The Indian motor show, 2014 Auto Expo, has generated a lot of talk amongst the car enthusiasts as major companies are in-line to unveil their future generation models. For Japanese car maker, Toyota, reports are indicating that 2014 Corolla is likely to be showcased at the upcoming auto event, which is to be held in
National Capital. This development has been confirmed by many industry insiders while doubts still remain over the expected launch date of this sedan. Earlier this year, the 2014 Toyota Corolla was unveiled in two versions, namely American and European, making it the eleventh generation model of the car. Both the showcased versions are derived from the Corolla Furia concept vehicle, which was unveiled in Detroit this year.
In the upcoming Corolla, the company has given new stylish LED headlights that are far more attractive when compared to the same segment cars. It is expected that the next-generation Corolla will ride on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, featuring twin-spoke design. However, for the Indian market, the model might be provided with 15-inch wheels. As reported, the production of European-spec Corolla has already begun at Sakarya plant of Toyota, in Turkey, while the American version is presently produced at the Blue Springs plant in Mississippi. In all likelihood, the European version will make way in the Indian car market, bearing slight modifications.
While for the underpinnings, the next-generation model will retain the same configurations in India. At present, the car is available in 1.8-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options.
The petrol version gets a VVT-i unit that is offered in 6-speed manual transmission option and 7-speed CVT-i gearbox. The peak power and torque figures stand at 138 bhp and 173 Nm, respectively. While the diesel version of Altis gets a 1364 cc Common Rail Diesel engine that is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. With this configuration, the car reaches a maximum output that equals to 87 bhp alongside attaining 205 Nm of torque. However, as seen in the global versions, Toyota has upgraded the CVT-i transmission system, in order to extract a better mileage.
At the front, the upcoming sedan of Toyota will get a square shape structure, which will go in-line with sharply designed bumper, grille and hood. Also to mention, the blacked-out headlight cluster panel will feature LED inserts that stretches till the sloping bonnet line. At interiors, the European 2014 Corolla gets a new instrument cluster panel that has different fonts for each gauge. To sum up on upcoming Toyota Corolla, the sedan scores high in terms of exterior appearance and looks much sportier than the incumbent Corolla Altis model.
Talking about the expected launch date of Toyota Corolla in India, it shall make inroads during the last quarter of 2014. As speculated, the car will be initially brought through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route from Turkey, followed by the local manufacturing in Bidadi plant from which it shall be exported to major Asian markets. In terms of competition, the next-generation Corolla will be up against the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta and Skoda Octavia. Industry experts are predicting that the upcoming Toyota Corolla poses a serious challenge for its competitors as the car has found a large customer base in India over the years.
