My GT7 Log: The other GR hot hatch

The Toyota GR Yaris is the closest thing you can get from its WRC-winning rally machine counterpart because of its rally-honed performance and dynamics that are deemed unrivaled even in the midst of the new normal. No one dared to take on the GR Yaris and this is why this super hot hatch is a class on its own.

As a matter of fact, the GR Yaris wasn't the only super hot hatch that emerged from the skunk works of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In fact, there's another hot hatch that belonged to the same bloodline as this, only bigger...

So, care to guess what that other GR hot hatch is?

What about now? Any takers? Well, there's only one answer...

This is the first-ever Toyota GR Corolla, the other super hot hatch from Toyota Gazoo Racing and you can drive one in Gran Turismo 7 right away.

So, what's it all about the GR Corolla? Based on the E210 Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla features a wider exterior design, improved aerodynamics, and better rigidity. Using the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, it's been boosted to produce 304PS of power and 370Nm of torque while mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. As for fuel economy, it's good for 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla comes with the GR-FOUR active torque split 4WD system with a Torsen LSD for better cornering and stability on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For those who demand more for the GR Corolla comes the hardcore MORIZO Edition, which was named after the alias of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who is also the company's master test driver. The MORIZO Edition removes rear seats for weight-saving measures and uses a unique close-ratio transmission and final gear setup, increased turbo boost, unique forged wheels, and monotube suspension dampers.

When it was launched in Japan in December 2022, the GR Corolla was limited to 500 units, 70 for the MORIZO Edition. Therefore, a lottery system was implemented for those who were willing to purchase.

Yes, the GR Corolla is by no means one of the highly-anticipated models of last year following a series of cryptic teasers scattered throughout typical Toyota car photos, if you know what I mean. All those cryptic clues led to the unmasking of the most practical five-door super hot hatch in the world. You better thank Toyota for this one.

With all the suspense killing me, it's time to find out how much of a super hot hatch the GR Corolla is when compared to its little brother, the GR Yaris.

I've selected Bathurst as the playpen for the two GR hot hatches and as always, the one with the fastest lap time is the winner of this comparison. I know that the GR Corolla is the most powerful of the two but the GR Yaris is smaller and lighter, making the sibling strife one-sided. Up to me to find out which of the two super hot hatches is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

GR Yaris - 2m42.113s

GR Corolla - 2m40.546s

Talk about a nearly two-second gap between the two GR hot hatchbacks even though they have the same 1.6L turbocharged engines and the same GR-FOUR 4WD system, but in the end, it seems the most powerful hot hatchback from Toyota stands at the top.

Despite bearing a commoner's name, the GR Corolla managed to join the ranks of the list of Reiwa-era JDM sports cars spearheaded by the GR Supra thanks to its high-performance characteristics unheard for a Corolla. This car has proven worthy of bearing the GR badge and such anticipation really paid off with big dividends.

Case Closed.

Toyota Corolla Cross (G10/G11)

A Corolla SUV? Is it possible for Toyota to spawn an SUV version of the world's best-selling vehicle in history? Unfortunately yes they did because the history of the Toyota Corolla has been radically rewritten with the arrival of the first-ever SUV in the Corolla range, the Corolla Cross. Slotted above the Yaris Cross, the Corolla Cross expanded Toyota's overcrowded SUV lineup, and how this new model will cannibalize the typical Corolla lineup remains to be seen. Anyway, let's investigate this treason to the Corolla heritage.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Priced at 1,999,000 Japanese Yen, the Corolla Cross is cheaper to own than its main target, the Honda Vezel, and unlike the Vezel, the Corolla Cross is a strikingly sharp-looking compact crossover that prefers to have a laidback personality rather than being a jumpy car that makes things interesting for those behind the wheel.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

