Toyota Corolla.
Last Updated:
The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most popular cars in the world for many years. The current, 12th generation, came out back in March 2018. That means a new one is due out pretty soon.
In the US, sedans are not as popular as they used to be, and sales of the current Corolla aren’t as high as previous generations. With stratospheric numbers like 387,000 in 2006 or 378,000 in 2016. However, the current Toyota Corolla is still very popular over here with over 232,000 units sold in the US last year. Not bad for a car that came out in 2018. Even if that is about 10,000 units shy of the newer Honda Civic.
Besides an all-new exterior design and interior, the main event could be the all-new 1.5-liter engine. Which will probably be used on all trims. A base version is rumored to produce around 130 HP. While a turbocharged version could produce up to 180HP.
The new engine will also be used in the improved Hybrid powertrain as well. And with an all-new PHEV version. The new 1.5 engine is about 10% smaller than the engine it will replace and will be more fuel efficient as well as more powerful.
The new 1.5 Turbo was also shown at a press conference last year, and it was mentioned to be 20% smaller than the current 2.5-liter. Which could mean it will soon replace the much larger 2.5-liter used in many Toyota models. A 2.0 2.0-liter turbo was also displayed and compared to the current 2.4-liter turbo.
These are weird comparisons since, of course, a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine would obviously be smaller and more efficient than today’s larger 2.5-liter or 2.4-liter engines. It seems Toyota really wants to make sure people know they are still developing new ICE engines, even if these will mostly be used in new Hybrid powertrains. These new engines will also be used in various Mazda and Subaru models. Again, as part of Hybrid powertrains.
With a new PHEV trim available, it will be interesting to see if Toyota will go “full hybrid” with the next-generation Corolla in the US. Just like they did with the Camry.
The illustration above shows what a new Corolal sedan could look like. One that would be influenced by the curent Prius. Which is stil one Toyota’s best designs in years.