I don't think they have pushed new releases, it is on a 5 year cycle no?

The stats are again impressive, as the new Fiesta/Focus. As stated the Corolla and Civic will probably remain the top sellers but for how long if they continue to put out average and mudane?

 

Their quality seems to be tapering off, and is not gaining that much on the class leaders anymore. Very long-term quality remains to be seen.

Their prices continue to increase, and if they continue with dramatic and drastic redesigns of every model, they will suffer consequences in terms of customer loyalty and image/reputation. Constantly making drastic or dramatic redesigns means they won't be able to maintain a consistent image and reputation.

For Toyota and Honda's sake, one can only hope the next-gen Civic and Corolla have significant powertrain improvements mainly in terms of fuel economy.

 

Toyota/Honda better have damn good engines during the next few years. This Elantra, if specs are true, will have better fuel economy AND power than the current civic/corolla. Just for comparison, the Corolla's 1.8L engine puts out 132hp while the Elantra puts out 175hp in a 1.6L package. That's 109hp/liter for those who like to race on paper.

 

Correction: that would be a direct injection 1.6L turbo. If you add both direct injection and a turbo to the Corolla's engine, I'm pretty sure it will make over 175HP .

 

current gen came out on 2007. so will this be 2012 model? not really sure. rumors that it will come out as 2011 though. it looks almost ready.

 

Ah didn't see there are two different engines available. 152hp out of a 1.6L is still a good performer. Lets see if Toyota can cut 0.2L out while adding at least 20hp in a small powerplant.

 

I'll be nice and just say that I'm totally not the target market for this car.

 

Even the base engine seems to be direct injection. HP/L isn't everything though. That Hyundai engine may not be as smooth and refined as the Corolla's.

If Toyota added DI to the Corolla 1.8L, it could get around 152HP and roughly 40 mpg highway.

Alternatively, Toyota also has the technology to make the 1.8L without DI or turbo achieve 151-152HP and around 40 mpg, and if they were to add DI to this engine, it could achieve 162HP and 44 mpg highway; the only question would be cost, as it would be an expensive engine.

 

Not bad IMO except the interior. Looks like something out of a Sci-Fi alien movie. However, the new Focus is seriously the one to watch for in this class.

Hyundai's engine options continue to impress.