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Philip Lord16 May 2015
NEWS

Updated Corolla goes transatlantic

Toyota's revised small car will embrace US and European styling when it goes on sale in coming weeks

The Toyota Corolla refresh due here next month will be offered with two different sets of nose and tail treatments derived from its US-market Scion iM and European-market Toyota Auris counterparts.

The European Toyota Auris front and rear design will serve as the basis of the Ascent and Ascent Sport models, while the Scion iM will share its nose and tail styling with the local Corolla SX and ZR sports models.

Recently refreshed for Europe and first displayed at the Geneva show, the Auris displays a more prominent Toyota logo on its grille, and is bordered by chrome wings. New headlight clusters, a more prominent front bumper and a lower grille that runs the full width of the car are other key changes that Auris will share with upcoming Ascent and Ascent Sport. At the rear, some elements such as the Auris' clear indicator lenses and chrome embellishment on the lower bumper may also appear locally.

The Scion iM, which made its debut at New York last month, has a more aggressive look, in keeping with the Toyota's US brand's youth-oriented focus. Featuring piano-black honeycomb mesh upper grille, hexagonal lower grille and side bezels, the Scion iM's body kit will serve on the local Corolla SX and ZR.

Some features will appear locally that are not available with either Corolla's US or European counterparts, such as front fog lights on upper-spec versions of the updated Corolla.

Inside, Toyota says that the Corolla will have a new dashboard, revised instruments and changed grained surfaces and trim elements.

Details such as the air vents, door handles and gear-lever surround have been redesigned, as has seat upholstery.

Revisions to the front and rear suspension have improved initial roll damping, minimised friction and enhanced straight-line ride comfort.

Mapping of the electric power steering has been tuned to further build steering weight as vehicle speed increases.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said both design themes for the new Corolla hatch produced a greater road presence with a visually broader stance.

"We are spicing up the Corolla hatch range with two distinct looks – the classic redesign seen in the European car and the added spark displayed by the sporty-looking US car," Mr Cramb said.

"In Australia, we can draw on the global strength of Toyota to offer compelling designs for cars like Corolla that stand out in the market and offer maximum appeal to buyers who have different tastes," he said.

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Written byPhilip Lord
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