Five things you didn't know about the 2020 Toyota Corolla
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![2020 toyota corolla hatchback](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2019_Toyota_Corolla_Hatchback_25-scaled.jpg)
Introduced over five decades ago, the venerable Toyota Corolla was starting to get a little long in the tooth. That is, until the compact car was recently completely redesigned for its 12th generation and available in both a hatchback and sedan body style. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the 2020 model.
![Toyota TNGA structure](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/toyota-new-global-architecture-tnga-modular-platform_100505927_h.jpg)
1. It is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
Initially revealed in 2015 during the launch of the current Prius, TNGA is also found in the C-HR crossover and the larger Camry sedan. The underlying global platform is the strongest and lightest ever built by the Japanese manufacturer. Benefits include a smoother, quieter ride, optimized weight distribution and better handling.
![2020 toyota corolla instrument cluster](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2019_Toyota_Corolla_HB_XSE-17-scaled.jpg)
2. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 makes North American debut
This suite of driver assist technologies, bundled with no additional cost on the 2020 Corolla, gets a major upgrade. For instance, the pre-collision system can now not only detect vehicles and pedestrians in the evening as well as during the day, subsequently alerting the driver and/or automatically applying the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision, but daytime cyclists as well.
![2020 toyota corolla manual transmission](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2019_Toyota_Corolla_Hatchback_13-scaled.jpg)
3. The engine has a really cool name
Called Dynamic Force, this all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor — standard on the hatch and XSE and SE trim levels on the sedan — utilizes direct injection technology and delivers more performance (168 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque) while using less fuel. A six-speed “intelligent” manual gearbox featuring downshift rev-matching control is available.
![2020 toyota corolla cvt](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Toyota-Canada-2019-Corolla-PR_56-scaled.jpg)
4. Not your typical continuously variable transmission
Unlike most examples seen on the market, the one in the Corolla has a physical first “launch” gear. Used for quick off-the-line acceleration, after things get going duties are handed over to the CVT’s belt and pulleys, which simulates the feel of a 10-speed traditional geared automatic.
![2020 toyota corolla hybrid](https://orblogstg.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2020_Corolla_LE_Hybrid_BlueCrushMetallic_009_AA87D39D7DCB6208A58080B12CF181AA2E149267-scaled.jpg)
5. A Hybrid is offered for the first time
Never before seen in Canada, a Corolla Hybrid is being sold in the lineup, powered by Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive just like the Prius. A 1.8-litre engine, paired with a high-output electric motor and mated to an electronic CVT, produces a combined 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy when running in gasoline/electric tandem mode is 5.0 L/100 km during mixed city and highway operation.