Japan has become the latest country to get the C-segment five-door where it is called Corolla Sport.
Isn’t this the Auris of Europe?
Yes it is. First revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, the Toyota Auris is now in its third generation.
The C-segment five-door hatchback has then been launched in the US as the Corolla Hatchback and, just recently, in Japan where it is known as Corolla Sport. Toyota says Taiwan is next up in September.
Note the flashy design cues like the sharp lights and big bumper design on both the front and rear ends.
Helping on the sporty concept of the car, the cabin is adorned with a range of racy colour combinations, one being this red/black hue as seen here.
Also note how the design of the console which has been partially inspired by the C-HR’s where the monitor for the brand’s telematics clearly stands atop the dash.
Is it based on that… whatever platform it’s called?
Yes, this new five-door Corolla is based on the TNGA platform, which already underpins a range of models like the latest Prius and Camry. The only one in Thailand to receive this new floorplan so far is the C-HR.
Depending on markets, there’s an array of engines available including 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines, hybrid versions of them and 1.2-litre petrol-turbo. The last option is sold in Japan with a CVT automatic transmission additionally featuring 10-speed manual mode.
Will Toyota sell this hatch in Thailand?
Our sources are still tight-lipped about its Thai sales prospect with the only real challenges being sufficient demand and available production capacity in the country.
Practically all of Toyota’s rivals are building and selling C-segment hatchbacks in Thailand including the Ford Focus (not the new one on sale in Europe recently), Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda 3, MG 6 and Nissan Pulsar.
But the more important thing Thais can learn from this five-door hatch is its likely influence on the pending 12th generation saloon model. The Corolla Altis sitting in Thai showrooms today is aging fast.
Expect the all-new Corolla Altis, the top choice among cabbies in Thailand, to be underpinned that TNGA platform. As well, a racier exterior and interior design can be anticipated.
