In Nigeria, when you hear the word reliable in the automobile world, the first thing that comes to mind is Toyota. Let us take this a step further by mentioning the phrase ‘the most reliable sedan. This is the point where the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan comes into the picture. We should add here that the Corolla remains Toyota’s best selling and is considered the ‘king of reliability.’
For the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan, everything is all new from the ground up and these include new engines, new design language and a new interior. The Corolla sedan is based on the all-new Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform that underpins its hatchback sibling to bring about the same sportiness in looks and feel.
The 2020 Corolla being its 12th generation is roomy, comfortable and offers a serene ride, which customers know and have fallen in love with over the years.
Five Trim Levels Plus a Hybrid
The 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan will be available in a variety of options to suit a variety of individual’s need. The goal of these choices is to increase both fuel economy and power. It will be available in 5 trims levels, with a choice of engines. The base model L, LE and upper scale XLE comes with a 1.8 4cylinder CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with 139hp, which is 7hp more than the old model mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The other 2 trim are SE and XSE (Sport models) and a plug-in hybrid trim. The SE and XSE trim come with a 2.0 direct injection 4 cylinder engine making 169hp, the SE comes with a 6-speed manual transmission standard. The fuel economy champion has to be the plug-in hybrid variant, which uses a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder and an electric motor to put out a combined 121hp.
New Exterior and Interior Designs
The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan definitely looks related to the outgoing model but with more aggressive styling that gives it more attitude. The 106.3-inch wheelbase still remains. The front and rear track are wider while the front overhang is shorter and the cars sit lower. At the front, the styling varies from trim to trim with the SE and XSE having a sportier and more aggressive look.
The LED headlights have a narrow profile and the fog light treatment is noticeably different for the 2020 Corolla. Adaptive front lightening (an optional feature) moves as you turn the steering to improve visibility in corners.
The body lines are better defined and there’s a new option. The LE comes with 16-inch steel wheel covers. The XLE comes with twisted 16-inch wheels and the SE and XSE come with an 18-inch wheel.
Headroom, Headrest and Interior Colour Schemes
The rear of the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan has narrow lights and a long narrow crease in the trunk lid. All Corollas use LED lighting while the sport models use smoked lenses.
Moving to the interior of the car is the most breathtaking of all. The top of the range XSE is airy and upscale with a black and ivory colour scheme on the doors, dash and seats. The seats are all new with newly designed headrest and seatback shapes. The SE and XSE come with competition bucket seats. Cloth seat material is standard and SOFTEX is available. The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan’s roofline has been lowered than the previous model, but the headroom hasn’t been compromised. The interior is roomy and quiet and has a generous amount of strategically placed sound absorbing materials in the cabin.
Interior and Safety Equipments
The interior of the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan is a breath of fresh air; with so much mouth-watering tech that will stun anybody. The driver gets a 4.2-inch screen and an optional 7-inch screen. Both are multi-information displays, which allows you to switch between an analogue or digital speedometer.
At the top of the centre stack of controls is an 8-inch multimedia touch screen with Entune 3.0 multimedia system. The Entune system includes apps that can use the vehicle’s GPS location to provide emergency assistance in the event of an accident. It can remotely unlock, start the car and lock the doors. It can also connect as many as 5 devices through the in-car 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
This pair of features are standard across all models except the L trim, which uses a 7-inch display. The centre display serves as an information hub and controls for the audio, vehicle settings and navigation.
USB Ports, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and Siri Eyes
The buttons to control the temperature are located horizontal; below the touch screen. There are 2 USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth as well as Siri Eyes Free. The Entune 3.0 Audio plus is standard on XSE and XLE models (optional on SE models that have CVT). Other features include HD radio, Sirius XM and another option; an 800watt JBL speaker audio system.
8 Airbags, Backup Camera and Adaptive Cruise Control
Safety is what Toyota takes into serious consideration and the Corolla sedan isn’t left out. Safety features like 8 airbags, backup camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane departure alert and steering wheel assist are some of the safety features that the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan has.
Like all models before it, the 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan is easy and appealing to drive, very responsive and it’s built to last. This has been the benchmark of the Corolla over the years and it’s a “fan favourite” among its competitors – This explains why it is the best selling small car in the world.
Final Thoughts on the 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan
This new version does not disappoint because it’s even better than the previous model it replaced with new and improved features and equipment. It also comes loaded with safety and all the tech you can dream of all rolled into a compact but equally robust sedan.