Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Toyota

Toyota has given the Corolla a quick refresh for 2011, and we can expect to get our first in-the-flesh peak at the design at the 2010 LA Auto Show later this week. Toyota says it sought help from styling studios in Turin, Italy, in shaping the small sedan’s revised nose and tail section. With a new bumper cap, grille and headlights, the 2011 Corolla now wears a face that’s a bit more differentiated from the much larger Camry. Out back, Toyota designers also gave the car a reworked trunk lid and rear bumper.

Next year will also bring a host of standard safety tech, including vehicle stability control and traction control. Otherwise, buyers can expect to be met with the same 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as the 2010 model. While we have no qualms with the company’s workhorse four-pot, we are more than a little disappointed to see that the archaic four-speed automatic will stay on for 2011 as well. At least the five-speed manual gearbox is still available. Hit the jump for a look at the press release.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Toyota Corolla will debut in LA with new nose

2011 Toyota Corolla will debut in LA with new nose originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Toyota

“Limited Service Campaign” may sound like a euphemism for “quiet recall,” but the real meaning is related to the small amount of 2010 Corolla and Matrix models Toyota is calling in for repair. According to Reuters, a total of nearly 11,000 vehicles are affected; about 9,400 Corollas and 1,350 Matrix models equipped with the 2ZR-FE 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and assembled in North America during February and March 2010.

Toyota staging “limited service campaign” to fix shredding belts on 2010 Corolla, Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Earnings/Financials

With 3,050 September sales in North America, the Ford Fiesta is just now beginning to move off dealer lots. And while it’s far too early to declare The Blue Oval’s premium subcompact a success or failure, the folks in Dearborn have to be pleased with one crucial statistic. Car buyers driving off the dealer lot in a new Fiesta are paying a substantial premium over the handsome runt’s $13,999 base price.

Bloomberg reports that the average transaction price of a Fiesta is between $3,000 and $4,000 beyond the base MSRP, or more money than customers are paying for the larger (and soon-to-depart) Ford Focus. Given the fact that the Fiesta is newer, fresher, and more heavily marketed than the Focus, we’re not all that surprised, but perhaps more shocking is the fact that the Fiesta also has a higher average transaction price than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic – both of which are class-above vehicles.

That the Fiesta is selling for premium dollar is no big surprise to Ford, as the automaker decided early on to equip the B-Segment seedling with the same top tech that is typically found in larger, more expensive fare. It helps that Ford has already experienced plenty of Fiesta success in other parts of the world, with 940,000 copies already sold to date. And in those other markets, Ford has achieved strikingly similar model mixes as what is being indicated early on in the States. The top trim Fiesta accounts for 39 percent of U.S. sales, compared to a 42 percent mix in Europe, which accounts for 85 percent of global sales.

Ford is also attracting younger, more affluent customers with an impressive 60 percent buying a Ford product for the first time. We’re thinking the early returns are just about everything Dearborn was hoping for save perhaps for total volume, so we’ll hold off our praise until we see if Fiesta’s overall sales numbers climb now that supply issues have been sorted.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Ford Fiesta transaction prices higher than current Focus, Civic and Corolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is intensifying its investigation into stalling Toyota Corolla models. According to the Associated Press, the agency has opened what it calls an engineering analysis into 1.8 million Corolla and Matrix models sold between 2005 and 2007. So far, NHTSA has received around 163 complaints about stalling in those vehicles, and the government seems to believe the problem may be due to a faulty coating on the vehicle’s circuit boards. It’s also possible that a crack could develop in a particular glass coating in the vehicle.

NHTSA hasn’t gone so far as to issue a recall in this particular case as its research into the problem is ongoing. Previously, investigators were only looking into Corolla and Matrix models produced in 2006, though the recent expansion indicates that the issue may be more widespread than previously believed.

Last we heard, Toyota was considering a voluntary fix for the problem, though since then nothing has come up in terms of a proposed solution from the carmaker. Back in March, NHTSA said that the problem doesn’t pose any danger to drivers.

