USA shoppers probably ignored Toyota’s recent unveil of the redesigned Auris hatchback at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, as the nameplate doesn’t appear in showrooms stateside. We’ll need to drive the 2019 Corolla to see if Toyota’s big claims about enthusiasm on the road are a reality. The clean profile ends in a stubby hatchback with cutouts around the rear bumper that give it a protruding look. It’s simple and clean, with most functions contained within the infotainment screen. Toyota Motor Vietnam is recalling 20,490 Corolla and Lexus cars nationwide over airbag flaws, the firm said on March 21. The dashboard is dominated by a standard 8-inch touchscreen, which is Apple CarPlay compatible. However, that only scratches the surface. There’s also a wireless charger for your cell phone, Amazon Alexa integration and Wi-Fi connect. Satin silver and gloss black highlights abound in the blue American-market “XSE” sports model shown here, matched to well-bolstered seats with a combination black “leather” and grey fabric upholstery. However, Toyota is jumping into the class with the Corolla, but is also looking to do it with its own special spin, with less focus on speed and power and more emphasis on technology, or as the company’s calling it, the haute hatch. Standard equipment is vast, with the base SE model coming with 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake and two front USB outlets. Also included are automatic high beams. At the hear of the new Corolla sits the new 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a direct-injection engine that’s lighter and smaller than the predecessor, even though that one was an 1.8-liter unit. Toyota isn’t saying anything about the output, but it will surpass the current Corolla’s 132-horsepower 1.8-liter. The front MacPherson strut suspension has revised geometry and other key changes such as new spring and damper rates and reduced friction in sliding parts, providing a high quality of ride, handling stability and steering feel. The first is a 6-speed manual, available in both the SE and XSE models. It’s noteworthy here that Toyota and Uber were recently discussing a possible collaboration relating to self-driving vehicles. The upshot is that the sluggish launch from a stop that plagues almost all CVT-type transmissions is reduced or eliminated. The Treasury Department will have 60 days to propose actions beyond the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US about China acquisitions in the US and the US Trade Representative will pursue dispute settlement in the World Trade Organization to address China’s discriminatory practices. Toyota Australia is getting ready to launch the all-new, 2019 Corolla and has released some specs and other local details in the lead up to its August arrival. However, we’d be happy to be wrong about that, too. Toyota has not yet revealed the pricing details of the Corolla Hatchback but the vehicle is expected to go on sale this summer.