Let's observe the design first, ladies and gentlemen. On the front, the Corolla Cross can be easily mistaken for a Ford Mustang Mach-e, the crossover that is known to be treason to the Mustang heritage, just like this crossover. Even when donned with the current-generation Corolla emblem on the front, there's no hiding the fact that it's treason to the Corolla heritage. Apart from the front, the Corolla Cross bears a resemblance to its big brother, the RAV4. Whichever way you look at it, the Corolla Cross is surprisingly a sharp-looking crossover that loves to blend through the Tokyo traffic like it truly belongs.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross interior

The interior works just like the normal Corolla. From the sat-nav, the climate control, the five-seater configuration, and other conveniences, the Corolla Cross feels just like its equivalents, and when you talk about spacing, it slightly packs more room than its hatchback equivalent, the Corolla Sport, because the Cross is longer and wider than the Sport.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross is powered by a 2ZR-FAE 1.8L petrol engine mated to a Super CVT-i and a hybrid powertrain with the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and the choice of a Li-ion battery for front-wheel-drive variants and a NiMH battery for the E-Four variants.

The one with the 2ZR-FAE engine on it produces 140PS of power, 170NM of torque, and a fuel economy of 14.4kmpl. The hybrid, meanwhile, has a total power output of 122PS while the fuel economy is an impressive 26.2kmpl. They're all calculated by WLTP standards.

In terms of dynamics, the Corolla Cross behaves just like its equivalents thanks to the TNGA platform it dons and when you talk about suspension setup, they vary by variants. For front-wheel-drive variants, they don front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beams with coil springs. Less sophisticated than the Europeans but it behaves like a regular Joe. In the E-Four variants, the rear suspension setup is a double-wishbone, making it almost breathable to drive and capable of all kinds of road conditions, even in the snow. Thank you, four-wheel-drive.

Because we live in the new normal, the Corolla Cross features Toyota Safety Sense as standard and with a wide array of safety features, it's hard to say if drivers will trust this Corolla SUV for all the reasons.

So, the first-ever Toyota Corolla Cross? Do you love it or hate it? Is it a welcoming addition or treason to the Corolla heritage? Is it a must-have or must-ignore? Either way, the Corolla Cross is proof that there's no stopping the crossover craze carmakers are making a fortune these days. Whatever the reason, it did make an impression.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Cement Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Sensual Red Mica, Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Forza Horizon 4: Two Toyotas from the 70s

After a silent first half of the Series 23 update of Forza Horizon 4, the second half shows that they're back in business with four returning Toyotas in store for this Series. Right now, there are two returning Toyotas that can be obtained from this Series' Winter Horizon Playlist and these Toyotas came from the 70s; the first-generation Celica and the two-door second-generation Toyota Corolla.



First up, the first-generation Celica. Launched at the end of 1970, the Celica was meant to be the spiritual and affordable successor to the legendary 2000GT although the styling can be utterly mistaken for a Ford Mustang. Offered in a choice of a two-door coupe and a three-door liftback, the Celica is powered by a choice of a 1.4L, a 1.6L, and this; a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 90hp of power.



Lastly, the coupe version of the second-generation Toyota Corolla. Launched in May 1970, the second-generation Corolla marked the evolution of what was known to be one of Toyota's longest-running nameplates in history, only behind the Crown. Throughout this generation, they've launched a two-door coupe version known as the Corolla Levin, the one seen here. The Levin is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Early models get about 100PS of power while the one with the 2T-G engine produces about 115PS of power.



Now that we get to know these two Toyotas, let's give 'em the old "twist 'n shout" approach just to see how capable these icons are.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new rides!

12th Generation Toyota Corolla range

The Auris-replacing Corolla Sport from last year truly is a prologue for what is known to be the 12th generation of a globally ubiquitous household name in the motoring world, the Toyota Corolla. Now larger than the previous model's Axio and Fielder it replaces, the new and larger Corolla range; in sedan and Touring wagon, promises to be the most advanced Corolla ever with its TNGA platform, fuel-efficient engines, and cutting-edge technology that will keep them prepared in this ever-changing world where SUVs are treated like superhero movies in terms of sales.

