To mark Corolla’s golden anniversary, Toyota is launching special edition versions of its European-built Hatchback, Touring Sports and Sedan models, focusing on exclusive styling features, enhanced specifications and commemorative details.

Corolla’s sustained success is founded on the principles Toyota applied in creating the original model back in 1966. The vision then was for a high-quality, versatile car at an affordable price, offering added value. Today, 12 generations later, it remains true to those qualities, having constantly adapted over the years to meet people’s changing needs and priorities to maintain its place at the heart of the market.

Today, Corolla is a global model, manufactured at 12 locations worldwide and sold in 150 countries and regions. Europe is a key market, where it is long-established as a core model in the Toyota line-up. From its modest arrival here in 1967, it has become a standard-bearer for superior Quality, Durability and Reliability and regularly ranked among the top-selling models in the region.

Corolla has also been central to Toyota’s manufacturing programme in Europe. Production began with the seventh generation model at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) in 1994 and extended to Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in 1998.

60th Anniversary special editions

To mark Corolla’s 60th anniversary, Toyota is producing special edition versions of the Hatchback, Touring Sports and Sedan, featuring unique styling elements, commemorative badging and enhanced equipment specifications.

The 60th Anniversary versions of the Hatchback and Touring Sports are immediately distinguished from other Corolla models by their exclusive New Boreal Blue metallic paint, presented in a bi-tone execution with a contrasting Night Sky Black roof and pillars. Their special status is also expressed in new-look 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a contrast matt and machined finish and chromed black wheel nuts. Corolla’s sporty styling is highlighted by new matt silver garnishes on the lower front bumper and side sills and dark-plated fog light ornaments and back door and rear bumper corner garnishes. The Touring Sports adds an extra matt silver highlight on the lower rear bumper. Externally, the finishing touch is provided by stylish matt silver 60th Anniversary decals on the lower edge of the rear doors.

Inside the car, there are sleek matt silver scuff plates bearing the 60th Anniversary logo and front and rear carpet mats in black textile with co-ordinating matt silver inserts.

The sophisticated Corolla Sedan has its own signature (Lunar Sky Blue) paint finish and shares most of the special styling features with its sister Hatchback and Touring Sports models, including the external garnish details 17-inch wheels, 60th Anniversary badging, scuff plates and carpet mats. In addition, there is a matt silver highlight strip along the bottom edge of the boot lid.

Customers have further paintwork colour options for the 60th Anniversary models – Platinum White Pearl premium finish and Ash Grey metallic.

The Corolla range benefits from the fifth generation Toyota hybrid technology, delivering characteristically quiet, smooth and highly efficient performance. Hatchback and Touring Sports customers have two options: a 1.8-litre system offering 140 DIN hp and, catering for those seeking sportier performance, a 2.0-litre with a maximum 178 DIN hp. All Sedan versions use the 1.8 system.

A high equipment specification for the latest Corolla range provides a fully digital user experience as standard with a customisable 12.3-inch driver’s combimeter and the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system with 10.5-inch touchscreen. The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based navigation, benefiting from up-to-the-moment traffic information, together with an embedded route planning system.

A comprehensive package of Toyota T-Mate active safety and driving assistance systems is also provided as standard. This includes Toyota Safety Sense features designed to recognise and react to an extensive range of common accident risk scenarios, alerting the driver and helping them avoid or mitigate the consequences of an impact. The functions include a Pre-Collision System with Intersection Collision Avoidance, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist, Emergency Steering Assist and Road Sign Assist. New and enhanced safety and multimedia functions are delivered seamlessly with over-the-air updates.

The 60th Anniversary Corolla models are available order now with deliveries to customers from the end of October.

That popularity is founded on consistently delivering qualities valued in the heart of the market: the famous Toyota Quality, Durability and Reliability together with practicality, versatility and efficient yet rewarding performance. All this – and more – is featured in the new Corolla for 2026.

The latest updates focus on appearance and sustainability. New colours have been added to the Corolla palette, in a Corolla-first, an exclusive Onyx Grey matt finish for the performance-inspired GR SPORT hatchback and Touring Sports versions, and a new Storm Grey metallic.

