After its mild refresh for 2011, the 2012 Toyota Corolla gets more standard features, along with new audio, multimedia and navigation options.
The Corolla still comes in L, S and LE trims, like last year. The base L trim now has exterior-color power side mirrors, power windows with driver-side auto-down, power door locks and remote keyless entry, all standard. Those features were previously optional. The LE trim adds 16-inch steel wheels and steering-wheel audio controls to the standard roster. The S trim gets new double-stitched upholstered seats and the same radio upgrade found in the LE.
That new radio unit includes a USB port for MP3 players and smartphones, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic sound-leveling adjustments, standard. The radio is a factory option on the base L trim.
Most of the now-standard equipment was part of the Premium Package on the LE trim (formerly a $2,150 bundle) that also included a power sunroof. The new Premium Package packs a 6.1-inch touch-screen navigation system and Toyota’s new voice-activated Entune multimedia system. Entune is also available on the S trim. This is the first time that either a navigation or a touch-screen has been offered on the Corolla since its midcycle redesign last year.
The 2012 Corolla will go on sale by mid-December. No word about pricing yet.
