2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan Debuts With New Sporty Look

The 12th generation model is based on the TNGA platform that's already familiar from things like the Prius, Corolla hatchback and C-HR. The multi-link rear suspension will be standard on all models, making the Jetta seem rather silly.

The wheelbase stays the same, but the tracks have been widened by half an inch at the front and a little more at the back.

It seems that Toyota has moved things around to make it sportier. So, for example, the hood is lower by a massive 1.4in, overall height is down while the front overhang has shrunk to make way for 1.3in extra at the back. The global specs for the car (it's been simultaneously launched in Europe and Asia) read as follows: 4,640mm (182.7in) long, 1,780mm (70.1in) wide and 1,435mm (56.5in) tall, with a 2,700mm (106.3in) wheelbase.

Toyota USA will announce three engine choices when the 2020 Corolla goes on sale next year. The base is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making a sufficient 139-hp. Meanwhile, the SE and XSE will have a 2.0-liter with 169-hp. There's also going to be a hybrid, which is undetailed at the moment but likely based on what's under the C-HR's hod. Global models will have something else, like a 2-liter hybrid in Europe or a 1.2 turbo for Japan.

As you may have noticed, there are two styles. For most customers, Toyota has the Prestige look which resembles the hatch and will come with L, LE and XLE trim. The sportier trim has a much bigger lower grille and a shrunken badge at the front. SE and XSE will be offered with identical content (XLE=XSE) but the option of a manual that will do rev-matching and stall suppression.

The Sport model has some interesting elements like slightly flared out fenders and metallic paint on the front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser with honeycomb mesh. Also, we found the Chinese model, which has a different front end with the much slimmer headlight.