2020 Toyota Corolla

2020 Toyota Corolla Touring

Although they're now bigger than the Axio and Fielder models they've replaced, the new Corolla sedan and Corolla Touring Wagon are still sized just right to accommodate just about every corner of the planet and with prices slotted at the two million yen mark, they're still reasonably priced as the other fellows, be it the Honda Civic or the Subaru Impreza perhaps.

2020 Toyota Corolla

2020 Toyota Corolla Touring

Like last year's Corolla Sport hatchback, the new models' aggressive styling really means intimidation from such an innocent-looking city-class midsize vehicle the rearview tells a different story because the sedan has a more dramatic rear view compared to the Touring wagon, which still has the Astra-like rear lamps of course.

2020 Toyota Corolla Touring interior

2020 Toyota Corolla interior

Although the new interior is almost as similar to last year's Corolla Sport hatchback, the new Corolla range is designed with commoners in mind, and thanks to dimension changes compared to its predecessors, this spells a lot of room for Mom and Dad at the front and you at the back, knowing that you will still have that sweet spot for you to get in and out of. In the case of the Touring wagon, it has a spacious rear room fit enough for stuff you've nabbed from the rummage sale of course.

2020 Toyota Corolla

2020 Toyota Corolla Touring

Thanks to its TNGA-C platform, the new Corolla is now better handling and fuel-efficient than before. Having demonstrated from the Sport hatchback last year, the sedan and Touring wagon variants do come with the front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension, Active Cornering Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension. While they don't behave like their European competition, the new Corolla gives them more time to enjoy their driving pleasure at work or at play, especially on the weekends. Yes, exactly.

Under the hood, the Corolla is offered with a wide range of engines such as the 2ZR-FAE 1.8L petrol engine mated to a Super CVT-i with seven simulated gears, and a 1.2L 8NR-FTS turbocharged engine mated to either a 10-speed Super CVT-i or a more joyful 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission that works in tandem with different drive modes. Speedo boys might be tempted to get the turbo variant with the 6-speed MT but who cares?

Oh, I forgot to mention the hybrid variants that come with the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L petrol engine connected to an electric motor and the nickel-metal hydride battery Toyota still uses as of now. Fuel efficiency is a combined 29kmpl in the WLTP scale for front-wheel-drive variants.

Promising to be the most high-tech Corolla to date, the new models come with the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense with new active-safety technologies and capabilities that enhance protection. These features are Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed DRCC, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing Assist, among many others.

So, what can I say about the new Corolla? Well, in an era where SUVs are treated like superhero movies in terms of sales, the new Corolla range still has an uphill battle to win back the masses and with its TNGA platform, fuel-efficient engines, and cutting-edge technology, the new models will try to show the world that the Corolla is still the king of the world, although it's no longer one because of today's motoring climate, see if we care.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Corolla Sport (E210)

Toyota is no stranger to compact hatchbacks since the Corollas of the Showa era, the Allex, the Runx, the WiLL VS, the Blade, and the Auris because in times a saloon is not enough to trickle down their fancies, a good-looking five-door hatchback is always there for critical purposes like practicality, usability, and fun factor. With the advent of crossovers, a normal hatchback is starting to lose shape but slightly ruling over against the diminishing sedan race in some manner. For their latest attempt to make a compact hatchback, Toyota brought in the Corolla nameplate to the rescue for their newest hatchback served as the replacement to the Auris.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport

This is the all-new, first-ever, Corolla Sport and while this is a great pleasure to have the Corolla nameplate back in hatchback, something that hadn't been done since the Runx of the last decade, the new Corolla Sport promises to be the stylish and most technologically-advanced small car ever made.

