Also debuting at the show was the Corolla's sporty twin, the Levin, which is sold only in China.
The two cars deliver enhanced basic performance achieved by the GA-C platform, and include the Sporty model (in North America, China (Levin), Japan, and other countries/regions) with an active, energetic edge, and the Prestige model (in China (Corolla), Europe, and other countries/regions) sporting an exterior design that produces a premium appearance.
The Sporty Corolla variant.
The Prestige Corolla variant.
Sales in the United States and Europe are scheduled to start in spring 2019. The new models will gradually be rolled out in more than 150 countries and regions (yes, in Malaysia too) including the start of sales of the new Corolla and Levin in China after mid-2019. In Japan, new sedan and wagon models, based on the Sporty model, will be optimised for Japanese customers and roads, with sales launch slated for within 2019.
"We have striven to design new models that are eye-catching, and fun to ride in and drive," said Corolla/Levin chief engineer Yoshiki Konishi.
"By enhancing not just the fun factors that are unique to cars, but "connectivity" functions to create new value, I wanted to make this new model a car that enriches mobility for customers around the world."
The Corolla is Toyota's bread-and-butter model, with more than 46 million cars sold worldwide (including derivative models) since the first generation was released in Japan in 1966. This makes it the brand's all-time best-selling model.
With each new generation, the Corolla has evolved. Advanced features and functions have been introduced to suit the needs of the time, all the while espousing its core properties — reliability and usability — from the first generation.
Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) initiative to structurally transform vehicle development, the new platform has been unified globally within the present 12th generation, including the hatchback model that went on sale in summer 2018, and the wagon model released in regions such as Europe in early 2019.
The new generation hatchback and wagon models in Europe and other countries and regions also take the Corolla name, further strengthening the Corolla brand.
The new platform promises improved performance characterised by smooth driving, ride comfort, quietness, and safety. The Corolla is backed by a total of one million kilometres of test driving in five continents.
The exterior design concept — Toyota calls it "Shooting Robust" — creates a car that has a lower centre of gravity and sporty silhouette, complemented by a lower stance and wider tread than outgoing models.
The interior design is based on "Sensuous Minimalism" — a concept that saw Toyota design a sleek instrument panel that conveys comfortable spaciousness, and integrated functional parts to project refined elegance.
Powertrain options include those developed under TNGA such as the 2.0-litre Dynamic Force Engine. Gearboxes for the new Corolla are 6-speed manual transmission and Direct Shift-CVT.
Models equipped with the latest hybrid technologies will be introduced in more than 90 countries and regions, playing a key role in the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles.
The new models are also equipped with upgraded advanced safety features, in the form of the latest Toyota Safety Sense, with specifications and availability refined for each market.
Appealing to younger customers, the new Corolla and Levin have more connected functions and services tuned to each market.
In China, the new models come standard with an onboard Data Communication Module (DCM), an integral component of Toyota Connected. Connected services will be introduced across all grades, providing "just-in-time" services and offering security and peace of mind to customers 24/7.
Other examples include Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility in the United States, and services in Europe that allow the car to be connected to an operator in emergency situations and the dispatch of rescue vehicles based on the car's location.
