Aussie-Market Toyota Corolla Sedan Gets Refreshed For 2020, Adds Hybrid Powertrain

Toyota will start taking orders for the 2020 Corolla Sedan in Australia in late November, updating its compact saloon’s lineup and adding a hybrid powertrain.

Offered in Sport and SX trim levels, from AU$26,335 (US$18,096) and AU$29,735 (US$20,432), respectively, the Corolla Sedan Hybrid is powered by the 1.8-liter petrol engine and a couple of electric motors, generating a combined output of 121 HP (122 PS), directed to the front wheels via an e-CVT. According to the official spec sheet, average consumption is just 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 mpg US / 80.7 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions sit at 81 g/km.

The rest of the four-dooe 2020 Corollas pack a new 2.0-liter petrol four that replaces the old 1.8-liter unit, delivering 168 HP (170 PS) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque, or 29 HP (30 PS) and 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) more than the engine it replaces. For this version, Toyota claims an average fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 mpg US / 47.1 mpg UK) when paired to the continuously variable transmission (CVT), or 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 mpg US / 43.5 mpg UK) with the manual, which is only available in the entry-level Ascent Sport.

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The 2020 Corolla Sedan range kicks off with the Ascent Sport, priced at AU$23,335 (US$16,035) with the manual and AU$24,835 (US$17,065) with the CVT. It features LED headlights and taillights, alloy wheels, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth, USB and Aux inputs as standard, while the CVT-equipped variant adds automatic climate control and the hybrid packs keyless entry & go.

Priced at AU$28,235 (US$19,402) for the petrol CVT and AU$29,735 (US$20,432) for the hybrid CVT, the mid-range SX adds the three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, wireless smartphone charging pad, satellite navigation system and digital radio.

The range-topping ZR comes with the petrol CVT from AU$33,635 (US$23,112) and features 18-inch alloy wheels, a tilt and slide moonroof, synthetic leather and Rezatec upholstery, head-up display, premium JBL audio and electrochromatic rearview mirror.

The Toyota Safety Sense suite is standard on all trim levels and includes autonomous emergency braking, pre-collision safety with daytime and nighttime pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams and road-sign assist. The entry-level Corolla Sedan gets high-speed active cruise control and lane departure warning with steering assist, whereas cars equipped with the CVT add all-speed active cruise control, lane-trace assist and lane centering function.