First and foremost, let's observe the design and looks like they've gone overboard on the front styling, giving a more intimidating stare like a Pierrot intimidating bystanders in a middle of the purge, and while it looks downright scary for an innocent-looking hatchback of that size, the rearview can be downright mistaken for an Opel Astra, one of the key competitors of its class. Horrifying the styling may be, the Corolla Sport is more than enough to be slapped as a rental car the next time you rent one and scare the animal crossings away while dealing with some unexpected shortcuts.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport interior

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport interior

While the exterior design is as frightening as a traitor jackknife, the interior looks like it came from the C-HR, with a few numerous retouches of course. Although driver-focused in spirit, the Corolla Sport is surprisingly as roomy as the old Auris it replaces, and in some models, the sport seats at the front add a nice touch to it. In some models, the Corolla Sport comes with a fancy instrumental panel, heads-up display, heated seats, heated steering wheel, an optional sat-nav, and more. For the first time, the Corolla Sport is the first of Toyotas to allow LINE users to check their car's progress via LINE My Car Account.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport

Running on an earful TNGA-C platform, the new Corolla Sport delivers a very promising driving feel and fuel efficiency the best match for a new kind of hatchback. Couple that with the front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension, Active Cornering Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension, the result is a much rewarding dynamics that equates itself to expensive European imports. It may not be as perfect as the Euro rivals but the Corolla Sport gives them more time to enjoy their driving pleasure at work or at play, especially on the weekends.

The Corolla Sport is powered with a choice of 1.2L 8NR-FTS turbocharged engine and a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE engine mated to an electric motor and nickel metal battery, the same choice of engines as found in the outgoing Auris it replaces. Thanks to the TNGA-C platform, their fuel efficiencies got improved slightly with the hybrid variant delivering 30.0km/L of fuel economy while the turbocharged variants get up to 16.4km/L, all based under the now relevant WLTC Mode standards, which is very nice, but not as nice as the CVT it comes with. Although the turbo one has a Super CVT-i, which is typical by normal city car standards, there's a 6-speed manual variant that will get you noticed because this is not your kind of 6MT. A first in Toyota, the first-ever 6-speed intelligent manual transmission works in tandem with different drive modes, delivering a no-shock gear change as smooth as fabrics.

Because the Corolla Sport is the most technologically-advanced small car ever made, it's been given the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense with new active-safety technologies and capabilities that enhance protection. These features are Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed DRCC, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing Assist, among many others.

The new Corolla Sport starts at 2,138,400 Japanese Yen for the turbo model while the hybrid starts at 2,419,200 Japanese Yen. With such a reasonable price, some would get a head start for this new Toyota hatchback, although some would need to wait for the manual variant to arrive because that combo really appeals to the speedo boys and looks like Toyota's on the roll now with the first-ever Corolla Sport. While the Corolla Sport is downright intimidating for a normal hatchback and the CVT is nowhere near good to live with, the handling pleasure, the tech, and the packaging really made the Corolla Sport a worthy contender in this category and they're really on to something with this one. Well, let's wish the new Corolla Sport good luck on its maiden trip.

Available Colors: Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Blackish Ageha Glass Flake, Scarlet Metallic, Oxide Bronze Metallic, and Cyan Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (E160) - 2018MY Minor Change

The eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla has been around in the market for five years now and with the latest minor change for the 2018 model year, the new Corolla in two different models, the Axio sedan and the Fielder wagon, are now the safest Corolla ever made with the addition of new safety features capable of tackling through the Tokyo rush hour with ease. So, what's new on the 2018MY Corolla?

2018 Toyota Corolla Axio

2018 Toyota Corolla Fielder

When Toyota first facelifted these Corollas years ago, the bland styling has been replaced with an even more sleeker taste to make sure these two commoners' cars are back in business. However, a single facelift wasn't enough so the folks from Toyota redesigned the eleventh-generation model once more and the result is a sporty and fine design thanks to its new front bumper and grille. On the inside, there are plating decoration on the passenger side instrumental panel for added texture as well as new black sheet color.