The introduction of Onyx Grey matt finish is a notable first for Toyota’s European manufacturing. Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston factory is the first facility to introduce this radical new colour on a volume-production vehicle. It brings a new dimension to Corolla’s appeal, the eye-catching matt finish giving the car’s sculpted curves added visual emphasis. This new colour option will be introduced first in the UK before the end of 2025, followed by other European markets in 2026.

Storm Grey, meanwhile, is a deeply polished metallic shade with a timeless quality that creates a subtle high-tech impression.

Corolla’s environmental profile is strengthened with the use of Samara upholstery, a hard-wearing but pleasingly tactile fabric made from recycled materials. On the Mid grade hatchback and Touring Sports models, Samara is being more widely used across the seatbacks and cushions. Its use is also being extended to include dedicated seat designs in the Sedan Mid+ model for the first time. Toyota’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in leather alternatives being used for the steering wheel and shift lever trims.

Today’s Corolla range benefits from the latest generation of Toyota’s world-leading full hybrid technology, with customers enjoying the choice of two highly efficient powertrains. The 1.8 and 2.0-litre options are both characterised by smooth refined, performance combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The 2.0-litre version delivers a maximum 178 DIN hp for those seeking a sharper performance edge.

As a car that has consistently kept pace with the times and customers’ evolving preferences and requirements, Corolla today benefits from a fully digital user experience. That includes a 12.3-inch combimeter – standard on all versions –which can be customised to suit the driver’s information preferences. The digital package also includes the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with functions including access to cloud-based route navigation that benefits from up-to-the-minute traffic information.

Likewise, Corolla remains at the forefront of providing Toyota T-Mate advanced safety and driver assistance systems as standard. The Toyota Safety Sense package supports the driver in recognising a wide range of everyday accident hazards, providing alerts and, if necessary, drive force, braking and steering assistance to help avoid a collision, or lessen the consequences if an impact occurs. As with the multimedia, systems benefit from seamless and convenient over-the-air updates.

Corolla remains a core model for Toyota in Europe, with local production of the hatchback and Touring Sports wagon at Toyota Manufacturing UK and the stylish sedan at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey.

Sales of the 2026 Toyota Corolla will commence from March 2026, according to local market.

These latest additions enhance the all-round quality and breadth of choice that make the Corolla a powerful proposition at the heart of the European C-segment for family-size cars. These virtues are supported by well-proven quality, reliability and durability and the advanced protection and peace of mind provided by Toyota T-Mate safety and driver assistance features, including the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense. Practicality is achieved with three body styles, and two efficient hybrid powertrains show Toyota's multi-pathway strategy to provide low-emission mobility for everyone.

Toyota is moving to adopt sustainable materials where possible in its model range. Following the principle first introduced on the all-new Toyota C-HR, a high-quality synthetic leather material is used to wrap the steering wheel and gear shift knob across all Corolla grades. There is also a new upholstery option for the Mid+ grade Hatchback and Touring Sports. Made from recycled fabrics of different colours, it has a distinctive and appealing look, feels good to the touch and is suitably hard-wearing. 

The colour palette for the Hatchback, Touring Sports and Sedan has been extended to 10 options with the addition of new Metal Oxide, a rich red exterior finish that is offered exclusively as a bi-tone combination with gloss black roof on the Hatchback and Touring Sports models and as a monotone or bi-tone option on the Sedan (all according to grade).

Gloss black mirror caps introduce a striking contrast, now available across all model grades, replacing the previous body-coloured caps.

To complete the 2025 introductions, there is a new 17-inch alloy wheel design for the Mid+ grade in all three body styles. This projects a refined looked with a silver/machined black finish and eye-catching star-shaped wheel cap ornamentation.

Production of the 2025 Hatchback and Touring Sports models will commence at Toyota Manufacturing UK in February, followed by the launch of Sedan production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey in March. Sales will commence in March.

