The 11th-generation Corolla rolled onto our shores in 2013 with a ton of high-tech features. High-tech features included adaptive cruise control.Toyota Safety Sense-P safety suite is another addition to this tech-heavy Toyota. This generation also pushed the Corolla further upmarket with a nicer overall interior. Toyota also replaced the traditional automatic transmission with a more fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission.
Big changes were on the way for the eleventh version of the Corolla. Fuel efficiency was more important than ever, and Toyota needed to update the looks of the car to bring it more into line with modern standards.
Different Platforms & an Updated Look
Once again, the Auris name was used for the hatchback model in Europe and Japan, and the car was based on different platforms depending on the market it was intended for.
Japanese Corolla models were given the designation E160. They were based on Toyota’s B platform that was also used for the Vitz/Yaris and the Prius C. The E160 Corolla was shorter in length and narrower in width. The engines were kept under 2.0-litres. This was done so that it could be in compliance with the Japanese Government’s dimension and engine size regulations. This meant that Japanese buyers would pay a reduced rate for their road tax, a major selling point.
Export Markets
Export market Corollas were based on the new MC platform. They were given the designation E170, while Auris models were labelled the E180.
The styling was also completely revised. It had a new more chiselled look that gave both Corolla and Auris models a more aggressive appearance. Perhaps the biggest exterior change was the lights. Gone were the rounded, somewhat cute front headlights and rear taillights. In their place were angular units that made the Corolla/Auris look much more sophisticated.
For this generation, the Auris was not only available as a hatchback. Ir was also an estate/station wagon was well (Touring Sport). Corolla models were available in a range of body styles from hatchbacks to sedans, station wagons and more.
Hybrid Corolla & Other Powertrain Options
While the Auris received the hybrid treatment in the previous generation, it wasn’t until this generation that the Corolla would get a hybrid option as well. The hybrid system was mated to the 1NZ-FXE inline four-cylinder engine. Total power and torque figures were 73 horsepower and 111 Nm (82 lb ft) respectively. All Corolla models with a hybrid system featured Toyota’s E-CVT transmission.
Japanese Corolla models were only offered with a total of four different engine options (including the hybrid). These ranged from the 1.3-litre 1NR-FE I4 to the 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE I4. Transmission options were also much more limited than previous generations with only a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission being available for Japanese domestic cars.
Auris Models
Both international and domestic Auris models were fitted with a similar range of engines, but diesel power units were available in some markets. The hybrid Auris (available at a later date) also featured a larger 1.8-litre VVT-i engine rather than the 1.5-litre one from the Japanese-spec Corolla. This hybrid engine was also found in international Corolla models. T
E170 Corollas were fitted with petrol engines ranging from the turbocharged 1.2-litre 8NR-FTS to the 2.0-litre 3ZR-FE, and two 1.6-litre diesel engines were available. Transmission options were also more diverse with both 5- and 6-speed manual options available, a 4-speed automatic and a 7/8-speed CVT transmission (these options depended on the market).
The Corolla Gets a Facelift
Both the Japan-spec Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (station wagon) were given a facelift in April 2015. The changes made to the two cars consisted of a new raised front bumper, revised headlamps with LED projector lenses, revise front fenders, updated taillights, and Toyota’s Safety Sense collision avoidance system. A facelifted version of the Auris was also introduced in April 2015 as well.
A second facelift for Japanese models was introduced two and a half years later and consisted of a revised front bumper and grille, the addition of intelligent clearance sonar, and the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense on all cars.
E170 Corolla models would have to wait until 2016 (2017 model year) to receive a facelift. The changes to the car were similar to those made to the Japanese-spec model and included sleeker LED headlights with new LED light guides, a full width lower grille, redesigned taillights, interior changes and more.
List of References
Rola, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.rola.co.za/newsroom/86-the-toyota-corolla
Cars Blog,Car History:Toyota Corolla, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.dubizzle.com/blog/cars/toyota-corolla-history
Autoweek:Here’s How Toyota Sold 50 Million Corollas In 55 Years, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.autoweek.com/news/g37418790/how-toyota-sold-50-million-corollas/
Garage dreams: The complete history of Toyota Corolla, accessed 13 December 2023, https://garagedreams.net/history/the-complete-history-of-the-toyota-corolla