2018 Toyota Corolla Axio interior

2018 Toyota Corolla Fielder interior

In the hybrid variants, the 1.5L 1NZ-FXE VVT-i engine with the 1LM electric motor has been slightly improved and because of the slightly improved control of engines, motors, inverters, and so on, the fuel economy by JC08 Mode standards is now up to 34.4km/L. Of course, if the hybrid variant wasn't your thing, there is a normal 1.5L petrol with idling stop available in CVT and 5-speed manual gearbox (which is nice if you're an UBER driver using this car for ride-sharing purposes). Of course, nothing special done with what's under the car, meaning they still behave pretty much the same as the others.

For safety purposes, the 2018MY Corolla lineup comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense C- which features Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and a Pre-Collision System, all of which can help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of vehicle speeds. Apart from that, these models come with the Intelligent Clearance Sonar, smart entry and start system, and a new Cruise Control setting that allows constant speed running without stepping on the gas pedal. Now that's science get it right, again.

Price? The new 2018MY Corolla range starts from 1,550,520 Yen for the Axio saloon and 1,614,000 Yen for the Fielder wagon. It maybe a fair price hike but they remain one of the most reasonably priced cars offered in the Japanese market and with the added safety features, it's as Japanese as it ever gets for the world's best-selling car in history.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota celebrates 50 years of Corolla with a special model

The first-generation Toyota Corolla was launched since the 5th of November, 1966 as a two-door saloon. The year 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the longest-running compact car that became a household name in the automotive industry worldwide. To commemorate the Toyota Corolla's 50th anniversary, a special anniversary model was launched.

Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid "50 Limited"

Called the "50 Limited", it was based on the 4-door Axio Hybrid saloon and this special model features an emblem at the back as seen on the first-generation Corolla as well as special cosmetic upgrades and a red-and-black themed interior, an ode to the first-generation Toyota Corolla KE10 when it was first launched in Japan five decades ago. Two exterior colors are available such as White Pearl Crystal Shine and Black Mica and it's priced at 2.4 million Japanese Yen (around 1,111,000 Philippine Pesos). This model is available to order exclusively for the Japanese market up until September 1st, 2016, with up to 500 units made.

The Toyota Corolla has been around with us for five decades, spanning eleven generations with different variations from Asia, America, and Europe, and as time goes by, the Toyota Corolla stays, knowing that this car believes in forever for the motoring masses.

50 Years of Toyota Corolla

Happy 50th birthday to the Toyota Corolla.

URL: http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/20160711-10247974-carview/

Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid and Corolla Fielder Hybrid

2014 Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid

2014 Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid

I wasn't expecting to see that but the 11th Generation Toyota Corolla, launched last year, has now spawned a hybrid model and what's all the fuss about? It seems that the Corolla tradition has taken to a whole new spin by offering fuel-efficient Hybrid versions of the Corolla Axio sedan and the Corolla Fielder wagon in a country where fuel consumption is the norm.

Whatever but what's the difference? Toyota says that both the hybrid Corollas gained an exclusive front grille, front and rear Synergy Blue emblems, an exclusive Light Blue Metallic body color, and other distinctive elements. On the interior, you can expect blue-highlighted instrument gauges which seems to look as futuristic as...ahem you know what that creepy song is. Plus, they also come with special seat fabric and an exclusive interior panel design, artificial-leather ornamented instrument panel and upper door trim, and a shift stick knob with blue-accented leather cover.

2014 Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid interior

2014 Toyota Corolla Fielder Hybrid interior

While the hybrid models are heavier than the normal petrol models because of the added nickel metal battery needed to generate electric power, Toyota gave those hybrid Corollas some tweaked suspension settings to handle the added weight but I'm not quite sure if these added settings worked out brilliantly but (ahem), they're still a bit tad old fashioned.

What you may noticed that both of them comes with the 1.5L petrol engine as seen on the Toyota Aqua compact and with THS-II, mated with CVT gearbox, I was expecting that the fuel economy, as calculated by JC08 Mode standards, is 33.0km/L. It was. 33.0km/L of fuel consumption means that's more than what you get than the Toyota Prius!

