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A bold new look and the option of electric power are on the cards for the next Corolla, a new concept car revealed in Tokyo today hints.
The popular Toyota Corolla could adopt bold styling in its next generation, alongside a broader range of powertrains that could expand to electric propulsion for the first time.
Toyota has today revealed the Corolla Concept at the Tokyo motor show, billed as a "future vision" of the world's best-selling car, currently in its 12th generation and due for replacement by a new model.
There is no word on when a new Corolla is due in showrooms – and if it will look as radical as this – but the Japanese brand admits it needs to "evolve with the times", and take a bold step for the next model.
Electric power appears to be on the cards for the next Corolla, as hinted by what appears to be a battery percentage indicator on the side of the show car.
However, buyers not ready for electric power will not be left behind, with Toyota executives telling a media preview ahead of the show that the concept would allow for "any powertrain" with the "same" exterior design and interior space.
It points to the continued availability of hybrid power in developed markets such as Australia, as well as regular petrol-only offerings in developing countries where electrified cars are less prevalent.
Previewed in teasers earlier this month, the Corolla Concept is a sharply-styled sedan reminiscent of Toyota's electric-car range, with heavily-creased panels and an arch-like roof that tapers into an integrated rear spoiler.
limline LED lights feature at the front and rear, and it features typical concept-car details – large wheels and ultra-low-profile mirrors – likely to be toned down for production.
Inside, a slim instrument display is affixed to the steering column, surrounded by 'pods' with shortcut buttons for key functions such as air conditioning, heated seats, audio controls, and more.
A larger touchscreen ahead of the front passenger can fold out – or retract back into the dashboard – at the push of a button.
The driver and front passenger seats are different – with a taller, sportier headrest for the former – while the gear selector sits on an 'island' positioned ahead of the storage console between the front occupants.
Exactly how much of the Corolla Concept will come to production remains to be seen, but the world's best-selling car is due for a new generation.
The current model has been on sale in Australia since 2018, longer than the typical six-year life cycles of earlier generations – likely an indicator of the steady decline in demand for small hatchbacks and sedans.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
