Unveiled on Wednesday by Al-Futtaim Toyota in a private gathering, Toyota’s bestselling sedan has got a hybrid electric variant for the 2020 model year. The 2020 Corolla comes with a fresh energetic styling, unmatched performance and class-leading fuel efficiency of 27.6 km/l.
Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, stated, “The all-new 2020 Corolla is the most radical rethink of the iconic nameplate yet. Not only is it forward-looking in its technology, but it also delivers a driving experience that is unprecedented. In addition to the petrol variant, customers will now also have a Hybrid Electric option, thereby enhancing the appeal of the Corolla badge while answering an increasing need for clean motoring in the UAE. We are confident the new model will carry the legacy of the Corolla nameplate even further.”
He added, “Al-Futtaim Toyota has been the pioneer in sustainable mobility in the UAE launching the first Hybrid Electric Vehicle in 2008. The launch of the all-new Corolla Hybrid further reinforces our commitment to the UAE 2021 vision. Over the next few years, customers can look forward to a greater number of HEV models catering to various tastes and needs.”
The official unveiling also introduced a mini-web comedy show, “When a Hybrid Nation Smiles”, which narrates the story of three co-workers from different backgrounds, showing us the mix of cultures in the UAE. The comedians taking part in the web series include Ali Al Sayed, Muhnnad Al Hattab and Adithya Thomas. Those who like to see the comedy show should click here.
Talking about the 2020 Corolla, it employs Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, thus offers a lower center of gravity, 60% extra rigid body shell and multi-link suspension. All these features add to its handling, steadiness, and comfort.
The 2020 Corolla offers customers a choice of three powertrains. The first one is a newly created 2.0-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine with a fresh D-4S fuel injection system. The powerful unit pumps out 168 hp and 20.43 kg-m of torque. The engine is paired with a new 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission. The second powertrain option is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder yielding 121 hp and 15.7 kg-m of torque mated to a Multidrive 7S seven-speed automatic transmission.
The last and newly introduced option is for environment-friendly individuals, which combines a petrol engine with two electric motors to generate 97 hp and 71 hp respectively. The total power output stands at 121 hp. The engine is paired with an Electrically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) to deliver an outstanding 27.6km/L fuel economy.
Toyota has also made the 2020 Corolla Hybrid safer with the introduction of the dual front and side airbags, improved Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hill-Start Assist, and Anti-lock Braking System.
On the inside, we see an ergonomically designed interior with an array of facilities, which differ as per each variant. The salient features include AC vents for the rear seat, a one-touch moonroof, a 4.2 or seven-inch color multi-information display (MID) in the cluster gauge, seven-inch touch-screen multimedia infotainment display, reversing camera, cruise control, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power driver seat, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is available across Al-Futtaim Toyota dealerships wearing a starting price tag of AED 71,900, which is significantly higher than the 2019 Corolla. The 2020 Corolla HEV starts at AED 83,900.