Toyota Corolla engines

All feature Toyota's advanced VVT-i variable valve timing system that changes the intake valve timing according to engine speed and acts to increase torque in the low- to mid-engine speed ranges.

This enhances performance, driveability, improves fuel efficiency and assists in producing cleaner exhaust emissions. All three engines are fuel injected and are equipped with catalytic converters in the exhaust system.

A long port intake manifold manufactured from resin material combines with a slant squish combustion chamber and an optimised cam profile for enhanced engine performance, especially in the low- and medium-speed ranges.

In a departure from the current Toyota norm, the twin overhead camshafts on this new series of engines are chain driven rather than belt driven for extended service life and reduced maintenance.

All three engines feature light-weight but rigid construction aluminium cylinder blocks. The lower section of the block, which has integral bearing caps, is of a rigid, ladder type design that adds to overall engine rigidity and assists in limiting noise and vibration.

Further weight reduction measures include the adoption of a serpentine auxiliary belt layout and the use of an aluminium low weight, high efficiency radiator core.

In order to maximise engine performance and the efficiency of the exhaust catalyst these new engines have the intake tract at the front and the exhaust system at the rear.

This optimises engine intake temperatures and places the exhaust catalyst in a position close to the manifold where temperatures are at their highest for maximum catalyst efficiency.

Ball joints are fitted in two places on the exhaust system to help reduce the transmission of engine vibration and resonance to the body shell.

The 1.4 litre engine is designated 4ZZ-FE and produces 71 kW at 6 000 r/min and combines excellent performance with superior fuel economy. Maximum torque is 127 Nm at 4 800 r/min. The shape of the combustion chamber has been optimised to allow the use of a relatively high compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Next up in the engine lineup is the 3ZZ-FE 1.6 litre engine. Maximum power for this unit is 81 kW at 6 000 r/min with maximum torque of 146 Nm at 4 400 r/min. Like the 1.4 litre engine the 1.6 litre power plant has a compression ratio of 10,5:1.

The 1.8 litre engine is designated 1ZZ-FE and produces 100 kW at 6 000 r/min with 171 Nm of torque available at 4 200 r/min. The compression ratio of this engine is 10:1.

Drive is via either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed lock-up automatic transmission.

The manual transmission features a refined shift mechanism with an ergonomic placement of the gearshift lever. A mass damper is incorporated in the cable shift mechanism for an improved gearshift action.

The 4-speed automatic transmission takes advantage of the latest advances in automatic transmission design. An automatic override switch ensures that each time the engine is switched on the overdrive switch is activated.

This ensures optimum fuel economy through ensuring that the driver does not forget to re-engage the overdrive after manually disengaging it for specific temporary driving conditions.

Electronic control ensures smooth gear changes by matching the transmission clutch pressure to driving conditions.