Toyota Corolla hatch 2020 update announced

The Toyota Corolla 2020 hatchback range has seen the introduction of new technology, safety equipment and design changes, and it will be rolled out in Australia at the end of the year.

The Corolla SX and ZR models are upgraded to include rear cross-traffic alert as part of the blind-spot monitoring technology, and the system also incorporates parking support brake (PKSB) which can detect static objects and rear crossing vehicles and limit acceleration and apply braking if necessary. It works up to 15km/h.

None of this technology is available on the entry-level version - even as an option - leaving the Corolla behind the likes of the Mazda3 for base model safety tech.

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However, the Ascent Sport petrol variant will now be offered with the option of a tyre repair kit instead of the full-size alloy wheel spare that was previously fitted. This new option will increase boot capacity by a huge 116 litres, from a meagre 217L to a more acceptable (but still small for the class) 333L, which matches the ZR hybrid model.

The only notable cosmetic change is the ZR gaining the striking new two-tone paint option. The black-finished roof, pillars and roof spoiler will be offered on the ZR grade only, and will be available in combination with Crystal Pearl (white), Volcanic Red, Oxide Bronze, Silver Pearl, Eclectic Blue or the newly-added Feverish Red body paint. The red you see in the images will be available on all grades, too - but only with a black-roof if you buy the ZR.

The Corolla will continue on with the choice of a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, available across all three model grades. No other changes have been made.

The updated Corolla hatch range will go on sale from November 2019, with any pricing changes still to be confirmed.

Do you like the two-tone look of the new Corolla hatch? Tell us in the comments below.