UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, officially launched the new and updated Toyota Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E alongside the all-new Corolla GR Sport.
The Corolla 1.8G, 1.8E, and the Corolla GR Sport are priced at RM139,800, RM147,800, and RM152,800 respectively.
The latest updates for the Corolla include a new body colour called Metal Stream ME. The frontal appearance of the Improved Corolla has a new lower grille in glossy black for a high-class image. On the mesh-like grille, polyhedral dots create an ‘active’ expression, changing the visual texture and appearance depending on the viewing angle and lighting. Long-lasting, low-energy LEDs are used for the headlamps, turn signals, daytime running lights (DRL), rear combination lamps and foglamps (front and rear).
Both variants have new designs for the lightweight alloy wheels. For the Corolla 1.8G, the 17-inch wheels have a multi-axis spoke configuration which expresses high quality and sportiness. While the 16-inch wheels of the Corolla 1.8E have a simple yet dynamic twin-spoke style with a monochrome finish, standard tyre sizes are 225/45R17 for the Corolla 1.8G and 205/55R16 for the Corolla 1.8E.
The front seats have a revised design for improved comfort. Black combination leather upholstery with perforation is standard for the Corolla 1.8G while the driver’s seat has 8-way power adjustment with adjustable lumbar support.
Two types of meter panels are available, with the Corolla 1.8G having Optitron meters. Optitron meters were first used in Lexus models and have exceptionally clear
displays under all lighting conditions. The meter can be switched between analog and digital displays to suit driver preference.
New for the Improved Corolla 1.8G and also in the GR Sport is a 12.3-inch fully digital colour display. At the press of a button, the driver can switch between four visual
designs (Casual, Smart, Tough, Sporty) and three layouts to suit their personal preferences.
There are also 3 MID (Multi Information Display) zones on the display panel, two of which are within the meters. Various running information such as shift position, fuel
consumption, music track, etc are displayed in these MIDs.
Drivers of the Corolla 1.8E get a standard meter package with a sporty appearance. The 4.2-inch MID, which has a TFT panel and colour display, provides useful
information during each journey. As before, there is a 9-inch display panel for the infotainment system which also shows imagery from the reverse camera (with guidelines).
The infotainment system has Wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto Ready Connectivity, as well as USB mirroring, AUX and Bluetooth. This allows connecting of compatible smartphones to bring favourite apps and also play music via the touchscreen display panel.
With the introduction of more efficient Type C USB ports on smartphones, the USB power port in the console box has been upgraded to Type C as well. For devices requiring stronger electricity supply, there is also the traditional 12V socket with a 120W supply. A wireless charger pad (compatible with Qi standards) is also provided in the Corolla 1.8G on the front console upper tray.
For added convenience, the Smart Entry system has been added to the front passenger door as well. With the key fob present, locking/unlocking of the doors can
done with just a touch of the button on the door handle. Once inside, the engine can be started with just a press of a button while pressing on the brake lever.
Other standard features (depending on variant) include dual-zone automatic airconditioning with rear vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel with control switches,
rain sensor wipers, electrochromic rearview mirror, rear sunshade (manual operation) and tinted door visors.
The Corolla 1.8G and GR Sport come with dual Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) which record video of the road ahead and behind. This can be useful in the event of a
dispute after an accident. Additionally, there is also a standard 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which gives an overhead view of the car as well as from 4 sides for
easier maneuvering and parking.
Also standard is a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. Functioning as a security system, if the car is stolen, recovery by the police is more likely. It can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.
Customers buying the Corolla 1.8E can also specify the dual DVRs, 3D PVM and VTS as extra-cost options during their purchase. The items will then be included in the total amount of the car’s H-P financing amount.
Both variants, as well as the Corolla GR Sport, use the proven 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with Dual VVT-i producing 139 PS at 6,400 rpm
and peak torque of 172 Nm at 4,000 rpm. All variants have a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT with straightline shift operation.
While Active Safety features such as ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution have long been standard in the Corolla as well as most Toyota models, a more advanced integrated system has been included since 2015.
This is known as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and it was introduced with the current 12th generation Corolla. Available in the latest Corolla GR-Sport and 1.8G, the TSS suite consists of 5 main systems – Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Steering Assist and Lane Trace Assist with Lane Departure Alert
(LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). New for both the variants is Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Last but not least, all variants come with 7 SRS airbags and all 5 occupants are provided with 3-point seatbelts to restrain them in the event of a collision.
