Axiomatic

As everybody knows, an axiom is a self-evident or a universally recognised truth. That the Toyota Corolla is a best-seller worldwide therefore is also an axiom. Toyota has been making cars that wear the Corolla nameplate since 1966 and with over 30 million sold since then, it's not surprising that in many countries, car simply means Corolla.

Well, what you see here is the tenth generation version, badged the Corolla Axio. That it will be launched in India is also an axiom. When? In the second half of 2007 for sure.

Launched in the Japanese market last month, the Axio is essentially a comprehensive facelift that's been given to the ninth-generation Corolla that we see on our roads. And we are happy to say that it's a great job indeed.

The Corolla Axio gets a new front and rear end treatment that makes it look more butch and solid as compared to the fluid shape of the existing Corolla.

Even inside, the Axio gets a full revamp job, which includes a dual-tone dash, a modern central console, a new multi-function steering wheel, new instrument console... the works. To improve visibility, the top surface of the instrument panel has been lowered, while the A-pillars have been pushed forward and made slimmer.

As regards the powertrain, we believe that the Indian version of the Corolla Axio will retain the existing 1800cc four-cylinder engine that features intelligent variable valve timing. What could be introduced is the newly developed Super CVT-i transmission (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) that shouldmake the automatic gearshifts that much more smooth, while offering better cruising and fuel economy.

We don't know whether Toyota will retain the same price as the ninth-generation model when the Axio debuts in India, but the car maker better remember that the word Axio was coined from the Greek word "axia" which means "things with value".