Guangzhou-Toyota has launched the 12th gen Levin in China, that made its global debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2018.
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An automobile manufacturer in China can have joint venture with more than one Chinese partner, and each Chinese partner can have collaboration with more than one international auto maker. This thus creates an interesting mix of vehicles when two different ventures intend to produce the same car, resulting in spawning of new product which is technically the same but visually different than the other.
Toyota too, has ventures with two Chinese auto manufacturing partners, namely Guangzhou Auto Corporation (GAC-Toyota) as well as First Automobile Works (FAW-Toyota) each having their own version of the Corolla. So the Levin is GAC-Toyota’s version of the Corolla for its home market. On the other hand FAW-Toyota sells a Corolla that is visually different than its Levin sibling. Available in 10 trims, the new Levin comes with gasoline as well as hybrid powertrain options and is priced between 115,800 yuan (PKR 25.28 lac) to 152,800 yuan (PKR 33.36 lac).
The gasoline versions are powered by a 1.2 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine punching out 116 hp of power and 185 Nm of torque while mated to CVT gearbox. The hybrid models have a 1.8 liter engine paired to an electric motor matched to an E-CVT gearbox. This setup delivers a combined output of 136 hp and 142 Nm while meeting China-VI emission standards. Fuel economy is rated at 24.39 km/liter.
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Visually the two models (gasoline/ hybrid) have slight differences in terms of exterior and interior.
In terms of configuration, the Levin comes standard with a four-way adjustment steering wheel, PM 2.5 filter system and electronic parking. The high-end trims offer 4.2-inch combination instrument panel, multi-function steering wheel, 12.1-inch central control screen, head-up display system, electrically adjustable front seats, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, rear AC vents and other equipment.
Related: Toyota to Introduce Corolla plug-in Hybrid and 10 new EVs in China by 2020
In terms of safety, the Levin comes standard with front/knee/side airbags, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and other equipment. The high-end models also offer reversing radar & camera, active safety systems, adaptive cruise control and automatic near and far light switching.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
