Changes big and small are coming to the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, from the omission of the ‘iM’ name to an all-new engine.

Sharing the limelight with its crossover cousin at the New York Auto Show, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback emerged, with a “Blue Flame” finish and some new party tricks. Among the changes heading to the new hatchback Corolla is its powertrain: a new, 2.0-liter “Dynamic Force” naturally aspirated four-cylinder. We covered the Corolla Hatchback’s release in New York, but at the time we did not have exact power specs. That, however, has just changed.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s power figures are now available. Its 2.0-liter engine puts out 168 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM. That power is routed through the front wheels through either a CVT or – enthusiasts rejoice – a six-speed manual transmission. Not only is the six-speed manual still an option, but the Corolla’s manual transmission rev matches as well. Regardless of which trim level you pick – there are only two: SE and XSE – you get that engine. For now.

Corolla hot hatch coming?

According to a report from Motoring in Australia, there may be a hotter version of the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback coming. Much the same as they did with the revived Supra and the Yaris hatchback, Gazoo Racing might pump some steroids into the Corolla as well. When asked whether that sort of model would do well in that market, Toyota Australia’s vice president of marketing Sean Hanley said, “Absolutely I do”. Toyota does already offer a performance-oriented Yaris GR in Europe, but has no intentions to offer it here.

Given the competition – namely the Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Veloster N and Focus ST, it would make sense for Toyota to spice up the Corolla Hatchback. Of course, there’s no official word on whether this is actually going to happen, but if it does, it might really bring the impending 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback to a whole new audience. Rumors suggest we may see a performance version of the Corolla in two or three years’ time, if we see it at all.

Let us know what you think about the 2019 Toyota Corolla in the comments below! Check back to TFLcar.com soon for more videos of the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more videos on the new Toyota Corolla. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to TFL through our Patreon page.

Photo gallery: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback [Photos: Toyota]

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SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

On Sale: Summer 2018 Base MSRP: TBA Price as Tested: TBA Engine: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated “Dynamic Force” I-4 Drivetrain (Layout): Transversely mounted front engine, front-wheel drive Horsepower: 168 hp @ 6,600 RPM Torque: 151 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM Transmission: CVT or six-speed manual with rev-matching Suspension: Front: Independent MacPherson strut w/ stabilizer barRear: Multi-link w/ stabilizer bar and springs Brakes: Front: 11.5-inch ventilated discsRear: 10.5-inch solid discs Tires: P205/55 R16 (SE) P225/40R18 (XSE) Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons Fuel economy (EPA): TBA MPG

Dimensions: