The GR Racing Supra Concept stole the show at this year's Geneva Motor Show, but it wasn't the only significant reveal from Toyota. For everyday car buyers, the Japanese automaker also lifted the wraps off the all-new Auris, the European equivalent of America's Corolla iM hatchback, featuring sharper looks, a brand-new platform, and a hybrid powertrain. With the New York Auto Show just around the corner, Toyota has revealed the all-new, freshly named, Corolla Hatchback for America ahead of its debut at the Big Apple.
Like the Auris, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture modular platform and features extensive use of aluminium and steel in the lighter chassis and body, enhancing the car's on-road feel and fuel efficiency. Toyota says torsional rigidity is improved by 60 percent compared to its predecessor. Driving dynamics have also been improved, thanks to revised sport-tuned suspension that should make the Toyota Corolla Hatchback more fun to drive. Improvements include a revised coil spring rate and damping force, as well as reduced friction in sliding parts resulting in more responsive steering, and better ride comfort and handling stability.
According to Toyota, front and rear suspension friction has been reduced by 40 percent, while the Corolla Hatchback's center of gravity is cut by a substantial 0.8 inches. As expected, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback inherits the same design changes as the new Auris. Compared to its predecessor, the Corolla iM, the 2019 Corolla Hatchback is one-inch lower, 1.2-inches wider and 1.5-inches longer. It also has wider front and rear tracks, and a longer wheelbase providing more cabin space. Stylistically, the Corolla Hatchback adopts new front styling with slim LED headlights, a rounded nose and trapezoidal-shaped under grille similar to the new Prius and C-HR, which may prove to be polarizing.
In Europe, three powertrains will be available for the Auris, including a new range-topping hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter engine and electric motor good for 180 horsepower. As we predicted, no hybrid options will be available for the US Corolla Hatchback. Instead, it will be offered with a 2.0-liter direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine that's smaller and lighter than the 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit in its predecessor available with a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. No performance figures have been released yet, however. In terms of safety tech, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes with the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense for the first time in America.
The safety pack includes a range of driver assists such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing Assist. The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback will go on sale in the summer, but it will soon be making its public debut at the New York Auto Show next week on March 28. Toyota will also be presenting the new RAV 4 at the show.
