More than 46 million Toyota Corollas have been sold since the nameplatesa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s beginnings in the 1960s, making it the most popular one in automotive history.

That means theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s constant pressure on Toyota to keep the ball moving forward in terms of comfort, reliability, and resale value.

The new 12th-generation Corolla sedan, which joins the new-for-2019 Corolla Hatchback, might not be the sharpest-looking sled on the block, or the quickest, but itsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s special for other reasons. The Corolla is ideal for people who donsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t want to think about how the car works, but believe it will work faithfully and safely well past the powertrain warranty stage and/or the monthly loan or lease commitment.

The 2020 model does however shed much of its previous design frumpiness, including a nose that keeps faith with Toyotasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s signature open-mouth grille. A reduction of about 2.5 centimetres in body height sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” plus a hood thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s 3.5 centimetres lower sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” means a noticeably sleeker silhouette. More curves and creases elsewhere give the Corolla a much-needed character injection.

The adoption of Toyotasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s latest TGNA platform hasnsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t resulted in any increases to the Corollasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s length, width, trunk volume or distance between the front and rear wheels, but the available powertrains now sit slightly closer to the ground, which means a lower centre of gravity. As well, a new independent rear suspension replaces the previous torsion-beam unit and is claimed to improve both handling and ride comfort.

A redesigned dashboard includes a tablet-style touch screen, larger floor console and armrest, and better-quality trim and seat fabrics.

For 2020, there are three different powerplant choices for Corolla buyers to ponder. The base unit is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that basically carries over from 2019 and is rated at 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque.

Optional is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” standard issue in the Hatchback sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.8, while a continuously variable unit (CVT) is optional, but standard with the 2.0.

For the first time, the Corolla can be ordered with a hybrid system thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s similar to whatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s used in the Toyota Prius. Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (with a CVT) combines with a pair of electric motors to produce 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque.

As with the Prius, the Corolla Hybridsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s battery pack is located beneath the rear seat (and not within the trunk) so theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s no reduction in storage space with the seatback in place or folded flat.

Best-fuel-economy honours go to the Hybrid with 4.5 l/100 km in combined city-highway driving. That trounces the next-best 2.0-litre four-cylinder model that earns a rarting of 6.7 l/100 km (combined). Interestingly, the base 1.8/CVT is a bit thirstier at 7.1 l/100 km, combined.

The base Corolla L starts at $19,800, including destination fees. That gets you fleet-level basics, a seven-inch touch-screen with navigation, and Toyotasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s Safety Sense suite of dynamic safety technologies.

The LE trim comes with an eight-inch touch screen, automatic climate control, premium fabric upholstery and up-level interior trim. The SE gets a unique grille and rocker-panel trim, paddle shifters for the CVT, and 18-inch alloy wheels (smaller steelies for the L and LE). Yousa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™ll pay a bit more for the SE, but you get the 2.0-litre engine plus sport-type front seats with more side bolstering.

The XLE comes with a power moonroof, adaptive headlights (pivoting left and right as you turn), heated front seats and a premium JBL-brand audio package. The top-rung XSE receives most of the SEsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s content (including the more powerful engine with normal and sport driving modes) plus a premium sound system.

Note that the Hybrid costs $3,000 more than the comparably equipped non-hybrid LE.

As a cornerstone vehicle for Toyota, theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s a lot riding on any Corolla redesign, and perhaps more so in the face of a declining small-car market. After more than 46 million vehicles sold, reliability is perhaps a given for the Corolla. This time around theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s greater emphasis on style and powertrain technology, further enticement for buyers to join the club.

What you should know: 2020 Toyota Corolla

Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive compact sedan

Engines (h.p.): 1.8-litre DOHC I-4, (139); 2.0-litre DOHC I-4 (169) 1.8-litre DOHC I-4 plus electric motor (121 net)

Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT); six-speed manual (opt.)

Market position: The worldsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s best-selling automobile brand has a history of success spanning five decades. With each successive generation, the Corollasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s reputation as a trusted and trouble-free conveyance has remained intact.

Points: Much improved in the looks department. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ New interior treatments and a modern-design touch screen should help bolster interest. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Available 169-horsepower 2.0-litre engine is quite an improvement over the underwhelming base 1.8. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ For more space, the Hatchback is a viable alternative. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ An all-wheel-drive option is rumoured to be on the way.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (std.); emergency braking (std.); pedestrian detection (std.)

BY COMPARISON

Mazda3

Base price: $19,800

High-style model is available in sedan or hatchback with up to 186 h.p on tap.

Kia Forte

Base price: $18,950

Great style, roomy interior and standard 147-h.p. engine make it a fun ride.

Volkswagen Jetta

Base price: $21,300

The Passatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s junior relation has a punchy turbo I-4. GLI version can really hustle.

If yousa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today!

-written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

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