The new line-up offers the convenience of a smartphone-based digital key and introduces the nanoe-X™ air quality system, combating viruses, bacteria, allergens and bad odours inside the vehicle. New colour options are also available, including an on-trend Super Green metallic.

These new features add to the increased appeal delivered by the Corolla’s adoption of fifth generation Toyota hybrid electric technology, giving higher performance and extended all-electric EV driving capability while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Easy access with a Smart Digital Key

Corolla owners can enjoy the convenience of a new Smart Digital Key. This allows the car to be accessed and driven via a smartphone as an alternative to a physical key fob.

The Smart Digital Key is compatible with Apple and Android phones and allows up to five individual profiles to be stored for each vehicle. An authorised user only has to have their phone on their person to unlock the door and start the car– there is no need to call up an app to gain access.

The technology makes it easier to share access between family members, or to authorise third parties to use the vehicle, such as service technicians or rescue/recovery crews. The system will also be useful for multiple driver operations, such as car sharing platforms.

One year’s subscription is included in the Corolla’s on-the-road price; the digital key is standard from Mid+ grade and available as an option for Mid grade models.

Air quality protection with nanoe-X™

The new Corolla’s air conditioning system does more to promote the well-being of everyone on board with the introduction of nanoe-X™ air purification technology.

Developed by Panasonic and featured for the first time in a Toyota model in Europe, this feeds trillions of nano-sized, atomised water particles into the ventilation airflow. These hydroxyl radicals have been proven in independent laboratory testing* to have wide-ranging beneficial effects when used in enclosed spaces. Inside vehicles such as the new Corolla, these can include: -

• Inhibiting the activity of airborne bacteria and viruses
• Helping prevent the spread of mould
• Inhibiting pollen and other allergens, such as those linked to pets
• Breaking down hazardous substances found in particulates (PM2.5)
• Eliminating common, unpleasant odours

Using nanoe-X™ also maintains a good moisture level in the cabin atmosphere, which has a positive effect on human skin and hair.

These benefits can be enjoyed every time the air conditioning system is used but are particularly valuable when driving in urban areas where atmosphere pollution is highest, or when the car is regularly used by different drivers and passengers. The system is provided as standard on the new Corolla, from Mid+ grade.

*Testing programme details available at https://www.panasonic.com/global/hvac/nanoe/all/verification.html

New colour options

In tune with the latest trends, Toyota is adding a new Super Green metallic to the exterior paintwork options for the Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports. This highly saturated colour is available exclusively with a bi-tone finish, combining with contrasting gloss black roof and pillars for a refined yet sporty look. For the Sedan, a new Precious Silver projects a more premium appearance.

The Corolla GR SPORT models adopt new Liquid Black finish for exterior details on the higher equipped versions, creating a sophisticated, dark satin chrome effect for the door mirrors, sill inserts and lower front spoiler trim.

The history of the Corolla is an object lesson in Toyota’s kaizen principle – the commitment to continuous improvement. That’s how Corolla has remained a core model in the company’s global line-up and enjoyed the long-held status of being the world’s best-selling nameplate. It has evolved over more than half a century, keeping pace with changing customer tastes and preferences and embracing new technologies for powertrain, safety, comfort, convenience and connection.

The new Corolla, a development of the current 12^th generation range, is faithful to this spirit of innovation and Toyota’s commitment to building ever-better cars.

Its position as the second best-sellers in 2022 in the European C-segment for compact/mid-size models is strengthened with the introduction of Toyotas’ fifth generation hybrid electric technology – 1.8 and 2.0-litre electrified powertrains that offer more power and a more rewarding drive, yet with improved efficiency.

The new models are equipped as standard with the latest multimedia system, with faster response and greater functionality, plus a fully digital, customisable 12.3-inch combimeter in the driver’s instrument binnacle.

There are also major advances in the Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems, with new and enhanced features that recognise and help the driver avoid a wider range of everyday driving hazards. Safety and multimedia functions are future-proofed, with software updates deliverable over-the-air via the car’s data communications module.

These significant changes go hand-in-hand with refreshed exterior and interior styling details, including new wheel designs, headlights, colour options and upholsteries.

