New Corolla arrives in Ireland

3 December 2001: Toyota has officially shown its new Corolla range in Ireland, and it is a car which is going to make some of the established competition sit up and take notice.

The basic model is powered by an upgraded version of the existing 1.4-litre engines, and you can also get a 1.6-litre 110bhp for the new generation Corolla and the wild 1.8-litre 192bhp unit used in the Celica T-Sport and now propelling the Corolla T-Sport through a six-speed gearbox. The D4D 2-litre engine replaces the older diesel.

The old ‘liftback’ is gone in favour of the 5-door hatchback, while there’s still a saloon and estate, and a Verso MPV-style vehicle provides a comfortable and roomy option for family leisure and commuting motoring.

The interiors of the new Corollas are substantially improved. The dashboard is built of good quality materials, and elements such as radio and information systems are high placed and with easily distinguished and big-button controls.

All but the entry-level version have ‘Optitron’ instruments, which are exceptionally bright and clear.

There are three levels of specification: E, Terra and Luna, and then there’s the T-Sport. All come with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, though side airbags are not available at all on the E and only as options on the Terra and Luna. All have high-tech seatbelt systems with force limiters.

Air conditioning is standard on the Luna versions and all Luna spec cars come with 15” alloy wheels.

From launch, all versions except the saloons are available in Ireland. The saloon comes towards the end of February. Prices range from £13,897 to £18,032 (D4D) for the hatchbacks, while the estate is £17,847 and the Verso starts at £18,997. The T-Sport is £22,422. BB