Say what? The Corolla Hybrids are fuel efficient than the normal Prius?! Of course, while the Prius' fuel economy is 32.6km/L, the Corolla Hybrids are 0.4km/L more! Also, it's cheaper to buy than the Prius because of the intro pricing for just 1,925,000 Yen for the Axio Hybrid and 2,085,000 Yen for the Fielder Hybrid. That means that the Prius is the least we're worrying about. It's those that we're worrying about...almost because the only thing more worrying than the Prius is its little brother, the Aqua because think about it, it's cheaper than the Prius, more fuel efficient than a Prius, and more of a hassle than the Prius.

While Toyota says that they're expecting a monthly sales target of 1000 units for the Axio Hybrid and 1500 for the Fielder Hybrid but like most JDM hybrids, I'm expecting these to exceed the sales target because hey. This is Japan and Hybrids and ECO is the JDM norm of today, which is annoying all the time.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Serena S-HYBRID meets Dragon Quest...and then Hatsune Miku in Amlux?

Nissan Serena S-HYBRID meets Dragon Quest

New Corolla Fielder in Hatsune Miku's clothing

And now the news! Now, with the recently launched Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID, Nissan collaborates with video game maker, Square Enix, to make a special car themed around the Dragon Quest franchise. The Serena S-Hybrid mini van is being given a coat of Slime. Heard of it? Slime from the Dragon Quest series! The smart simple hybrid minivan teams up with one of the leading Japanese RPG's of all time for a special itasha! Not only that, those who test drive the Serena S-HYBRID will receive Dragon Quest presents courtesy of Nissan and Square Enix. How cool was that?

Scoop: http://andriasang.com/con27y/dragon_quest_slime_car/

Anyway, on the Toyota side; AMLUX, a shopping mall for all things Toyota will be hosting a special event packed with the world famous virtual idol, HATSUNE MIKU. This event will be titled 39's CARAVAN presents Natsu Matsuri (summer festival) 2012 in Amlux. It begins on August 27 to September 23, 2012 in Auto Salon Amlux Tokyo and there's going to be Toyota cars decorated with all things Miku, especially the all new 2013 Toyota Corolla E160 range. Don't forget that the Prius Alpha and the Aqua were present as well.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1156008/

2013 Toyota Corolla meets Shun Oguri on this TV commercial

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

What you're looking here is when the 2013 Toyota Corolla range meets actor Shun Oguri on this latest TV commercial. Yep. Shun Oguri does double roles on this TV commercial. For the Corolla Axio, Shun Oguri is a bit more of a business man but for the Corolla Fielder, Shun Oguri is a bit more of an adventurer, a fitting take on these two models because they suit well on these situations. The Axio is made for city driving while the Fielder is a car suited for adventurers who are looking for adventures.

Check out these TV spots with Shun Oguri and the 2013 Toyota Corolla range

Toyota Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (E160)

Welcome everyone to the eleventh incarnation of the best selling car in the world for decades, the Toyota Corolla, and what you're looking at here are the JDM-spec eleventh generation Corollas serving as a template of what will the global version will be. From Japan, two body styles are offered such as the Axio, which is the 4-door sedan model, and the Fielder, an estate model targeted for the average Japanese adventurer.

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

Looks can be deceiving for the Japan-spec E160 Corolla. On the front view, it looks like the current Volkswagen Jetta, which is a bit of a shame for a Japanese automobile giant to copy the front view of a German midsize sedan. The Axio's rear view looks somewhat identical to the Subaru Impreza G4 while the Fielder's rear view looks exactly the same as the previous Fielder. This is going to be one heck of an identity crisis for this new model when it comes to its exterior design. Hmmm...What about the interior?