Corolla’s competitiveness is all the stronger, given that is unique in its segment in giving customers the choice of full hybrid electric power. This delivers genuine zero emission all-electric driving capability as well as strong fuel and emissions efficiency – key considerations for today’s customers.

The New Corolla range will go on sale in Europe during the first quarter of 2023 with dates varying according to national market.

FIFTH GENERATION TOYOTA HYBRID ELECTRIC SYSTEM

The fifth generation of Toyota’s self-charging full hybrid electric technology is the heart of the new Corolla. Detailed engineering and design changes deliver a better driving experience, higher performance and improved efficiency. The changes include new power control unit and transaxle designs, a more powerful lithium-ion battery and calibration to achieve a more rewarding driving experience with a closer relationship between the driver’s use of the accelerator and the drive force delivery.

Performance

The new Corolla is available with 1.8 and 2.0-litre powertrains.

Total power from the 1.8-litre system is 140 DIN hp/103 kW, bringing a 1.8-second reduction in the 0-100 km/h time to 9.1 seconds. Despite this performance increase, CO2 emissions are lover by 2 g/km and equals 100 g/km. For the 2.0-litre system, total output has risen to 196 DIN hp/ 144kW and half a second has been shaved from the 0-100 km/h time, taking it down to 7.4 seconds. An impressive reduction of 12 g/km in the combined cycle CO2 figure , to 98 g/km.

Hybrid system design

In creating the fifth generation of its market-leading full hybrid electric technology, Toyota scrutinised all the system’s principal components to see how they could be reduced in both size and weight. This helped ensure that the increase in power output was not at the expense of efficiency or reliability.

A new power control unit (PCU) helps reduce the level of electrical losses in the system (-14% 1.8-litre, -6% 2.0-litre) and maintain fuel efficiency. The unit has a new double-sided cooling system and runs at a higher frequency, reducing its noise level.

The PCU is installed directly above a new transaxle featuring a compact, high-output motor-generator with new internals to improve fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. A new stator coil winding method has helped reduce the motor’s size. The complete transaxle is 15% lighter than before thanks to the use of new materials and which uses new, compact, high-output drive motors.

Using low-viscosity oil reduces internal friction and adds to the all-round improvement in efficiency. Other detailed measures include smaller gears with teeth reprofiled to give a larger contact area and a smaller and lighter differential.

Hybrid battery

The new lithium-ion hybrid battery is another example of how Toyota has succeeded in increasing performance from a unit that is smaller in size and weighs less than the one previously used in Corolla. The balance is impressive: weight has been reduced by 14% while power output has increased by 14%. The battery’s potential lifespan has been increased and its performance is quieter, thanks a to a new cooling system. And its compact dimensions allow it to be housed completely beneath the rear seats, so there’s no loss of space in the load compartment.

A more rewarding driving experience

The benefits of the new system are not limited to aspects that can be measured with hard data. Toyota also focused on delivering a better experience for the driver, principally through achieving a closer relationship between their use of the accelerator and car’s response. In the new Corolla, performance is consistent, predictable and easy to control – qualities that make for more confident driving all-round.

The driver will particularly notice this in familiar situations such as stop-start traffic and urban areas where there are frequent changes in speed limits. Acceleration when driving up or downhill is also more natural and better matched to the engine speed, while in highway driving the hybrid system runs at lower revs, making for quieter and more relaxing performance.

Predictive Efficient Drive

The new Corolla can control battery charging and discharging according to the driving situation. The system gathers data as the car is driven, to help gain better fuel efficiency.

The system registers and stores information on points in regular journeys where the driver always decelerates. As the car approaches a point where data has been obtained, it will recommend the driver comes off the accelerator (shown in the eco-driving guidance in the multi-information display) and then increases engine braking to maximise energy regeneration.

Predictive state-of-charge control predicts downhill sections and traffic congestion on a route planned using the navigation system. This allows for more efficiency battery charge management, for example optimising use of battery charge prior to a long downhill section where more energy can be captured. Using real-time traffic information, the system can also help maintain a certain level of battery charge prior to reaching any congestion. This reduces the need for the engine to be started to charge the battery when caught up in tailbacks.

