New Zealanders shopping for new vehicles may find themselves driving to the impressive showroom of Counties Toyota located at 300 Great South Road in Takanini, where two exciting new models were unveiled on April 2.
If new models of cars create excitement, there was a festive atmosphere at the South Auckland suburb with a large number of visitors evincing serious interest.
A number of businesspersons, car critiques and media persons were present at the ceremony which saw the new Toyota Corolla Sedan 2014 and Toyota Highlander 2014 making their debut here.
Counties Toyota Chief Executive Mark Russell said that the new cars have been built for luxury, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency with a refreshed modern exterior and a number of innovative features.
Sophisticated Corollas
Describing the new 2014 Corolla Sedan as ‘premium, contemporary and sophisticated,’ he said that the new model is longer and wider, with an extended wheelbase and reduced rear overhang, showcasing a sportier stance.
Its clean lines and balanced proportions impart a more sophisticated and contemporary look, he added.
“The Corolla Sedan’s all-new interior provides a premium environment with redesigned seats for greater flexibility and comfort, plus expanded knee room in the rear. Cabin width has been emphasised by a new dashboard design that incorporates a larger instrument cluster,” Mr Russell said.
According to him, the new Corolla sedan offers more space, a comfortable cabin, promise of a more engaging performance on-road, as well as reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.
“The Corolla is the best-selling Toyota nameplate around the globe and with its solid reputation, we believe with sedan in the line-up, this will offer Kiwis another option to suit their specific needs,” Mr Russell said.
Three new models
The Corolla sedan line-up includes three models, namely GX (available with either a six–speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission gearbox option); GLX with 16” alloys, front parking sensors and fog lights, a smart key system with a remote sensor; and ZR, which boasts of genuine leather seat facings (including a driver’s seat with eight–way power adjustment with power lumber support), automatic climate control air conditioning, a smart key system with push start, an alarm system and factory satellite navigation system with SUNA traffic channel.
“All Corolla sedan models are powered by 1.8-litre, 16 Valve DOHC petrol engines, with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent, with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming and Voice Recognition software,” Mr Russell said.
Available in seven colours, the price of the new models ranges from $33,490 to $43690.
Aggressive Highlanders
The Highlander models are stated to be a major makeover of the mid-size (Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), affording a combination of technology, style, comfort and safety.
Mr Russell said that the Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline with integrated roof rails for improved aerodynamics and sculpted side door panels.
Some highlights
“The premium interior is highlighted with upgraded materials, soft-touch surfaces, as well as ambient lighting around the dash and doors (available in the Limited and the Limited ZR). All Highlander models sport a 3.5 litre V6 engine and new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission that offers selectable manual sequential shifting. All models are fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension. There is a choice of 5 models: the entry level GX (AWD), GXL (2WD and AWD), Limited (AWD) and the Limited ZR (AWD),” he said.
Additionally, all Highlanders feature Bluetooth hands free phone capability and audio streaming, six speakers and security system. For added safety, all Highlanders are housed with reversing monitors with static guide lines.
The new models, available in nine colours, cost between $61,990 and $80,990.
Contact details: Phone (09) 2950050 (Takanini); (09) 2950050 (Pukekohe); www.counties.toyota.co.nz
