Share

Two-continent launch for Corolla

<b>NEXT COROLLA - FOR REAL:</b> No more concept in the title - this is the Toyota Corolla that South Africa can expect to see in 2014. Want one? Let us know....<i>Image: Toyota</i>
<b>NEXT COROLLA - FOR REAL:</b> No more concept in the title - this is the Toyota Corolla that South Africa can expect to see in 2014. Want one? Let us know....<i>Image: Toyota</i>
The next-generation version of the Toyota Corolla has been revealed in two distinct guises on two continents.

A Corolla sedan exhibiting European style was unveiled in Istanbul, Turkey, while another with a markedly different frontal design, debuted more than 10 000km away in Santa Monica, California.

Image gallery


"The two cars retain key styling cues from the Corolla Furia concept shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2013," Toyota says, "while delivering their own unique interpretations of the show car's dramatic and expressive design."

DECADES OF REFINEMENT

The European version is destined to be sold in most Corolla markets around the world, among them South Africa, while the alternative treatment is targeted mainly at North America.

Toyota SA's Lettie Labuschagne, general manager of product planning, confirmed that, visually, the European car would be very similar to the model that will be launched in South Africa early in 2014.

"Toyota has spent decades refining and improving the Corolla while staying true to its core values," she said. "It's why it’s still SA’s most loved sedan. With better styling, enhanced dynamics and even more interior space, the 2014 Corolla promises to be the best model yet.

"That's no small feat considering that its history goes back more than 47 years."

Cumulative worldwide Corolla sales exceed 39.7-million since the name was launched in 1966, including nearly a million in South Africa. The new sedan is the 11th-generation Corolla. It will be sold in more than 150 countries.

DESIGN PILLARS

Toyota's next-generation Corolla sedan features an all-new exterior design with lines and proportions that impart, its maker says, "a more sophisticated and contemporary look".

"Frontal styling is based on Toyota's two key design pillars – a narrow elongated upper grille extending into the scalpel-sharp headlight clusters and the now characteristic trapezoidal lower grille," the automaker enthused. "In profile, the short front and rear overhangs – combined with the long wheelbase and prominent wheel arches – underline the new Corolla sedan's dynamic stance and elegant proportions."

The boot lid is underscored by wide tail-light clusters for a cleaner, premium appearance.

"The 2014 Corolla sedan's all-new interior design offers customers a significantly roomier, more sophisticated, generously kitted cabin environment," the media pack says. "Its width is emphasised by the new horizontal dashboard panel that incorporates a larger instrument binnacle. The driving position has been improved with a lower-set seat and an extended range of adjustments."

DIESEL AND PETROL

The rear seats claim to deliver more spacious and premium environment with redesigned seats "for greater flexibility and comfort" plus expanded knee room.

As before, there will be a choice of transmissions and engines - petrol and diesel.

Further details about the all-new Corolla sedan for South Africa will be announced closer to the local launch.

Tell us what you think of the next Corolla in the Readers' Comments section below.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE