After making a show-stopping debut at the New York Motor Show, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback was truly a ride to behold. The edgy silhouette looks barely able to contain its energetic character, the hatchback’s stance seemingly primed to pounce from its perch at any given moment. This looks like a car crafted for action.
The Japanese brand’s most technologically gifted small automobile to date, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, now, astonishingly into its 12th generation (that makes us feel old!) is equipped with gadgetry treats like a prominent 8-inch touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi, Siri Eyes-Free and voice recognition. Want more? Okay, how about some electronic parking brake, keyless ignition, and a couple of USB ports as well.
The hatchback is up for grabs in two trims, SE and XSE, investing in the latter will also be rewarded with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a 7-inch TFT information display in the instrument cluster and leather upholstery (a leather shift knob is standard on both trims). Further, available wizardry includes SiriusXM satellite radio, Entune, HD radio and a mega 800W JBL sound system.
Now, back to those curves. The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is lower, longer and wider than its predecessor, the iM. It’s sexier and more sophisticated, too, built around some seriously high-spec, lightweight aluminum and high-strength-steel intensive TNGA architecture.
The front grille has been opened right up into a snarling grin, enhanced by dramatic headlamps carved into an almost frown, horizontal headlamps and standard chrome exhaust tips. XSE customers will get chrome trim around their grille, 18-inch wheels instead of 16, and exaggerated lower-body moldings with a complementary rear spoiler. The iM’s old 1.8-liter engine makes way for an all-new, lighter 2-liter DynamicForce direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine for more greater power and efficiency while cutting back on the emissions. The two transmissions options are the all-new Dynamic-Shift CVT or the six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission Gearbox.
Seven standard airbags are backed by safety features including pre-collision and pedestrian detection systems, full-speed cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beam.
