Toyota Reveals All-New Corolla

• Ninth generation model of the world’s best selling car with over 29 million units sold
• Designed to meet European demands
• Four bodystyles available from launch including addition of Corolla Verso compact MPV and high-performance T Sport
• Space and roominess among class-leaders
• Outstanding dynamic performance
• Focus on perceived quality to complement Toyota-reliability
• Three and five-door hatchback models to be built in UK

Toyota today reveals first details of its all-new Corolla, a car that will play a leading role in the brand’s future plans for Europe.

The new Corolla will be launched in four different body-styles, including a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback, a saloon, an estate and for the first time also an MPV, called the Corolla Verso. The three and five-door hatchback models will be built in the UK at Burnaston, Toyota’s Derbyshire plant. The fifth bodystyle, the saloon, will complete the range and be launched in the summer of 2002.

Engine-choice will be equally extensive, with two 2-litre common-rail diesel engines, and a selection of three VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent) petrol engines, ranging from a 1.4 to a 1.6 and a 1.8-litre version. In addition, at the top of the range will be the 1.8 VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift – intelligent) T Sport Version, which features VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), Brake Assist and the same high performance engine used in the Celica T Sport, linked to a 6-speed gearbox.

Corolla innovates in many ways, not least by offering equipment that was previously only found in executive saloons, like Optitron instrumentation and optional turn-by-turn or full map DVD based navigation systems.

The design of hatchback, saloon and estate is developed from an original concept by Toyota’s European designers, based in the design centre ED² in the South of France. Their work has laid the foundations for this new generation Corolla all over the world. The Corolla Verso was based on a design concept originated by Techno Art Research in Nagoya, Japan, and shows a clear family-link with the other body-types in the range.

The new Corolla is developed with the European market in mind, focusing heavily on the key-criteria that are specified within Toyota’s European DNA. Design, Quality, Driving Pleasure and Innovation.

Quality, always a hallmark of Corolla models, is even higher than before. The dashboard and interior trim have been designed to set a new benchmark for the segment in terms of touch and feel quality, adding a new notion of prestige to the C-segment.

The modern engine range ensures excellent performance and fuel economy with low emissions, and thanks to the all-new platform, handling, comfort and interior space are on an equally high level, offering genuine driving pleasure.

Since the Corolla was launched in 1966, over 29 million units have been sold world-wide, making it not only the most popular car in the Toyota range, but also the best selling car ever. The new European Corolla will make its debut at the IAA, the Frankfurt Motor Show, on 11 September, with sales beginning in the UK from early 2002.

ENDS