TOYOTA T-MATE: SAFETY, PARKING AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Toyota’s priority is to make driving safer for everyone – drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users alike. The new and advanced technologies are brought together in Toyota T-Mate, provided as standard on all new Corolla models to make driving your car safer, whether navigating urban streets, highway cruising or manoeuvring to park precisely and easily. The package includes the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense systems with other active driving and parking assistance systems.

The latest developments of Toyota Safety Sense have brought significant improvements to many of its accident detection systems and added new functions that increase safety and provide additional peace of mind. With the benefit of over-the-air updates, software can now be upgraded automatically, with no need for the car to be taken into a service centre.

A new front camera has been introduced that covers a much wider field ahead of the car, with extended reach both left/right and up/down. The distance of forward detection has been doubled compared to the scope of the previous hardware. Likewise, the coverage of the front millimetre-wave radar has been extended so that it can detect obstacles closer to the front of the car than before. Using Motion 3D and enhanced Deep Neural Network tools has allowed for a wider range of potential hazards to be picked out, including motorcycles and roadside objects such as walls, guard rails, kerbs and utility poles.

Enhanced Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)

This increased detection capability makes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) effective in more urban traffic scenarios, including recognition of potential head-to-head collisions. The Intersection Collision Avoidance can now identify approaching traffic across two lanes, as well as cyclists and vehicles approaching from the side.

The Emergency Steering Assist system helps the driver keep the car within its traffic line when trying to avoid a hazard such as a pedestrian, cyclist, parked car, or – thanks to the detection enhancements – motorcyclist. There’s also a safeguard against sudden, unintended use of the accelerator when moving at low speed, with a new acceleration suppression function.

The Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been revised to give faster response and to operate in a way that feels more natural to the driver. For example, thanks to earlier detection, when another vehicle enters the car’s lane there is more gradual deceleration. The driver can select a longer vehicle-to-vehicle setting to establish a more comfortable gap and the ACC’s curve speed reduction function is activated earlier, giving smoother speed adjustment when driving through a bend.

New systems have been added for safer overtaking: Overtake Prevention Support prevents unintentional overtaking on the wrong side of a vehicle (“undertaking”); and Preliminary Deceleration/Turn Signal Linked Control helps the driver safely re-join the traffic lane at an appropriate speed and distance from other vehicles.

The Lane Trace Assist (LTA) has also been adjusted to operate with a more natural feel. It now recognises when the driver has moved out of lane while trying to avoid an obstacle (pedestrian or other road users) and temporarily cancels the Lane Departure Warning. Its lane-centring function has also been changed so that the car will follow a more natural-feeling, off-set line when passing parked vehicles and other roadside obstacles.

When the ACC and LTA are operating, an Emergency Driving Stop system will monitor driver inputs; if these stop (use of steering wheel, brake and accelerator) over a certain time, it will sound a warning and, if the driver doesn’t respond, bring the car slowly to a stop and activate the hazard lights.

The Road Sign Assist has been improved to that the speed limiter can easily be adjusted to match traffic sign information – useful, for example, when driving near schools or entering spaces shared with pedestrians.

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) is a new function that provides a range of safeguards when driving in low-speed areas such as town centres. Obstacle Anticipation Assist detects obstacles such as parked vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists ahead at an early stage and provides steering and braking support to help the driver avoid approaching too close. Deceleration Assist provides smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the accelerator to slow down for a slower vehicle ahead, or when entering a bend. Steering Assist detects a bend ahead and adjusts steering force to help the driver adopt an appropriate steering angle.

T-Mate parking and driving assistance

T-Mate supports the driver with functions such as the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), giving an all-round view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings when manoeuvring at low speed; Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking (RCTAB), warning of traffic and hazards when overtaking or reversing; and Rear Seat Reminder System (RSRS) – an alert that sounds, if driver opened the rear door before driving off to prompt them to check, if nothing or no one is left behind before exiting the car – a child or item of luggage for example.