[Source: Associated Press]

U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota

Even with the impending launch of the Volt later in the Fall, the Chevrolet Cruze may be the biggest vehicle General Motors will launch in the U.S. this year. The reason is money. The Cruze should make some of it, while the Volt and its pricey development and battery packs likely won’t for a long time.

The Cruze looks pretty good to us, but we know that the new sedan will only be successful if it is properly launched and marketed. So how do you best show off a refined interior, 10 standard airbags and more hip- and shoulder-room than the top sellers in the class? Automotive News reports that The General will ask its 3,000 dealers to purchase a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic so Bowtie shoppers can compare and contrast the newest Chevrolet against the C-Segment stalwarts from Japan.

Since the Cruze is all-new in the U.S. market and both the Civic and Corolla are a bit long-in-the-tooth, we’re thinking the Chevy will win more than its fair share of buyers, but we’d like to see Chevy stores step up to the challenge of the Mazda3, as well. Perhaps the bigger challenge, though, will be to get customers who would traditionally buy a Honda or Toyota to shop at a Chevy store in the first place. GM plans to officially launch the Cruze in late September.

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Motor Philippines announces the introduction of the 2.0-liter Corolla Altis. The newest addition to the Altis line-up is the top-of-the-line variant equipped with superior technology comparable to Toyota’s high-end models. This includes a dual VVT-i engine, paddle shift, smart entry with push-start system and an array of comfort and safety features that puts it a notch above its class. The 2.0L Altis is offered at Php 1,100,000 and is available at all authorized Toyota dealers nationwide in February 2009.

The launch of the 2.0L Altis follows the successful introduction of the 10th Generation Corolla with 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter variants in January 2008, where it sold a total of 4,610 units on its first year. As the 2.0-liter variant revitalizes the entire line-up, it is expected to further boost Corolla sales and Toyota’s overall passenger car performance.On the outside, the new 2.0L Corolla can be easily distinguished from the other variants as it features a sporty honey-comb grille. But on the inside, superior technology became the focus of its major improvements, the highlight of which is the Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) engine, a technology so far only available in the top-of-the-line Camry 3.5Q V6. This new 3ZR-FE 4-cylinder, in-line 16 valve DOHC 2.0-liter engine provides maximum output of 104 kW at 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 189 Nm per 4,400 rpm. What makes the dual VVT-i engine different from single VVT-i available in other Toyota passenger cars is that variable timing is applied to both intake and exhaust valves, whereas the normal VVT-i only applies to intake valves. The combination of 2.0-liter displacement and Dual VVT-i technology results to five major advantages: Balanced output and better performance; high fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions; better control in terms of shifting, steering responsiveness and stability; and improved safety.

Balanced output is achieved as valve timing is highly optimized according to the engine’s operating conditions. This allows for higher torque in low to mid rpm ranges and increased output at high rpm, resulting to superior acceleration performance. With a flat torque quickly generated, the new Altis accelerates smoothly and more efficiently. With great acceleration from a standing start, the driver can easily maneuver the vehicle quickly and safely.

Fuel efficiency is maximized and emission gases are reduced as the size and weight of the valve train and pistons were reduced to lessen friction of parts.

Intelligent transmission provides smoother shifting, equipped with a paddle shift for better manual transmission-like shifting when in sequential mode. The paddle shift likewise enhances safety as drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel, intensifying control and focus. On the other hand, the bigger body and more rigid suspension provide increased stability, better steering response, improved control and safer drive.

Aside from superior engine, another highlight is the smart key system with key-integrated trunk release function. Advanced engine operation is provided with the adoption of a push-start engine switch, which is the first in its class. This same premium feature is only available at Toyota’s other high-end models such as the Camry, Land Cruiser 200 and the hybrid car, Prius.

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Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC), the biggest automotive company in the country, announces the introduction of the 2008 Corolla Altis in March this year. With all new specifications and features, the 10th generation Corolla will offer a new styling package that elevates its position as a global sedan.

