Details of the European-spec Toyota Corolla sedan have been released, previewing a larger, more spacious small car due to arrive in local showrooms in 2014.
Influenced by the styling of the Corolla Furia concept first seen at this year's Detroit auto show, the all-new 11th-generation Toyota Corolla sedan is 80mm longer, 15mm wider and 5mm lower than its predecessor and 345mm longer than the hatch.
Growing in length to 4620mm and riding on a 100mm longer wheelbase, the Corolla sedan's rear overhang has been reduced by 25mm and the front overhang increased 5mm.
The European variant's front end is closely related to model that will head to our shores, though differs from the North American Corolla.
A sharp chrome-plated upper grille with horizontal bars joins a lower central air intake and fog lights while angular?headlights feature LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, wide tail-lights are connected by a chrome strip above the number plate recess.
Along with the new shape helping to better the Corolla's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through a reduction in its drag coefficient, Toyota says it has also improved panel gaps and shut lines of the new sedan by up to 0.9mm.
Europe will get four petrol engines to choose from including a 73kW/128Nm 1.3-litre, a 90kW/154Nm 1.6-litre, a 97kW/160Nm 1.6-litre Valvematic and a 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre. The latter is tied exclusively to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the others all coming standard with a six-speed manual but available with the auto.
A 66kW/205Nm 1.4-litre turbo-diesel fitted with the manual transmission and stop-start technology will also be offered, netting a range-best 3.8L/100km, however, the sedan will miss out on the 1.8-litre petrol hybrid unit already seen in the Auris-badged hatchback and Auris Touring Sports wagon variant.
The interior is highlighted by a 6.1-inch touchscreen multimedia interface incorporating an AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player and AUX/USB/iPod ports plus Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming. The unit also displays the car's satellite navigation system and standard rear view camera. Keyless start and park assist are additionally featured.
Toyota says the Corolla sedan's larger wheelbase provides for more cabin space and comfort, with rear seat legroom up 92mm to 706mm and boot capacity increased two litres to 452L.
Available in three grades – Live, Active and Lounge – and nine colours including four new hues – White Pearl, Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Blue and Dark Steel – the Corolla sedan also comes with the option of 15- or 16-inch wheels.
The new-look Toyota Corolla sedan is due to arrive locally in early 2014, likely powered by the same 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine already in place in the Corolla hatch and coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT.