There is an extra layer of protection when getting out the car with Safe Exit Assist (SEA). This uses the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) radar to check for any traffic (including cyclists) approaching from the rear, flashing a warning light if anything is detected. If an attempt is made to open a door, further warning lights flash in the multi-information display and a buzzer is sounded.  

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR AN ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE

The Corolla has a powerful and wide-ranging package of digital systems and functions, made possible by a new electronics platform. In addition to control of the hybrid system and provision of more sophisticated safety elements, they include the new, more powerful multimedia system and a driver’s instrument display that uses a fully digital, customisable 12.3-inch combimeter.

Toyota Smart Connect multimedia

The standard Toyota Smart Connect system uses an eight-inch touchscreen display, with convenient physical dial controls for frequent functions – air conditioning control and audio on/off. With greater computing power and faster response, its functions include cloud-based navigation. This links to real-time traffic event information to enable more accurate and efficient route journey planning.

There is also an on-board voice agent and smartphone integration via (wireless) Apple CarPlay and (wired connection) Android Auto. Four years’ subscription to services is included the vehicle’s price.

The Toyota Smart Connect + is featured on higher grade models. It comes with a 10.5-inch high-definition display and uses an even faster processor. In addition to the cloud-based system it has embedded navigation, plus useful functions such as fixed speed camera locations and weather alerts.

New digital cockpit

A new fully digital 12.3-inch digital combimeter in the driver’s instrument binnacle is provided as standard on all Corolla versions.

Data and information are easy to read and understand, whatever the light conditions. The layout can be changed to suit the driver’s priorities, including the number of dials and the multi-information content. The combimeter’s appearance can also be tailored to suit the driver’s mood or the journey, using switches on the steering wheel. There are four themes – Casual. Smart, Tough and Sporty.

MyT app

Drivers still enjoy remote connection with their vehicle, using the MyT app. They can use this to source information, such as their driving data history and tips on how to improve the efficiency of their driving style. There is also a “find my car function” and if you are trying to find your Corolla in a crowded car park, you can active the hazard lights.

With the optional Smart Connect Pack, more useful functions can be accessed: locking and unlocking the doors, open and closing windows and activating the climate control system to warm or cool the cabin in advance of using the car. The steering wheel and seat heaters can also be operated.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN

The new Corolla range gains a more refined and contemporary appearance with changes to the front grille mesh pattern, fog light bezels and alloy wheel designs.

A new lighting signature combines seamless LED daytime running lights and turn indicators in a single J-shaped unit that wraps around the headlight unit.

Customers have new exterior colour options to choose from, inspired by new cultural and fashion trends. They include Juniper Blue, the lead colour for the new hatchback and Touring Sports, and Midnight Teal, an elegant green shade for the sedan. Also new is Metallic Grey, available for all three body styles.

The interior design has been refreshed with new graphics, trim finishes and embossed upholstery patterns, generating a stronger sensory appeal. Colours and finishes are harmonised to create a contemporary look and feel, with a dark theme for the hatchback and Touring Sports and a light ambience for the sedan⁽¹⁾.

LEDs are now used for all the interior lights, giving added brightness but using less power.

COROLLA GR SPORT

The Corolla line-up includes new GR SPORT versions of the hatchback and Touring Sports. First introduced in 2020, the GR SPORT grade brings extra sports styling touches, inspired by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s multi-championship-winning achievements.

The GR SPORT stands apart from the rest of the range with new-design 18-inch machined alloy wheels and different treatment for the rear bumper and under-guard. In the cabin the heated front sports seats have the GR logo embossed in the head rests and have black fabric upholstery with contrasting light grey sections and synthetic leather bolsters. The GR logo is also featured on the push-button starter.    

⁽¹⁾ Grade structure may differ in each market. Please refer to the local national Toyota distributor for more detailed information

The start of production of 5^th generation hybrid engines and transmissions follows the upgrade of seven production lines supported by new investments of €77million and €541 thousand ⁽¹⁾ at the plants in Poland and the UK respectively.

