Παιδιά εγώ πιστεύω ότι τουλάχιστον στο TSport έκαναν σημαντικές αλλαγές...αλλαγές σε καίρια σημεία του αυτοκινήτου που πραγματικά πονούσε!
Σας παραθέτω το δελτίο τύπου από το mediasite της TOYOTA (είναι στα αγγλικά):
Toyota lifts the veil on new Corolla
New look for world's best-seller revealed at Madrid Motor Show
- Wide range of improvements introduced to 2001 Toyota Corolla
2004 sales target of 175,000 units, including more than 66,000 of the new model
New 90 DIN hp 1.4 D-4D engine, coupled to a Multi-mode Manual Transmission
Vehicle Stability Control now available throughout the range
Several new passive safety features introduced
Revamped T Sport delivers more driving pleasure with sportier looks
New Sport grade, with T Sport flair but for a more affordable price
Changes to exterior design reinforce Toyota identity
Extra equipment and better NVH to further strengthen Corolla's superior quality
The new Toyota Corolla is announced today with a host of improvements and enhancements designed to ensure the car carries on where the current Corolla leaves off - as a world beater.
The changes are the result of extensive customer research conducted by Toyota, aimed at finding improvement areas for the current model, launched in 2001. The policy of continuous improvement (known as "Kaizen") is a fundamental part of Toyota's philosophy.
The new Corolla becomes now even more attractive to young men and women in their early 30s.
Launch date is from June this year through the summer, depending on the country. For 2004 Toyota expects to sell 175,000 Corollas in Europe (not including Corolla Verso), of which more than 66,000 will be from the new model. There are four grades to choose from: Terra, Sport (a new grade available in selected countries), Sol and T Sport.
New 90 DIN hp 1.4 D-4D diesel engine
The new Corolla adopts a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine, which is derived from the popular diesel unit installed in the Yaris. The new engine will replace the current 90 DIN hp 2.0 D-4D in the model range.
Compared to the Yaris powerplant, Toyota has incorporated 51 new components in this all-aluminium unit in order to achieve superior performance with lower emissions. Power is increased from 75 DIN hp to 90 DIN hp and torque goes up from 170 Nm to 190 Nm. In addition, the unit now complies with EURO IV emission regulations.
Noise and vibration are also reduced thanks to a new NVH package: engine cover, cylinder head cover, cylinder block side cover, oil pan cover and turbo insulator are all improved to provide a more pleasurable driving experience.
The unit is available as an option with a 5-speed M-MT (Multi-mode Manual Transmission). This is an electrically-operated manual transmission with automatic clutch operation (no clutch pedal). It offers three modes to suit the driver's mood - automatic mode in normal or sporty driving (E and Es) and manual mode (the driver selects gears by moving a sequential shift lever).
Besides the advantages in convenience and driving pleasure, the M-MT can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by approximately 2% in comparison with the manual transmission.
When equipped with this engine, the Corolla achieves a top speed of 180 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 13.3 seconds (14.5 M-MT). Fuel consumption on the European combined cycle is 4.8 l/100 km (4.7 M-MT) with CO2 emissions of 127 g/km or 125 g/km when equipped with M-MT (figures for 1.4 D-4D unit are still preliminary at this stage).
The diesel offer is complemented by the 116 DIN hp 2.0 D-4D, which already complies with EURO IV regulations and is available across the range. This engine has been further developed with new air intake components to reduce engine noise, while a more efficient radiator and electric fan improve cooling performance.
Other engines in the range include the 97 DIN hp 1.4 VVT-i, 110 DIN hp 1.6 VVT-i and the 192 DIN hp 1.8 VVTL-i. All the manual cars in the Corolla range benefit from a slicker, more precise gearchange, enhancing driving pleasure.
New levels of safety
Safety equipment is also upgraded in the new Corolla. For improved active safety, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is now available throughout the range. Other important items, like the electrochromatic rearview mirror and rain-sensitive wipers, are standard in the Sol grade. Larger rearview mirrors are installed in all versions.
To improve passive safety, driver and front passenger SRS airbags have now two-stage inflators and the front passenger airbag has a cut off switch on the side of the instrument panel. This allows the airbag to be turned off by choice with a key. Curtain shield airbags are also available throughout the range.
New Corolla also features a two-stage seatbelt warning system. It warns the driver and front passenger that they have not fastened their seatbelt by way of a warning light and a two-stage buzzer which increases in its urgency if the seatbelt still remains unfastened.
Revamped T Sport and new Sport grade
The top of the new Toyota Corolla range, the exciting T Sport, has been completely re-worked giving it better driving dynamics, more luxury and even better looks.
The exterior has been dramatically improved. Changes start in the front bumper. Its wide air intakes and fog lights take the same style defined for the Yaris T Sport. Front and rear spoilers and side skirts are added to promote the aggressive look. The underfloor of the car is also flattened in order to improve high-speed stability.
Inside, the leather gearlever and steering wheel are finished in red stitching to complement the new sports seats which feature a grey upholstery with red accents and offer superior lateral support. Colour accents, aluminium pedals, footrest plate and carbon fibre-like garnish plates featuring T Sport marks in the door scuff plates reinforce this model's aggressive personality. The final touch comes from the white-faced meters with metallic rings around them, bathed in red illumination.
Suspension - front and rear - has been dramatically improved and now features performance dampers, a first in Corolla's segment. These are struts placed between the suspension towers which work as a damper. The shock absorbing mechanism, connected to the left and right suspension supports, can increase chassis rigidity or provide superior comfort, depending on the application.
Coil springs, shock absorbers, bound stoppers and stabiliser bars are all new, and are tuned to provide even sharper handling. In addition, the body has been lowered in 20 mm which further enhances driving dynamics.
Also new to the Corolla T Sport, is the application of rebound springs to the rear shock absorbers. When cornering, these rebound springs work to pull the body in the right direction and stabilise the car.
Steering feel has also been improved. Compared with the normal versions, the T Sport has a lower gear ratio, which makes steering more direct. In addition, the number of turns (lock to lock) has also been reduced to 3.2 (from 3.5), which makes it more responsive.
To appeal to drivers who wanted the look and feel of the T Sport, but needed something in a price range more suited to them, a new Sport grade has been introduced. The Sport model is based on the entry-level Terra and will appeal especially to young drivers.
On the outside, the Corolla Sport has a street presence thanks to its unique wheel trims, side and rear skirts and colour-coded mirrors, electrically adjustable. On the inside the Corolla Sport uses special blue trim accents in new fabric to give an innovative appearance. The Sport also gets carbon fibre-like inserts similar to T Sport's to reinforce the car's dynamic personality.
συνέχεια στο επόμενο post...