Toyota updated its Corolla Hatch range with a higher specification level for the flagship Xr-range, as well as the addition of a bi-tone colour scheme across the range.
The Corolla Hatch debuted locally in 2019 with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active safety suite added to the flagship Xr model in 2020.
The Xr now has more street appeal with the addition of new 18-inch alloy wheels with a sportier stance and shod with 225/40/R18 tyres. Aligned to the 18-inch wheels’ package, is the fitment of a space saver spare wheel, while Xs models retain their 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55/R16 rubber and a full-sized spare wheel.
The product update includes a new-generation infotainment system across the board, incorporating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, mirroring a mobile phone for seamless connectivity. This includes navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze, and the wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
In the case of the Xr, this model range is now equipped with a further extension of Toyota’s Safety Sense (TSS) with the addition of Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). RCTA provides audible warnings in an alley-docking scenario where passing vehicles or obstacles may be out of visual range.
To add more visual flavour, the Hatch is available in both monotone and bi-tone configurations with new colours.
Graphite Grey and Caribbean Blue have been added to the monotone list while a new Red (Fierce Red) replaces Scarlet metallic. The four bi-tone colours are Satin Silver, Fierce Red, Caribbean Blue and the newly added Platinum White Pearl – all combined with a black-metallic roof.
The Xr variant now boasts new sport front seats in a Leather and Alcantara combination, power-adjustable driver lumbar support and seat-heating function for the driver and front passenger.
All variants are powered by the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, producing 85 kW and 185 Nm. Fuel consumption checks in at 6.3 l/100 km for manual transmission models and 6.4 for the CVT-equipped versions. A 6-speed manual transmission or ‘10-speed’ Shiftmatic CVT driving the front wheels remain the two drivetrain options.
The line-up consists of (November 2020):
1.2T Xs (R369 100), 1.2T Xs Bi-Tone (R379 800), 1.2T Xs CVT (R380 600), 1.2T Xs CVT Bi-Tone (R391 300), 1.2T XR CVT (R425 200) and the 1.2T XR CVT Bi-Tone (R435 900).
Amongst the competitors, are the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megané, Opel Astra and Mazda3.
Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Nelson Mandela Bay has played an instrumental role in the success of the locally assembled Ford Ranger – both in South Africa and in the more than 100 markets it is exported to around the world.
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China updated its national standard on child safety restraints in vehicles, including laws regarding car seats. Both in China and globally, car crashes are a leading cause of death for those between five and 29 years of age. Safety restraints can reduce deaths among infants by up to 71%.
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