Toyota Corolla Hatch gets new updates
The Toyota Corolla has been in production for over 50 years. In 2019, Toyota launched the Corolla Hatch, a new era for the Corolla nameplate. Now in 2020, Toyota revealed that they updated the safety specs as well as other new upgrades on the new hot hatch.
Under the hood of all variants of the Corolla Hatch is a 1.2-litre turbocharged 8NR-FTS engine that produces 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. The Corolla Hatch comes available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or, Toyota’s CVT gearbox. When it comes to fuel consumption the Corolla Hatch checks in at 6.3 l/100 km for manual transmission models and 6.4 for CVT models.
Regarding the exterior, the Corolla Hatch Xr has stepped up in terms of sports appeal and that’s thanks to its new stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Along with the 18-inch wheels’ package, is the fitment of a space-saver spare wheel, while Xs models retain their 16-inch alloy wheels with corresponding 205/55/R16 rubber and full-size spare wheel.
The Corolla Hatch also gets an extended colour palette with new striking bi-tone colour options, such as Satin Silver, Fierce Red, Caribbean Blue, and Platinum White Pearl which will be combined with a black-metallic roof, for extra visual appeal.
The inside comes with a new-generation infotainment system that incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This also allows passengers to mirror applications off their mobile phones. It also comes with navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze. Occupants will have access to their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
The biggest talk around the new updates is the introduction of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system, which is now equipped with the Xr model and comes with a whole suite of safety systems that includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). RCTA will provide audible warnings to the driver in an alley-docking situation, where passing vehicles or obstacles may be out of visual range.
In terms of safety, the Corolla Hatch will have an electronic parking brake with an integrated Hill-Assist function (HAC) which will be joined by the driver, passenger, side, curtain, and driver-knee airbags. Vehicle Stability Control comes standard with the full suite of electronic aids present such as (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist). ISOFIX attachment points will also be supplied.
All Corolla Hatch models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan – with 15 000 km or 12-month service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
Pricing
Corolla 1.2T Xs- R369,100
Corolla 1.2T Xs Bi-Tone- R379,800
Corolla 1.2T Xs CVT- R380,600
Corolla 1.2T Xs CVT Bi-Tone- R391,300
Corolla 1.2T XR CVT- R425,200
Corolla 1.2T XR CVT Bi-Tone- R435,900
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 Hatch cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Corolla Hatch starts from around R341,800 for the base Xs model with manual transmission, while the range-topping Xr CVT will set you back approximately R389,900, making it a solid choice in the premium hatchback segment.
Q: Is the Toyota Corolla Hatch worth buying?
Absolutely, the Corolla Hatch delivers excellent build quality, decent performance from its 1.2-litre turbo engine producing 85kW, and Toyota's legendary reliability, making it one of the best premium hatchbacks you can buy under R400,000.
Q: What engine does the Toyota Corolla Hatch have?
All Corolla Hatch models use a 1.2-litre turbocharged 8NR-FTS engine that produces 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Toyota Corolla Hatch?
The Corolla Hatch achieves impressive fuel consumption figures of 6.3 litres per 100km with the manual gearbox and 6.4 litres per 100km with the CVT, making it one of the most economical cars in its class.
Q: What features does the new Toyota Corolla Hatch have?
The updated Corolla Hatch comes with a new infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 18-inch alloy wheels on Xr models, striking bi-tone colour options with black metallic roofs, and enhanced safety specifications.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium hatchback under R400,000 in South Africa is definitely the Toyota Corolla Hatch. At R341,800 for the Xs manual and R389,900 for the Xr CVT, you're getting Toyota's bulletproof reliability, excellent fuel economy of 6.3-6.4 litres per 100km, and a punchy 1.2-litre turbo engine that delivers 85kW. The updated infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus those sharp 18-inch wheels on the Xr, make this a proper modern hatch that won't leave you stranded at the side of the road. If you want a stylish, reliable daily driver that sips fuel and holds its value like a Krugerrand, the Corolla Hatch is an absolute yes.
