Toyota have released their 'haggle free' New Zealand pricing for their Corolla hatch range, from the entry level $29,990 petrol GX to the top-of-the-range $38,490 ZR Hybrid (On Road Costs included).
New Zealand's new-generation Corolla hatch range is made up of five different models. The aforementioned petrol GX and ZR Hybrid sandwich the petrol SX ($32,490), GX Hybrid ($32,990), and petrol ZR ($37,490) models — the latter being the one we drove exclusively last month.
The main change in that line-up is the absence of a GLX. This was Toyota's former mid-spec model, and one of the most popular cars in the line-up. The GX now takes up its mantel, at a $2500-lower price point.
The meat of the Corolla range also now gains its own cut-price hybrid, where previously buyers wanting a lick of electricity in their power-train would have to fork out at least $38,490. That price is now reflective of the top-spec ZR Hybrid, with its more aggressive styling and options list.
Speaking of, the base Corolla GX comes with a raft of standard kit. An 8.0-inch screen plays host to Satnav, SUNA Traffic, and voice recognition, and that's supported by a long list of standard safety kit — radar cruise control (an 'all-speed' unit that will slow the Corolla down to a stand still), road sign assist, automatic high beams, EBD, active cornering assist, and Toyota's 'Lane Tracing Assist' which (when combined with the radar cruise) forms the basis of a level two autonomous system.
The SX adds adds wireless charging, LED front fog lights, and keyless entry, while the ZR comes with an array of visual tinsel, sports seats, a JBL sound system, a larger 7.0-inch digital cluster, heads-up display, and more.
Where does the new Corolla stack up for pricing then?
Well, the suave Mazda 3 (a segment fave for many) starts at a slightly pricier $32,795 for its GLX hatch. The current Ford Focus, Holden Astra, and Hyundai i30, meanwhile, start at $35,340, $32,490, and $35,990 respectively. That's more than the Corolla, but doesn't factor in the potential for bargaining at the dealership.
One of the only segment contenders that matches the Corolla's entry price is the Honda Civic hatch, which starts at the same $29,990 marker for its Civic S model. Ironically, Honda and Toyota are two main brands in New Zealand who operate according to a 'haggle free' model.