The world’s best-selling car, Toyota Corolla has gotten a redesign. The 12th-generation 2020 Toyota Corolla debuted showing off a pointed nose, piercing headlamps and a spacious interior. The Corolla joins the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, which debuted earlier this year.

The bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof redesign starts at the Toyota Global New Architecture body structure that underpins the Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, and Lexus UX among others. The model has the same 106.7-inch wheelbase as its predecessor but has a wider front and rear track. The car sits lower to the ground than the 11th-generation model and has a windscreen that sits lower on the hood.

The Corolla features different looks based on the buyer’s choice of the sportier SE or XSE grade versus the more traditional L, LE, or XLE trim levels. SE and XSE models ride standard on 18-inch wheels while LE and XLE have 16-inchers.

There are two engine options for 2020. L, LE, and XLE grades are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder power plant that is a carryover from the 11th-generation Corolla, but that has been refined for more horsepower and better fuel efficiency. In the previous generation it was a 132-horsepower engine that achieved 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway or 140 horsepower and 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, depending on trim.

SE and XSE grades will be powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection engine. Toyota Motor Corp. LTD (NYSE: TM) advertises that it will achieve 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy estimates for that engine are not available at this time.

There are two transmission options: a direct shift continuously variable transmission (same as in the Lexus UX and 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback) and a new six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology. All models come with hill start assist.

A 2020 Corolla Hybrid will be showcased for the first time at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in two weeks. This will mark the first time a Corolla has a hybrid variant.

The Corolla is more rigid than its predecessor, which helps in a number of ways from dampening noise that would otherwise permeat the cabin to safety to drive and ride experience. Torsional rigidity is up an impressive 60 percent. High-tensile steel forms many parts of the Corolla’s main structure and body panels.

Upgrades abound inside the new Corolla as do nods to the recent redesigns of the Toyota Avalon and Toyota RAV4. Uncluttered design dominates the spacious five-seat cabin.

It comes standard with a centrally located 8-inch touch screen infotainment display in all but the L models, which come with a 7-inch screen. Climate controls are small buttons located underneath the screen.

Credit: Atlanta Business