electric window controls. Like the T Spirit, the T Sport now benefits from rain-sensing windscreen wipers and an electrochromic auto-dipping rear-view mirror.

New-design sports seats have been fitted and the dashboard now features white-faced meters with metallic bezels and sporty red illumination.

The new Corolla T Sport doesn’t just look the part, it drives superbly, too. The 6-speed manual gearbox now has a cleaner and slicker action and the steering has a lower gear ratio than standard Corolla models. The number of turns lock to lock has been reduced from 3.5 to 3.2.

Front and rear suspension have been improved with new coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and rebound stoppers. These changes have allowed the vehicle height to be lowered by 20mm. Lowering the centre of gravity in this way contributes to the sharper performance.

The Corolla T Sport now uses performance dampers, a first for the segment, and rebound springs at the rear to help ensure excellent steering stability.

IMPROVED SAFETY

Curtain shield airbags are now fitted as standard on all models, in addition to the driver and passenger and front side airbags. A cut-off switch is introduced for the front passenger airbag, which allows the system to be deactivated if, for example, a child seat is in use on the passenger seat.

Also new to Corolla is a two-stage seatbelt warning system. This alerts the driver and front passenger if they fail to buckle-up, by means of a warning light and a buzzer. If the seatbelts remain undone, the buzzer becomes louder and more rapid.

NEW 1.4-LITRE D-4D ENGINE

The new 1.4-litre D-4D engine is an improved version of the diesel engine featured in the Toyota Yaris range and it replaces the previous 89bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit. It will be available from 1 September in hatchback and saloon versions of the new Corolla. As an option, it will be offered with Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT), which gives the driver the choice of fully automatic or quick sequential manual gear selection.

The new engine matches the previous 2.0-litre unit in terms of power output, yet achieves better fuel economy and exhaust emissions in line with Euro IV requirements. The new 1.4-litre D-4D engine develops its 89bhp at 3,800rpm, giving the Corolla a top speed of 112mph and nought to 62mph acceleration time of 13.3 seconds (14.5 for models with MMT). Fuel consumption on the European combined cycle is 57.6mpg (58.9 with MMT) and CO2 emissions are rated at 127g/km (125g/km MMT).

MULTI-MODE MANUAL TRANSMISSION IMPROVES FUEL ECONOMY

The Multi-mode Manual Transmission is being offered for the first time on a Toyota diesel. The system, a £500 option, is unique in its segment, being a manual transmission, driven by electric motors. As it has an automatic clutch, there is no clutch pedal.

MMT operates in three different modes, according to driver choice: automatic in normal or sporty mode (E and Es) and manual, in which the driver selects the gears by means of a sequential shift lever.

In E mode, MMT can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by about two per cent (in EC combined cycle driving), compared to the performance of a conventional manual transmission. This is possible thanks to system software that designs the gearshift pattern to benefit fuel economy.

When Es mode is selected, the transmission makes quicker gear changes at higher revs, in order to deliver a sportier drive.

EURO-IV COMPLIANT ENGINE RANGE

The new 1.4-litre D-4D engine will join a range of petrol and diesel engines that already comply with Euro IV emissions standards. The 1.4 and 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol engines feature intelligent variable valve timing for stronger performance at all engine speeds with improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. The 189bhp 1.8 VVTL-i engine, available only in the T Sport, is a high-performing unit that benefits from variable valve lift as well as timing. The 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, introduced in 2003, develops 114bhp and is exceptionally economical, capable of 49.6mpg in combined cycle driving.

TOYOTA COROLLA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* 1.4-litre D-4D figures remain provisional

ENDS