Dramatic evolution of Toyota's small car sits atop extensive choice of powertrains

TOYOTA has torn the covers off a concept previewing the next version of its most familiar nameplate, providing a clear look at how the thirteenth-generation Corolla will look.

It has also previewed how the new Corolla will drive. On the sidelines of this week’s Japan Mobility Show, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) executives explained that the next Corolla has been prepared to take a wide variety of powertrains, from internal combustion (ICE) to fully electric (BEV) and beyond.

Cosmetically, the Corolla will grow compared to the current car, with large 21-inch wheels pushed to the corners while a glowing charge meter tucked behind the front quarter panel hints at the growing role of electrification for one of the world’s most popular small cars.

The showcar, which wore three filler caps suggesting a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, was mobbed with attention at the Tokyo Motor Show.

“The Corolla is a car for the majority, but the majority does not necessarily want the same answer,” said Lance Scott, head of Toyota Europe Design Development.

“You can choose whatever powertrain that works for you,” said Mr Scott.

Global powertrain options will include a BEV variant with a skateboard battery, at least one PHEV, a series-parallel hybrid (HEV), full ICE, and even a hydrogen fuel cell option.

The Corolla will become the exemplar model for Toyota’s long-running ‘multi-pathway’ strategy, which was the cornerstone of TMC’s appearance at this year’s Tokyo Show.

Designing one chassis for HEV, PHEV and BEV configurations has required packaging compromises, and Toyota’s designers appear to have responded by enlarging the overall size of the vehicle.

A raised floor and longer wheelbase allows room for a large traction battery for the BEV model while also giving the Corolla concept its imposing stance. The result is a Corolla that looks larger and more planted than the outgoing model, which maxed out with HEV power.

The concept’s look is a clear evolution of Toyota’s current design language first deployed on the latest Camry and shortly on the forthcoming RAV4 update.

A dramatic wraparound light signature dominates the nose of the new Corolla while the blacked-out glasshouse and raked windscreen deliver a coupe-like silhouette.

Inside, designers have bucked the industry trend of increasing screen size, instead pursuing a round steering wheel framed by slim driver displays while an available passenger screen can be folded away when not required.

Rear-seat space of the sedan-format showcar is generous, aligning with a global trend that sees four-doors growing steadily to satisfy buyer tastes in North America and China.

Hatchback fans are likely to be catered for, as five-door body styles remain critical for the European market that the Corolla will continue to be sold in.

Under the skin, as well as the flagship BEV model, Toyota will debut a new 1.5- petrol engine, either as a standalone unit or paired to strengthened HEV and PHEV systems.

Later, a 2.0-litre petrol engine is expected to join the line-up as a performance option. A choice of front- and all-wheel drive is likely to be offered in some markets.