When Toyota pulled the wraps off it's new 2009 Toyota Corolla at SEMA this week, I was very underwhelmed. Considering that I had heard earlier reports that Toyota, after the launch of Honda's new 2006 Civic, had gone back to drawing board to spice up its world seller the almighty Corolla.This weeks reveal looked as if it was nothing more than a face and buttocks lift with a freshend interior. Has Toyota gotten so comfortable with their star status as the second largest automaker in the world that they think doing a little nip and tuck on an old face is good enough keep their appeal to the ecomomy minded buyer?
To me this is just another misstep in recent design and quality issues Toyota has begun to face. Getting bigger comes with some hurdles in keeping designs fresh and maintaining quality. Although this does seem to follow the latest trend of automakers choosing conservative redesigns that look more like mid-life updates.
Some of Toyota's recent designs, the RAV4, Scions, and the new Land Cruiser, to name a few, seem to be overstyled and bulburous--something you would find in a Hyundai five or so years ago. And when it comes to the Corolla a staple in transportation throughout the world, we get an ultra conservative, slightly new edition of a lack luster car.
Only time will tell if this new Corolla can live up to its past world sells status. Consumers no longer except bland design and performance in economy cars. With great offers like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Hyundai's latest offerings, well customers give it a thumbs up or down?
-A. Carter
No comments:
Post a Comment