Radar cruise changes the way I drive

Seriously? It was supposedly a "Touring" specific item. Thanks for letting me know!

 

Good enough! I've yet to see a Technology w/ Advanced Package (our top model) up close. I've seen one or two driving around town.

 

Indeed. It is cool to see the regional differences and how cars are perceived by different people living in different countries. For example, I thought the solar panel moonroof would work in the tropics or sub tropics would appreciate the feature (but it isn't always offered by Toyota) but a few have mentioned that a moonroof in that climate is not popular (which explains why some tropical countries don't offer the solar roof).

 

Toyota AU also increased the price of the Gen 3 substantially over the Gen 2 IIRC. I think the Gen 2 was under $40,000 in i-Tech spec but the Gen 3 blew past that mark.

In Canada, we had the moonroof option in a lower package (Premium Package w/ Solar Roof) as well as top spec (Technology Package). Same as the US (Three and Four levels).

The same continues for 2016. We can get the moonroof in the Technology model (2nd trim level). You can choose to add the Advanced package to that model which throws in the kitchen sink.

Toyota AU needs to start offering 3 trim levels, rather than just two. That being said, the base trim level for 2016 appears to be much better equipped and almost negates the need to jump to the i-Tech model.

 

When the Gen 2 was launched, Toyota Canada only offered one model with one "Premium Package" upgrade. So it basically base or fully loaded. Then in 2005, they added a navigation package for a princely sum of $3,000. Not sure how many of those they sold. (This is while the USA had 9 packages for 2004 and 6 packages for 2005). It was the Gen 3 when they started offering more than one package, which covered a wider range of budgets and preferences. It was well packaged too, imo. (well, maybe the Touring could have a few more attractive goodies and they fixed that for 2013 or 2014 by adding nav, SofTex and heated front seats).

Australia seems to be in the juvenile stages of hybrid acceptance. Hopefully it matures further and Toyota can feel more confident about selling greater numbers and therefore offering more options.

 

I would think poorly packaging any vehicle will reduce sales. The effect of course depends on the type of vehicle and the type of buyers that would consider purchasing said vehicle. It's up to the manufacturer to look at the market and rejiggle the lineup. Here's a long example (summary at the bottom if you don't want to read it all).

e.g. the evolution of the Corolla from, say the mid 90s to now in Canada.

1996. It was offered in SD 1.6 5M/3A and DX 1.6 5M/3A. The DX could be outfitted with a 1.8 with 5M or 4A. You got an extra gear for an automatic and you got a torquier engine (hp was only up 5... but torque was up 12lb-ft and arrived at a diesel-like 2,800rpm). Upgrading also got you a passenger front airbag, wider 185/65R14 and front stabiliser bar.

Most people went with an SD or DX with some sort of package (esp. on the SD.. not too many went out the door with no add ons). Almost all DX 1.6s came with A/C, cruise, variable int. wipers package.

1998 redesign: All models got a new 1.8 litre engine w/ 5M. VE models got a 3A, CE/LE models had optional 4A. Split into VE, CE and LE models with increasing equipment level. The VE was quite basic but upgraded over the '97 model with full unwoven cloth seats (vs. cloth/vinyl) and a radio with cassette and 2-speakers (vs. a radio-prep kit... i.e. antenna and speakers but no headunit on the '97 model).

CE added manual remote control mirrors and power door locks, 4-speakers, upgraded cloth, blacked out door frames.

LE added power windows, locks mirrors, LE grade cloth and colour-keyed handles and mirrors.

Most people went with the VE or LE. Didn't see too many CEs around.

So for the midlife update, Toyota expanded the VE Touring package and replaced the CE with a "S" model which had a rear spoiler, alloy wheels and a black cloth interior.

2003 redesign saw the line continue with the base CE, midgrade S and top LE models. 2005 and 2006 saw a limited run of an "XRS" model with was the "S" model but with the Yamaha-built 1.8 litre engine taken from the Celica GT-S equipped with a 6M (no automatic model). Leather was offered for the first time on the LE. The S continues with a ground effects kit, rear spoiler and a black interior. It had the same wheels as the LE model.

2009 redesign continued with this model of a "base and top" model and a midgrade "sport" model - CE, S and LE. The XRS returned but this time with a 2.4 litre Camry engine with a 5M or a 5-spd manumatic. I guess the S was popular enough. Again, the CE seems to be the volume seller as it now can be equipped with the basic equipment that people want in a compact car in 2009 (i.e. power windows, locks, mirrors, A/C). The LE just added luxury items like a power driver's seat, moonroof, SKS and automatic climate control. Leather was not offered initially in this generation and was later added as an option to the S and as standard equipment on the XRS. The S was still an LE with a ground effects kit, rear spoiler and a black interior.

2014 redesign. Lineup simplified back to CE, S and LE. This time, the S has greater differentiation with different alloy wheel designs, different front bumper and different instrument cluster. New 1.8 litre motor (LE Eco gets valvematic). 6M/4A for CE. 6M/CVT-iS for S. Standard CVT for LE and LE Eco.



TL;DR

Toyota Canada played around with a 3 trim level offering, starting with basic to well-equipped to fully loaded. People bought basic or well-equipped mid-range model. Buying a loaded compact sedan made no sense and one might as well spend the extra coin for a Camry instead with a bigger engine and nicer interior. Eventually more fully loaded ones were purchased as the base Camry's price started to inch up, leaving the middle trim level as the odd child. TCI changed their game plan and replaced the middle trim with a Sport trim which added visual appeal and it "clicked" with Corolla buyers and at least tried to give some visual enhancements to a sensible compact sedan. Through the years they refined the lineup, balancing packages, features and price.