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Toyota has released more details on the all new Corolla destined for the European market. Not only does the car look more sophisticated than the current model, it grew in all dimensions with a measurement of 4,620mm by 1,775mm by 1,465mm (L x W x H). The car is longer than the all new Mazda 3 sedan. The Euro-spec Corolla will be available with one diesel and four petrol engines. The 1.4-litre turbo diesel develops 89bhp with a peak torque of 205Nm. Transmission option for the oil-burner include a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed Multi-Mode transmission. The entry-level gasoline engine is a 1.33-litre Dual-VVT-I which generates 98bhp and 128Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There are two 1.6-litre engines available for the Europe market – a Dual VVT-I unit with 120bhp and 154Nm of torque as well as a Valvematic version with 130bhp and 160Nm of torque. The lower-powered 1.6-litre comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional Multidrive S (CVT) transmission. The range-topper is a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-I unit with 138bhp and 173Nm of torque. The engine is mated exclusively to the Multidrive S transmission. Should we be concerned about the European Corolla? Yes we should, as sources indicate that the Australian and Asean Corolla share the same version as Europe.

Borneo Motors has announced its intention to bring in the 1.6-litre Toyota Auris hatchback. In its second generation, the Auris was first displayed publicly at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. Shortly after, it went on sale in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. A hatchback body style has been missing from Toyota's lineup in Singapore for a long time. So, the arrival of the Auris will certainly freshen up the Toyota showroom here. Measuring 4,275mm (L) x 1,760mm (W) x 1,460 mm (H), the Auris is slightly shorter in the X,Y and Z directions than one of its main rival, the Hyundai i30. The 1.6-litre Auris features Toyota's Valvematic technology. Valvematic is a further development of the Dual VVT-I system by adding lift and duration control to the inlet valve variable timing. The engine is mated to a MultiDrive transmission, which is Toyota's fancy language for CVT. With 132bhp and 160Nm on hand, the Auris sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 11.1 seconds. This is slightly faster than the i30's 11.5 seconds performance. The arrival of the Auris should not raise any cause for concern for Singapore's favorite hatchback, the VW Golf. Still, the Auris is an important model for Toyota Singapore as it ushers in the new face of the brand with its all-new frontal design.

June 13, 2007 at 3:28 am