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Toyota New Zealand has finally launched a diesel-powered version of its most popular passenger car.
The Corolla 2.0-litre D-4D features diamond-encrusted instruments and gold-plated alloys - or at least it should for a price of $38,990.
But instead, it comes with manual transmission-only (Toyota does not build an automatic version) and plastic wheeltrims.
Cheap it is not - but the D-4D does have some worthwhile equipment denied the petrol Corollas: a stability control system is standard, and there are nine airbags (including one for the driver's knee).
If you don't want to drive one of the few new cars with steel wheels, a $2000 enhancement package adds some flash(er) wheels, keyless start and heated mirrors. Although that makes the D-4D a $40,990 Corolla.
The high-tech diesel engine looks promising. It features a variable-vane turbocharger and makes 93kW/300Nm.
There's also a budget Corolla D-4D, with a 66kW/190Nm 1.4-litre engine. It sells for $33,990.
The 1.4 litre version has CO2 emissions of just 130 grams per kilometre and the 2.0-litre 140 g/km. Fuel consumption is 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the 1.4 and 5.4 l/100km for the larger engine.
The entry car gets a five-speed gearbox, while the 2.0-litre version benefits from a six-speeder.
Also new to the Toyota fold is a diesel-powered RAV4 crossover. Again in manual-only, the 2.2-litre wagon makes 100kW/310Nm, manages 6.6 l/100km and costs $45,990.
The RAV4 D-4D also has a very different look to the petrol versions; it's based on the European market model, which has a 110mm-shorter wheelbase.
This results in cute styling and 90 litres less luggage space.