TMMP produces hybrid electric transmissions including the MG1 and MG2 motors, integral electrical components of hybrid transmission.⁽²⁾ These products will be combined with the new 1.8 litre gasoline engine produced at TMUK to form the 5^th generation hybrid electric powertrain.

This 5th generation Toyota hybrid technology has lighter, more compact and higher-powered electric motors, which increases the electric drive ratio in the hybrid system. As a result of improved engine calibrations, the vehicle has more power, better overall performance and drivability resulting in lower  CO₂ emissions for the 1.8 litre version. The total power of hybrid drive system with the 1.8 litre engine is 140hp, reducing the 0-100km/h acceleration time by 1.7 seconds, to 9.2 seconds.⁽³⁾  

The new 5^th generation hybrid electric powertrain replaces the 4th generation systems previously produced at TMMP and TMUK since 2018 and 2016 respectively. During this time TME has accelerated its investments in hybrid technology, and in the last four years, the overall electrified mix in the total Toyota’s European sales has grown from 30% to 66%.

⁽¹⁾               GBP 465,000 and PLN 360 million

⁽²⁾               The MG1 is an auxiliary motor, called “generator” which acts as a starter for the gasoline engine, generates electricity to power the MG2 motor and charges battery. The MG2 is the main electric motor that drives the wheels using current generated by the MG1 and the battery. It also recoups part of kinetic energy generated by breaking and deceleration, so the hybrid drive consumes less fuel compared to a conventional drive

⁽³⁾               All data is tentative and subject for homologation

Few cars could have a better foundation for success than the Toyota Corolla, a nameplate that has appeared on more vehicles worldwide than any other.

Although the Corolla has been around for more than half a century, it has always kept pace with changes in motorists’ needs and preferences. That’s how it has come to achieve world-record sales of more than 50 million across 12 generations since 1966.

This ability to adapt with the times is just as evident today with the announcement of the New Corolla. While the visible exterior and interior updates are an evolution of the 12^th generation Corolla’s design, more significant changes have been made to the powertrain and electronics.

With fresh styling, the introduction of fifth generation hybrid electric technology, a comprehensively upgraded digital user experience and an extended range of Toyota T-Mate safety and assistance features, the New Corolla is equipped to strengthen its role as a core volume model for Toyota in Europe. Its enduring appeal is reflected in the fact it has achieved its highest market share in Europe in its history and is Toyota’s second best-selling model in the region.

There is “a Corolla for all” with hatchback, Touring Sports and sedan versions. These will be joined by an SUV – Corolla Cross in the second half of the year. This breadth of choice ensures the top body style choices in different markets across Europe are catered for, each one benefiting from the same high levels of quality design and technology.

The Corolla also retains a competitive advantage in being the only model range in its segment to offer full hybrid electric power, technology that delivers the kind of fuel efficiency and zero emission driving capability that are fast-growing priorities for customers.

FRESH DESIGN

Each Corolla body type has its own look and appeal. The new range gains a more refined and contemporary appearance with changes to the front grille mesh pattern, fog light bezels and alloy wheel designs. Higher grades of the hatchback and Touring Sports models gain new bi-LED headlights; on High grade these come with an Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).

The exterior colour choices include three new colours inspired by current trends in architecture, product design and fashion. Juniper Blue is the new key colour for the hatchback and Touring Sports, with a vibrant, flaring tone. When viewed close-up, it reveals red undertones which create a fresh effect with subtle changes in colour. For the sedan there is new green Midnight Teal, an elegant finish that reveals a special shade effect when viewed from the right perspective. Metallic Grey, available for all body types, is a timeless shade with wide appeal, its appeal enhanced by dark silver flakes in the paint.

For the interior, the mood is more modern and premium with new graphics, trims and embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal to the upholsteries, surfaces and finishes. The trim and seat upholstery combinations follow new Dark and Light Harmony (depending on body type) ⁽²⁾ themes with co-ordinated colours and finishes to give the cabin a contemporary, elegant feel.

FIFTH GENERATION TOYOTA HYBRID ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY ⁽¹⁾

The New Corolla features the fifth generation of Toyota’s world-leading self-charging, full hybrid electric system.

