Toyota showcased a European-spec Corolla sedan that is destined to be sold in most Corolla markets around the world including South Africa, as well as a US-spec model that will mainly be sold Stateside.

Both iterations retain some of the key styling cues of the Corolla Furia Concept that was revealed during the Detroit auto show in January.

European-spec version visually resembles 2014 SA model

Toyota’s trump cards have always been build quality, reliability, and good resale value, but traditionally the firm’s cars have been a bit bland on the styling front. This appears to be changing with the company’s recent models, the likes of the new Auris and RAV4, exhibiting a bit more design flair than we are used to seeing from the Japanese company.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla now sports the new family face of the Japanese company.

The Corolla continues this styling revolution with the rear revealing the crisp line of the boot lid that is underscored by wide taillight clusters for a cleaner, more upmarket look. On the inside, the Corolla offers passengers significantly more head and legroom.

A new horizontal dashboard panel incorporates a larger instrument binnacle, with drivers benefitting from a lower-seat delivering a better driving position as well as an extended range of adjustments. Rear passengers will receive some additional knee room in the latest version of the Corolla.

The company stated that buyers will be a choice of transmissions and powerplants including both petrol and diesel variants.

Inside the cabin, the 2014 Corolla draws its styling inspiration from the Auris.  

To the point

Toyota SA Motors GM of Product Planning, Lettie Labuschagne, has confirmed that visually the European car is very similar to the model that will be launched here in South Africa during early 2014.

“With better styling, enhanced dynamics and even more interior space, the 2014 Corolla promises to be the best model yet. That is no small feat considering that its history goes back more than 47 years,” Labuschagne added.

All we can say at this stage is that the forthcoming Corolla is shaping up (like the new Auris) to be a real head turner in terms of design, culminating in a far more distinctive looking sedan than the current version.   

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

In other motoring related news, Toyota also recently introduced a raft of upgrades for the 2013 version of the Etios.