Toyota USA has unveiled its new Corolla Hatchback at the New York International Auto Show.
The car, which was designed in Europe, mirrors the looks of the recently unveiled Toyota Auris, and finally gives us a look at the Auris' interior.
Drawing inspiration from the C-HR crossover, the Corolla hatch comes standard with an Entune 3.0 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa integration and App Suite Connect.
The new model is also the first to use the company's latest Toyota Safety Sense, a safety technology software that is able to detect pedestrians, brake in case of emergencies, cruise-control via radar, trace lanes, and assist with steering.
The vehicle will be built on Toyota's global architecture modular platform, which also underpins the newest Prius hybrid, the upcoming Auris and C-HR subcompact crossover.
Reports suggest the hybridized motors of the Auris will not be released in the US, with the Corolla instead being powered by a 2.0-litre petrol motor, mated either to a 6-speed manual or automatic.
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 Hatchback cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback starts from around R420,000 for the base model with manual transmission, while the automatic version will set you back approximately R450,000 in South Africa.
Q: Is the Toyota Corolla Hatchback worth buying?
Absolutely, the Corolla Hatchback offers excellent value with Toyota's legendary reliability, modern tech features like the 8-inch touchscreen with Alexa integration, and comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard equipment.
Q: What engine does the Toyota Corolla Hatchback have?
The Corolla Hatchback comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine producing around 125kW, paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Toyota Corolla Hatchback?
The Corolla Hatchback delivers impressive fuel consumption of approximately 6.5 litres per 100km in combined driving conditions, making it one of the most economical hatches in its class.
Q: What safety features does the Toyota Corolla Hatchback include?
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard, including pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam headlights.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is absolutely worth buying if you're after a reliable, well-equipped hatch under R500,000 in South Africa. At R420,000 for the manual and R450,000 for the automatic, it delivers exceptional value with modern tech, comprehensive safety kit, and Toyota's bulletproof reliability. The 2.0-litre engine provides adequate performance while sipping fuel at just 6.5L/100km, and you get premium features like the 8-inch touchscreen with Alexa integration that many competitors charge extra for. Sure, it's not the most exciting drive on the block, but for practical daily transport with peace of mind, the Corolla Hatchback ticks all the right boxes without breaking the bank.
