First look: Corolla sedan joins hatch

TOYOTA has taken the covers off its 10th-generation Corolla sedan and wagon.

When unveiling the car in Japan last week, the Asian auto giant revealed the Corolla sedan had a new name – Axio, which is taken from the Greek word "axia" meaning "things of value" – to shed the car’s competitive-but-staid image in some markets.

"With the new name, we want to expand our customer base and increase volumes," TMC president Katsuaki Watanabe said in Tokyo last week, noting that the average age of existing Corolla buyers in Japan was around 60.

The Axio name will be used in Japan and Europe while the wagon will be called the Fielder. However, all model variants sold in Australia will retain the Corolla name.

While the wagon is unlikely to make it Down Under, the sedan is due in the first quarter of 2007. A hatchback should follow soon after, based on the Euro-inspired Auris "concept" shown at the recent Paris motor show.

In Japan, the sedan and wagon are available in both 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre guises, mated to either five-speed manual gearboxes or what Toyota calls its "super continuous variable transmission-intelligent" (Super CVT-i) automatic. Four-wheel drive is also offered, although this not likely to make it to Australia.

Toyota claims both engines have improved economy and performance while reducing emissions.

Most likely for Australia, the 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE unit develops 100kW at 6000rpm and 175Nm at 4400rpm, compared to the current car’s 93kW at 6000rpm and 161Nm at 4200rpm. The 2ZR-FE engine adopts dual variable valve timing-intelligent (dual VVT-i) that optimises both intake and exhaust for smoother and more powerful acceleration.

Apart from being slightly roomier, the Japanese-spec Axio adopts modern safety devices like a pre-crash safety system using radar, brake assist, radar cruise control, active headlights and an intelligent parking assist system.

At 4410mm long, the newcomer is 20mm longer than the current Corolla but sits on the same 2600mm wheelbase it is also the same width at 1695mm but is 10mm lower. The front track remains the same at 1480mm and the rear track is up 5mm to 1465mm.

The company focused on enhancing basic performance and improving quality levels. Toyota said the new sedan and wagon were developed with "car-making by a new measure" as their basic theme.

Despite the company’s claim of trying to improve the Corolla’s staid-but-solid looks, the Axio has not strayed too far from the Corolla’s conservatively styling. The front end follows the latest trend of headlights cutting sharply into the bumper line while the bonnet has a slight edge to it, rising to meet the front pillar.

The side glass pitches low from the leading edge of the front door, flowing into the boot, while the roofline has a continuous curve from front to back.

The rear pillars sweep downward to create a gently arcing character line that displays Corolla Axio’s stylish nature. At the back the boot has a wide opening, down to bumper level.

The interior has a simple and clean design that follows the Camry principle of having all centre controls high-set for ease of use. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach as well as height.

To enhance visibility, the top surface of the instrument panel is low while the front pillars have been extended forward and made slimmer. Japanese models also have a "smart key" access to unlock doors and a button to start the engine.

The back seat floor hump is minimised to create a flat surface for extra legroom.

The Axio’s global outstanding assessment (GOA) construction has been further evolved to create a stronger crash safety frame while the bonnet and the front of the car are built around a pedestrian-friendly structure. The front seat structures have active headrests and seat frames.

Since its debut in 1966, the Corolla has been a solid seller around the world. Last year in Australia, Toyota sold 46,415 Corollas, making it one of the best-selling passenger cars in the country.