Since the introduction of the Corolla in 1966, it has sold over 32 million units in over 140 countries, making it the best-selling vehicle in the world. In the Philippines, the Corolla was one of the first Toyota models introduced since the start of TMPC’s operations in 1989. Throughout the years, the Corolla has positively influenced the country’s motoring landscape and the lives of over 170,000 Filipino Corolla owners.

The 10th generation model has been elevated to a global vehicle wherein one style is implemented for the entire world that appeals to customers globally. Its dynamic design challenges performance, creativity, safety and quality not present in vehicles in its class. It provides new values to address the requirements of customers from all parts of the world. With its 42-year heritage, the Corolla DNA will truly make customers proud to drive one.

The all new Corolla Altis will be available in 3 grades, 2 engines and 5 variants as follows: The high-end V grade in 1.8 and 1.6 liter automatic transmission, the G grade at 1.6 liter automatic and manual transmissions, and the entry level E grade at 1.6 liter manual transmission. It is offered in gray metallic, medium silver metallic, silver metallic, beige metallic, black mica and super white.

Exterior Design

Its dynamic and advanced exterior design transformed the Altis to a sportier sedan while maintaining the luxurious presence and image. Its new body is now lower and wider that provides a more stable ride, aside from giving it a bolder look provided by the smooth character lines. The sleek exterior features include a low and wide front grille, sharp High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Manual Leveling system, integrated turn signal lamps and a power retractable feature for the V-grade. The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) tail lamps and rear bumper reflector blend with the deeply contoured bumper curves.

Interior Design

The all-new Corolla Altis features a smartly designed interior starting with the center console designed with a flowing curve from top to bottom. This is complimented by the surrounding silver edge of the console, and switches ergonomically placed for easy use. Door trims are also connected with the dashboard to complete the smooth flow of the interior.

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The interior’s tall-boy design cabin provides a more appropriate seating position to enhance the driver’s comfort.

The automatic air conditioning system employs digital push-type controls with dual liquid crystal panels. The integrated audio unit features the standard AM/FM tuner, 6-CD changer, CD player in MP3 and WMA format compatibility, automatic sound levelizer (ASL) and radio digital processor.

Seats and steering wheel adjust to fit each driver’s best driving position. It features 8-way power seats that can be adjusted down to the millimeter, combined with the tilt and telescopic steering, allowing the driver to find the most appropriate and comfortable driving position. Steering switches provide optimal convenience and control for the audio system and multi-information display (MID). The MID displays current and average fuel consumption, cruising range, average speed, elapsed time and fuel unit changeover. Additionally, the V-grade has a DOT matrix feature for the MID for the standard reminders.

For maximum convenience, the 10th generation Corolla offers plenty of storage space, including a two-level glove box, various drink holders for the front and rear passengers, and as much as 21 separate storage compartments conveniently placed throughout the cabin. Lots of trunk spaces guarantees the storage of as much as 4 golf bags, which can be maximized further if 60:40 split rear seats are folded completely.

Balanced and Efficient Performance

The 4-cylinder, in-line 16 valve DOHC VVT-i engine offers maximum output of 132ps/6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 170Nm / 4,200 rpm for the 1.8-liter variant. While the 1.6-liter variant offers maximum output of 109ps / 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm / 4,400 rpm.

The new Corolla adopted the Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), with 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, with multi-mode sequential available in the 1.8 V-grade. In additional, Electric Power Steering (EPS) makes sharp turns in narrow streets easier.

MacPherson Strut Type front suspension and rear torsion beams are implemented for better handling stability and driving comfort. Sporty 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design is available for the V-grade while 7-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are available for the G and E grades.

Safety Beyond Its Class

All variants of the All-New Corolla Altis host various safety features beyond its class. Active safety features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), combined with the 15-inch front and rear disk brakes for better braking response. Passive safety features include standard Toyota Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body structure, dual SRS airbags (for V-grade), and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Concept front seats.

The 2008 Corolla Altis will be available in the market by March 2008. Please visit any of the 26 Toyota dealerships nationwide for more information

Toyota Philippines Press Release

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