As with the current model, 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid systems are available. Both benefit from significant changes to their engine and electric motor that enhance the driving experience with extra power, improved performance and drivability, and same or lower CO₂ emissions (depending on the powertrain). The power control unit (PCU) and transaxle motor have been redesigned and the lithium-ion battery is more powerful, yet smaller and lighter (mass reduced by up to 18 kg, depending on the powertrain).

Total power from the 1.8-litre system is 140 DIN hp, bringing a 1.7-second reduction in the 0-100 km/h time to 9.2 seconds. Despite this performance increase, CO₂ emissions are expected to be unchanged at 102 g/km. For the 2.0-litre system, total output has risen to 196 DIN hp and almost half a second has been shaved from the 0-100 km/h time, taking it down to 7.5 seconds. A reduction of 3 g/km in the combined cycle CO₂ figure is expected, to 107 g/km.

IMPROVED DRIVABILITY AND ACCELERATION FEEL

Further steps have been taken to deliver acceleration that feels natural and rewarding to the driver. Previously, the focus was on linear acceleration; now, recalibration of the hybrid control has produced acceleration that more closely mirrors the driver’s intention and their use of the throttle pedal, producing the appropriate G-sensation and an intuitive feel. This has been achieved with a reduction in engine speed during acceleration. Powertrain noise under acceleration has also been quietened.

THE USER EXPERIENCE

The New Corolla benefits from Toyota’s latest digital and multimedia features, designed for a better user experience and future-proofed so that new features and upgrades can be introduced with seamless over-the-air updates.

The enlarged, 10.5-inch multimedia display presents graphics in high definition and has an anti-glare screen, ensuring excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. Starting from the Mid-grade⁽²⁾  the driver’s instrument display has also undergone a transformation with a new 12.3-inch combimeter that can be customised to the driver’s preference in four different modes: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.

Cars come with an inclusive four years’ access to Toyota Smart Connect or Toyota Smart Connect+ (according to model grade), giving access to “always on” cloud navigation and real-time traffic and journey information.

The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows.

Also, a number of remote services are available using the MyT app, allowing drivers to use their smartphone to lock or unlock their car, operate the climate control to heat or cool the cabin prior to a journey, activate the hazard lights and locate their vehicle.

ENHANCED SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTNACE

The New Corolla is equipped with Toyota T-Mate, which combines the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense package with other active driving and parking assistance systems which not only make driving easier and safer, but also helps protect all the vehicle’s occupants and other road users.

Improvements in the operation and functionality of the systems include Acceleration Suppression, which reacts to sudden use of the accelerator when travelling at low speed; collision avoidance support when making a turn at an intersection; Emergency Steering Assist that can now react to oncoming vehicles; lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. Over-the-air software updates will keep the functions up-to-date and enable new ones to be added as they become available during the vehicle’s lifetime.

The Toyota T-Mate features include a Safe Exit Assist system. This will trigger a warning if it detects a door being opened into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear. There is also a new Rear Seat Reminder which will alert the driver before they leave their car that they may need to check if they have left something on the back seats.

COROLLA GR SPORT

Since its introduction in 2020, the GR SPORT grade has proved highly successful in delivering a sportier profile for Corolla and extending the car’s appeal, in particular helping attract new customers to the Toyota brand. More than 20,000 have been sold to date.

Inspired by TOYOTA GAZOO RACING, the GR SPORT has a more powerful look that accentuates the Corolla’s sharp, dynamic styling with unique exterior and interior design elements.

The new Corolla GR SPORT has new-design 18-inch machined alloy wheels and a new-look rear bumper and under-guard. The seats in the hatchback and Touring Sports versions have a fresh finish with the GR logo embossed in the headrest and a new micro-hexagon pattern in the silver ribbons along the edge of the bolster and cushion. The GR logo is also added to the push-button starter.

The New Corolla range will go on sale in Europe during the first quarter of 2023.

⁽¹⁾ All data is tentative and subject for homologation

⁽²⁾ Grade structure may differ in each market. Please refer to the local national Toyota distributor for more detailed information