The new Toyota Corolla carries on where the current Corollaleaves off - as a world beater. Originally designed in the 1960sto target customers from around the world and later engineeredwith European drivers specifi cally in mind, the Toyota Corollahas shown the world what a car can do. The best-selling rangeof cars ever, Corolla has become a name associated withautomotive success.

2006 Toyota Corolla

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Toyota Corolla
  • Engine/Motor: 1.8L I4
  • Horsepower: 126@6000
  • Torque: 122@4200
  • Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

A new look and feel not only gives the Corolla range an enhanced image but also brings it even further in line with the harmony created by the other cars in the Toyota stable. The striking new bonnet and front grille, the side skirts and spoilers on the sportier models, colour schemes, smart new interior trims and equipment all combine to move the Corolla up yet another gear. Redesigned with a lower, more purposeful stance on the road thanks to the new bumpers, grille and lights, the new Corolla carries the reputation as Toyota’s most important car with ease.

Features

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have all been further reduced with features such as acoustic glass for the windscreen and thicker sound-deadening materials, and performance, handling and roadholding are enhanced in the T Sport version. Equipment inside and out is improved for both higher and lower specifi cation cars and safety is once again given top priority as designers build a car that not only looks good but looks after its occupants too.

The Sedan and Wagon versions retain the generous dimensions which provide the car with its dominant presence on the road and these are now enhanced with new rear combination lamps in a simple, solid design, showing cylindrical forms with white circles to promote the consistent image in line with the rest of the Corolla range. Drivers of the new Toyota Corolla can feel safe in the knowledge that the car has a comprehensive airbag system built in. Driver and front passenger SRS airbags have two-stage infl ators and the front passenger airbag has a cut off switch on the side of the instrument panel, now standard.

This allows the airbag to be turned off by choice, such as when using a child seat in the front. This cut off is operated with a key, which must be removed from the OFF position to validate the cut-off. If the key is not removed, the airbag will be automatically re-engaged, which prevents accidental cut-off. Corolla also features a two-stage seatbelt warning system which warns the driver and front passenger that they have not fastened their seatbelt by way of a warning light and a two-stage buzzer which increases in its urgency if the seatbelt still remains unfastened. The front passenger seatbelt warning indicator is integrated with the front passenger airbag cut-off indicator and located in the centre cluster.

Engine and Performance

The smaller displacement in the new diesel engine – from 2.0 litres to 1.4 litres helps reduce internal friction and engine weight, and contributes to better fuel economy. Compared to the 1.4 D-4D of the Yaris, this engine‘s power is increased from 75 DIN hp to 90 DIN hp and torque goes up from 170 Nm to 190 Nm. A variable nozzle turbocharger, lower compression ratio and improved injectors with more holes (from 5 to 6), help achieve this superior output while maintaining excellent fuel economy.

This diesel engine (launched originally in 2001) was the fi rst in the world to be entirely produced in aluminium – this helps to achieve a top-level lightweight, compact unit. Noise and vibration are also kept to a minimum thanks to the use of advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) which helped to create the light and rigid block, common rail injection system to minimise combustion noise and an effective sound insulation cover.

The new 1.4-litre D-4D engine available in the Corolla is based on the unit that has been offered in the Yaris since 2001. However, signifi cant improvements have been made. The highly effi cient Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler, now equipped with a catalyst, helps lower EGR temperatures while controlling exhaust gas and reducing NOx. The EGR valve is operated by an electric step motor, rather than a pneumatic system and a rotary solenoid type throttle valve to give precise EGR control. The exhaust manifold converter now fi tted to the Corolla is also new. These changes contributed to the achievement of EURO IV certifi cation.

To improve performance, a new variable nozzle turbocharger offers both economy and performance. At low speeds the nozzle closes to boost intake pressure, resulting in excellent torque performance, while at high speeds, the nozzle opens up to help reduce exhaust back pressure, resulting in increased output. Reinforced pistons, with a new combustion bowl design, and improved injectors are also responsible for the performance increase.

The increase in power and torque is complemented by other measures that aim at maintaining the same level of optimal durability and reliability. For example, the oil pump and oil cooler were improved to provide superior lubrication, and the water pump’s capacity was increased by 10%, thereby improving engine cooling. Other items, like the timing belt, were also reinforced. Noise and vibration were reduced thanks to a new NVH package: the engine cover, cylinder head cover, cylinder block side cover, oil pan cover and turbo insulator were all improved to provide a more pleasurable driving experience.