2020 Toyota Corolla gets more pizazz, faces systemic market headwinds

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The new Corolla comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with a precursion system, a dynamic radar carrier control on highways that maintain pre-set distances between vehicles and warning signs for leaving the road.

The renewed 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan will take to the streets on a new platform and with a more powerful engine option and sharper design that gives a more athletic look.

The 12th generation Corolla was created on the Toyota New Global Architecture which, according to the automaker, introduces new approaches to design, engineering, assembly and materials to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, safety and driving dynamics.

After the Prius and then the Camry, the Corolla is the newest nameplate that Toyota has injected with mojo to give a more traditionally reliable and durable auto-line-up more pizzazz. Nonetheless, Toyota's total US auto sales have dropped 11.1 percent this year to October to 755,724 units.

Worrying headwind

The Corolla, which is consistently one of the best-selling light vehicles in the US, is facing sustained headwinds in a shift from the market to light trucks: US car shipments are on track to fall for 2018 for the fifth consecutive year.

This year, up to and including October, the American sales of the Corolla declined by 11 percent to 257,188.

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The latest Corolla sedan, says Toyota, is derived from the same DNA as the new Corolla hatchback that was unveiled this year. The two body variants also share power lines.

TNGA gives the Corolla more maneuverability in addition to what Toyota says, is the quietest and smoothest ride to date of the sedan. Toyota says that the new interior has an increased sense of quality on every surface, switch and control that the driver sees and touches & # 39 ;.

Toyota says the instrument panel gives an "open, harmonious feel" with a slimmer upper surface with character lines that "interlock with the door trim to convey an airy atmosphere".

Standard suite

The sedan comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite with a precursion system, a dynamic radar carrier control on highways that sets the preset distances between vehicles and the warning system for departure and departure.

The L, LE and XLE finishes have the 1.8-liter engine from the previous generation, "but with more horsepower and lower fuel consumption," says Toyota. The XSE and SE class are powered by a new 2.0-liter dynamic power direct injection inline four-cylinder engine that delivers more performance while using less fuel.

The design crew was looking for a robust attitude that inspired confidence & # 39 ;, says Toyota, but the automaker has not remodeled styling at the expense of practicality. Designers tried to retain enough space in the vehicle for use in the real world.

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Designers went for a simple but inviting interior that was warm and sensual. The result is what Toyota sensuous minimalism & # 39; calls.

Toyota says the instrument panel gives an "open, harmonious feel" with a slimmer upper surface with character lines that "interlock with the door trim to convey an airy atmosphere". Passengers will operate the cab via an 8-inch touch screen that gives access to audio control, navigation and vehicle settings.

Toyota says that compared to the previous version the dashboard, the hood, the hood and the belt line are longer to increase visibility and increase the openness of the interior.