Legendary Meets Premium – The New Toyota Corolla Sedan
The Toyota Corolla is undeniably one of South Africa’s most legendary cars. Its heritage traces back to 1966 and has gone on to sell millions. The model has deep roots in Mzansi but this latest model, the 12th generation, is very different compared to its predecessors. Where Corolla’s of the past would be described as affordable, budget sedans, this new Corolla introduces a new narrative of a premium, luxurious sedan.
Let’s start with the price. The new Corolla starts at R380,200 for the entry-level 1.8-litre XS model all the way up to R433,700 for the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre XR CVT model. Now, most people would be outraged by this, waving their fists in the air and screaming something like “A Corolla should cost R400,000!!!”, but honestly in a world where German hatchbacks costs a million-Rand, the Corolla certainly justifies its price tag.
Firstly, the new Corolla Sedan isn’t intended to be the budget Corolla. That’s where the Corolla Quest comes in. This Corolla is the more luxurious, premium equivalent and you can really see that on the extensive list of standard equipment. Climate control with Eco mode, a reverse camera, power seat adjustment, one-touch functionality for the electric windows, keyless entry, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, steering switches and cruise control all feature on the spec’ list. XR models feature an auto-dimming rear view mirror too.
There are two engines across the Corolla Sedan range – a 1.8-litre petrol from the previous Corolla and an all-new 2.0-litre motor. The entry-level 1.8-litre engine will produce 103kW of power and 171Nm of torque sent to the front-wheels through a 7-speed CVT transmission. The new 2.0-litre engine produces 125kW of power and 200Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a ‘10-speed’ CVT transmission. Fuel consumption for the 1.8-litre is listed as 6.2 l/100 km, the 2.0-litre manual at 6.5 and finally the 2.0-litre CVT at 6.0 l/100 km.
The design of the Corolla Sedan has also headed in a new, upmarket direction. The front bumper employs a large trapezoidal lower grille, with black-moulded border and large mesh pattern. The arrow-shaped LED headlamps, with integrated daytime-running lights, flow towards the centrally-mounted Toyota emblem, surrounded by a slim-line upper grille element – enhancing visual aggressiveness. The rear also gets a set of fresh LED taillights and a redesigned bumper.
The new Corolla sedan adopts the same interior design as its hatch sibling, featuring an elegantly simple design, reduced upper-panel height, soft-touch finishes and brushed metal accent strips. In sedan execution, blue contrast stitching adds an air of sportiness and harmonises with blue illumination for the switchgear and instrument panel. The XR model offers a choice of sporty blue or classic grey accent trim colours.
Pricing
Corolla 1.8 XS CVT – R 380 200
Corolla 2.0 XR 6MT – R 420 500
Corolla 2.0 XR CVT – R 433 700
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Corolla Sedan cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan starts at R380,200 for the entry-level 1.8-litre XS model and goes up to R433,700 for the top-spec 2.0-litre XR CVT, making it significantly more expensive than previous Corolla generations but still reasonable compared to German alternatives.
Q: Is the Toyota Corolla Sedan worth buying?
The Corolla Sedan is worth buying if you want a premium, well-equipped sedan with Toyota reliability, but it's no longer the budget-friendly Corolla of old, that's what the Corolla Quest is for.
Q: What's the difference between the Toyota Corolla Sedan and Corolla Quest?
The Corolla Sedan is the premium, luxury-focused model starting at R380,200 with extensive standard equipment, while the Corolla Quest serves as the more affordable, budget-friendly option in Toyota's lineup.
Q: What engines are available in the Toyota Corolla Sedan?
The Corolla Sedan offers two petrol engines: a 1.8-litre producing 103kW and 171Nm with 7-speed CVT, and a new 2.0-litre generating 125kW and 200Nm with either 6-speed manual or 10-speed CVT transmission.
Q: What standard features does the Toyota Corolla Sedan include?
Standard equipment includes climate control with Eco mode, reverse camera, power seat adjustment, one-touch electric windows, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, steering switches, and cruise control, with XR models adding an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should buy the Toyota Corolla Sedan if you're looking for a premium sedan under R450,000 in South Africa. The best value in the range is the 1.8-litre XS at R380,200, which gives you that legendary Toyota reliability wrapped in a surprisingly luxurious package. Sure, it's not cheap by old Corolla standards, but when German hatchbacks cost over a million rand, this premium sedan actually represents decent value for money. Just remember, this isn't your grandfather's budget Corolla anymore, it's Toyota's answer to the premium sedan market, and it delivers on that promise with impressive standard equipment and build quality.
