These are the first leaked photographs of the next-generation Toyota Corolla.
Toyota had showcased a saloon concept called the Corolla Furia at January’s Detroit Motor Show, which was believed to preview the new Corolla’s styling. From these first pictures it seems that although much of the aggressive detailing has been toned down for production, the car’s basic shape and sharp lines have remained faithful to the concept.
The styling also appears to be heavily influenced by Toyota’s other recently launched international models – the Rav4 and Auris, and there are hints of the new Camry in there as well.
The front bumper loses the Furia concept’s carbon accents, but still gets the wide central air dam, albeit with a body-coloured chin, and there are more conventional fog lamps too. The bonnet gets prominent creases on both sides. The chrome-heavy grille blends seamlessly into the blacked-out headlamps, which look great as they sweep upwards into the fenders. We can also see front parking sensors and headlamp washers, along with LED accents above the indicators.
In profile the car gets aggressive creases and bulging wheel arches, front and rear. The shoulder line rises from fender to fender, much like the Camry’s, and the window line kinks up sharply into the C pillar. At the rear, the wraparound tail-lamps are influenced by the concept, but the rear end also reminds you of the Camry, thanks to the thick band of chrome that sits above the number plate and the sculpted rear bumper.
There is no news regarding the car’s mechanicals, but Toyota can be expected to offer the next Corolla with updated versions of the current car’s petrol and diesel engines, likely tuned for improved power and fuel-efficiency.
Expect the new Corolla to be officially unveiled sometime later this year.