Although this will be a "black" year for the Argentine automotive industry due to a 50% drop in the level of patents, companies arrive in December with at least one satisfaction: for many it marked the starting point in the segment of electrical and hybrid, with proposals that have been added month by month.
Toyota will be one of those that will provide for the achievements: not only did it get its pick-up, the Hilux, to become the best-selling vehicle on the market but it also holds the record for the largest offer of models with new propulsion systems.
His initiative began 10 years ago with the Prius, which although he was criticized for his unattractive aesthetics, he boasts the sheet of having pioneered technology. In May it was the turn of RAV4 and this week that of its most successful product in hybrid version: the Corolla. The 2019 agenda still brings news: in December it will launch its first SUV boy, the C-HR, with the same propulsion system.The accelerated in this segment is related to the plans of the firm in the medium and long term: in no more than five or six years, each of the models sold worldwide must, yes or yes, have its electric version. This includes the Hilux that is produced in Argentina and SW4, also manufactured at the Zárate plant.
"According to the global plan, in 2050 all cars must be hybrid or electric. To achieve this, there is an intermediate step, which is to increase the hybrid versions. In the next five years we expect the total sales, between 10% and 15% are with the new propulsion system, "Juan Pablo Grano, Marketing Manager, tells iProUP.
"The regionalization of technology with Corolla, the first hybrid produced in Brazil, is a way to democratize progress, demystify them and make them more massive. And this model is ideal to achieve it," he added.Its launch, in an emblematic framework
The Toyota Corolla is 53 years old and is a world leader in sales. It means a lot to the company. This tradition led the company to make its presentation in an emblematic site for the "Pierre": Balcarce, that is, "the house" of Juan Manuel Fangio."This city is an icon of motor racing, the best place to present the new generation of Corolla, the best selling in the global industry," Daniel Herrero, president of the brand, tells iProUP.
"Although this year there were several shocks in the region, with unthinkable changes, Toyota Argentina has all the confidence of the parent company, so it was chosen as the headquarters to command all the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean from the offices of Zárate" , complete the manager.
Herrero adds that "the Corolla became the first hybrid engine model manufactured in the region and that the TNGA platform opens." The acronym corresponds to Toyota New Global Architecture, which means a step forward in product and quality, since it is the latest generation and allows to produce the same vehicles that are sold in the world.The 12th generation
The Corolla won the acceptance of many of the Argentines, which was reflected in a 41% market share in its segment during 2018. Now it goes for more by including improvements in different aspects: from the design and ride comfort (with a center of lower gravity that improves solidity) to technology and safety.
In addition to this, the great novelty is its hybrid propellant. As for the price, which is one of the main barriers to the penetration of these units in the market, it is barely higher than the gasoline version, which also premiered a motor with greater performance.
The difference ends up being minimal, since it saves half the fuel compared to a traditional car. The Corolla Naftero 2.0L CVT costs $ 1,912,500, while the new Corolla HV 1.8L CVT reaches $ 2,010,600."The new Corolla Hybrid is designed for all those who are looking for more technology," says Grano, adding: "There is still a way to go, in particular to be trained on how it works."
According to the executive, the company believes "that it is the ideal standard to replace combustion engines and migrate towards more efficient propellants in consumption and emission of polluting gases."
"Another advantage is that it does not need additional infrastructure to adopt them. The hybrid also loads gasoline and runs twice as many kilometers," says Grano.
As for its equipment, the Corolla 2020 with a self-rechargeable hybrid system consists of two engines:
- One 1.8-liter naphtero, 4 cylinders in line with 16 DOHC valves, timing chain and VVT-i system with multipoint electronic injection
- An electric one, which works together with a total power of 122 hp
The electrical system is powered by a nickel metal hydride battery that automatically recharges when it slows down or slows down, without the need to plug into an external power source.The transmission is called "e-CVT" variable that is electronically controlled, thus achieving greater performance and power, in addition to reducing consumption.
It also has a "B" position that indicates the use of the engine brake on those downhill roads where the vehicle is retained, avoids overheating the brakes and takes advantage of regenerative braking.
This system translates into an improvement in consumption, with an expenditure per 100 kilometers of 3.9 liters in the urban cycle, to 4.3 in combined use and 4.5 in the extra-urban.
As for the gasoline version, the Dynamic Force 2.0L Dual VVT-i engine is released, with 4 cylinders in line and 16 valves. The maximum power is 170 hp and the torque is 200 Nm.
The consumption for the gasoline versions with "Direct Shift CVT" transmission is 5.8 liters per 100 km for combined use, 4.8 for extra-urban and 7.5 liters for urban.
In addition, the gasoline version introduces a new automatic gearbox (Direct shift CVT) of 10 preprogrammed speeds and a sequential mode, with cams at the wheel and sport mode, which improves the acceleration response and provides a more sporty driving.Other changes
In addition to the engine, the new generation excels in 3 aspects: design, safety and technology. In aesthetics, its silhouette is lower and aerodynamic. The height decreased in relation to its previous generation, while the rest of its dimensions vary slightly, but enough to make it firmer.The general design of the new generation shows some progress: the front was improved, in which the trapezoidal shape of the bumper sides that surrounds the lower grill is highlighted, while the upper one is connected with the bi-LED headlights. The LED headlights, which merge with the main body, also stand out at the rear of the vehicle.
Inside, the design of the central panel is broader. It offers a multimedia device with 8 "touch screen and satellite navigator with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other features: multiple information display on the board with 7 "color display, bi-zone digital automatic climate control, solar roof with electric opening, driver's seat with electric regulation, rain sensor and parking camera with front and rear sensors .
With respect to safety, it is the second model of the brand in the country (the first was RAV4) that integrates the "Toyota Safety Sense" system, consisting of:
- Front pre-collision system (PCS): it uses a monocular camera and a wave radar to detect vehicles that circulate in front of streets and highways. In the event of an eventual collision, alert the driver with audible and visual warnings. If the user responds, the brake assist is activated. Otherwise, emergency brakes
- Lane change warning system (LDA): activated when the vehicle is unintentionally deflected. It works with a monocular camera to detect the position of the car in relation to the lane markings
- Automatic high beams (AHB): they offer a clear vision at night thanks to the frequent use of the high beams, without distracting other drivers. Use the monocular camera to detect the front lights of approaching vehicles and the rear lights of those coming from the front to automatically switch between high and low beams.
- Adaptive cruise speed control (ACC): similar to cruise speed control but allows driving at a predetermined constant speed. In addition, use the millimeter wave radar and camera to detect vehicles on the road, calculate their distance and adjust speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles
Add to this the seven Airbags (driver and passenger; side; curtain; and knee for the driver), stability and traction control, active cornering assistance, ABS with electronic distribution of the braking force and emergency braking. It has hillside start assistance (HAC) and front and rear LED fog lights.
The new Corolla, like the rest of the vehicles sold by Toyota, has a five-year or 150,000km transferable warranty. It also includes an 8-year or 160,000km transferable differential warranty (whichever comes first) on the hybrid components: hybrid batteries, inverter converter and electronic control unit.
But the plans do not end with these bets, according to iProUP entrusted to Herrero himself: "Our challenge is to be more competitive to continue winning new markets. Today we export all over Latin America, except Mexico, which could also be achieved."