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.
Korean automaker Hyundai has been an unmitigated success in the SA new car space. The relative newcomer to the market has been a consistent top-five feature on the new-car sales charts. There are many reasons for this, including good, reliable products at competitive prices. In part, the success is also driven by innovation.
South Africa's automotive sector is set for a significant transformation as Chinese and Indian vehicle manufacturers prepare to shift from basic assembly operations to full-scale local production.
Lightstone Auto has rolled out a cutting-edge integration designed to transform how alternative lenders, rent-to-own providers and niche finance firms engage with dealerships.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
Nissan Egypt is redefining sustainable mobility in Africa with the introduction of its third-generation e-Power technology used on the Nissan Qashqai and the opportunity to test drive the iconic new Patrol for the first time in Africa.
Nissan’s new Navara bakkie has been unveiled in Australia, and not in the cards for South Africa.
Following the introduction of the C5 Luxury X and Elegance X trims earlier this year, OMODA & JAECOO South Africa are now enhancing the Style and Street derivatives with a series of upgrades.
