Corolla down, but not out (yet)

THE 1.8-litre engine powering Toyota’s top-selling Corolla has been detuned, dropping from 100kW of power and 171Nm of torque to 93kW and 161Nm.

A Toyota Australia spokesperson said this week that the changes were necessary in order to comply with tougher emissions regulations in force from January 1.

They affect models built from October 2005. No other changes have been made to the car, other than prices rising – the range now starts from $19,850.

Despite the changes, and the fact that a key selling point has gone, Toyota is having no trouble selling the Corolla – 3395 rolled out of showrooms last month alone.

An all-new Corolla is due for release in 2007.