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder interior

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio interior

Well, the interior of the Japan-spec E160 Toyota Corolla looks new to us. Toyota Motor Corporation said that the new Corolla's interior is made through consideration was given to spaciousness and ease of use, and the high quality can be sensed the minute the door is opened. The new Corolla Fielder is what made them apart because this comes with the reclining rear seat for enhanced relaxation for the rear passenger and as for the luggage space, well if the rear seats are folded down, you would expect a 2,025mm of length and as for the height, well it's 735mm to be exact. Those rear seats at the Fielder can be folder easily with a touch of a button so no manual labor is done to fold the rear seats for luggage purposes. Like most Toyotas, the new Axio and the Fielder do come with nanoe technology sourced from Panasonic; nanoe is an air-cleaning system that fills the cabin with refreshing air characterized by an ultimately balanced ratio of positive and negative ions. This plasma cluster purifies the air inside the car by preventing absorption of mold, fungus, and dust.

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

The Axio comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the new 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine. The Fielder comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE Valvematic Engine. Most 1.5L variants (and the new 1.3L model for the Axio) will get a conventional Super CVT-i. Some variants for the Corolla Axio and Fielder do come with a 5-speed manual transmission, a transmission only a taxi driver in Manila would take advantage of. Let's be honest, most Corolla taxis in the Philippines do come with a 5-speed manual. I wonder if this could work. Anyway, how about something else? The new Corolla Fielder's 1.8S AEROTOURER variant comes with a Super CVT-i that comes with a Manual Mode for the modest of shifting feel.

Depending on the variant, the 2013 Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder come with an optional Active Torque Control 4WD system that automatically transfers torque between front and rear wheels for optimum performance in all conditions.

For fuel consumption, well the 1NZ-FE has 20.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle, 19.6km/L for the Corolla Fielder 1.5L, the 1NR-FE available only on the Axio has 20.6km/L, and 16.6km/L for the 2ZR-FAE engine mounted on the Corolla Fielder. Here's the most crucial part. The 1NZ-FE comes with the optional Toyota Smart Stop system that shuts off the engine when stopped, guaranteed to have 21.4km/L of fuel consumption for the Axio and 21.2km/L for the Fielder. To be sure if the Corolla has the Toyota Smart Stop fuel-saving technology, look for the SMART STOP logo at the back just in case. What you're looking at here is an eco-car that is guaranteed for Japan's ECO CAR GENZEI system.

Available colors for the Corolla Axio are Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Mellow Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Blackish Red Mica, and Dark Blue Mica.

Available colors for the Corolla Fielder are Super White II, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Bronze Mica Metallic, Blue Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

My comment:

The eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla (E160) is the world's best selling car made even better and thanks to the 1.5L engine fitted with Toyota's fuel saving Smart Stop technology, this is more of an eco-car. The 1.3L engine fitted for the Corolla Axio is something more than enough...to kill the Toyota Belta off to the lineup. Sad to say that thanks to the eleventh generation Toyota Corolla (in Axio sedan and Fielder estate), we are going to bid farewell to the Toyota Belta/Yaris Sedan. Yep, Toyota will dropping out the Belta/Yaris Sedan on their lineup this year and Toyota Philippines should better stop making the Belta for good because starting now, the Belta is dead. I repeat, the Belta is dead. Long live the new Corolla!

Oh, and before you can Google search the words "is the Toyota Belta discontinued?", use the comments instead of Google searching for these words. That's what a Japanese-speaking Toyota dealer said. No more Belta or Yaris Sedan for now... Yep, the Belta is dead. No more Toyota Belta. Sorry.

Mind you, the new 2013 Corolla Fielder and 2013 Corolla Axio are produced at Central Motor Co., Ltd.'s cutting-edge Miyagi Plant in the Tohoku region, which began operations last year. Another Toyota vehicle made by the hardworking Tohoku people who are struggling for the road ahead after last year's massive disaster.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Imagine if Hatsune Miku is off stage...

Hatsune Miku in a Toyota commercial

Another Toyota commercial starring the world famous Hatsune Miku goes online in case you missed it.

On that ad, some "otaku" is messing up with Hatsune Miku's looks by adding her some mustache. Ain't she looks embarrassing with a mustache attached? Miku smacked the otaku with her leek and she said "Please stop it" in Japanese.

Kinda funny, huh?