Toyota has never been known for originality and engineering prowess. Think about any of their vehicles, and you'd notice that they're basically just better-made equivalents of something other vehicle. With the Honda Civic now turning close to a year old already, Toyota knew that they were facing an uphill battle. In fact, there were some delays in launching the all-new Corolla, all in the pursuit of better quality. And while we can't determine if they solved that issue, we can at least tell you that the new Corolla is everything you expect the Corolla to be: highly refined but dull and unimaginative as ever.

According to the grapevine, there will be at least three versions of the Corolla that'll be invading the world in 2007: a European, North American and Japanese model--all based off the same basic platform, but with enough differentiating ingredients to make it more palatable for each market. What you see in these pages are the official shots and specs of the Japanese model Corolla--a good basis of what will ultimately be the ASEAN model.

Despite selling more than 30 million vehicles since its debut in 1966, the all-new Corolla has never captured anyone's imagination. Sure, the current generation spelled sexiness with its slew of Brad Pitt/Ricky Martin commercials--but snazzy marketing aside, it's a reliable, refined and durable workhorse. The 10th generation model is no different. Whether Hugh Jackman well take over where Brad Pitt left off is all up to the folks at marketing, but one thing's for certain: it's based off the current platform.

So, the tried, trust and comfy set-up will continue with modifications done to hone the Corolla's high speed stability and to improve what Toyota marketers call "brisk maneuvering". However, the new Corolla's now clothed in swankier garb thanks to styling pioneered by its bigger brother, the Camry. The front is dominated by the large projector-type headlamps, grille and sweeping line that stretch from the hood to the bumper and fenders. At the side, the Corolla is now devoid of any side garnish (a styling trend in all Toyotas) with a rising door line.  The rear is rather less distinctive with the LED tail lamps being the main design highlight.

In service in the new Corolla are a choice of two four-banger engines: one displacing 1.5-liters and the other 1.8-liters. The 1.5-liter engine (1NZ-FE) is a basic carryover from the current Vios, so there's little worth talking about that. The biggest change is new 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter engine that features variable timing control on both intake and exhaust (Dual VVTi). This enables this engine to put out 136 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque while delivering 17.2 km/L (according to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport). Both engines achieve emission levels 75 percent better than the engines they replace. In order to achieve such ridiculously high mileage, Toyota engineers have abandoned the traditional automatic in favor of a CVT transmission called "Super CVT-i". A five-speed manual is still available.

The improved packaging enables the new Corolla to garner more interior room than ever before. The basic motif is, once again, the Camry (beige plastics, leather seats, wood trim). Toyota has taken some pages off the Civic's design book by incorporating a "nearly flat rear floor". In terms of the instrument panel, Toyota has gone the other way by making the cowl low and the A-pillars extended. Aside from the usual Optitron gauges and powered driver's seat, the Corolla is now hope to a tilt/telescopic steering wheel as well as a rear reversing camera!

next page >