Toyota has pulled the covers off its new 2023 Corolla range, and never have potential punters had so many variations to choose from.
The line-up, now in its 12th generation, has been expanded to include a souped-up GR version, which has been produced by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.
That particular freshman comes with a turbocharged 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine that can produce 300 horsepower. With those kinds of figures, it should easily challenge the most serious rivals in the hot-hatch market.
Toyota is not content with that, though, as the GR comes with a Circuit Edition trim, which should up the ante.
The more traditional Corolla offerings have had significant improvements, too.
The hybrid versions have been upgraded with a re-engineered drive motor and battery, and customers can now opt for an all-wheel drive version, which is a first for those models.
The entry-level LE now has the 169hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine used in all other petrol versions, which knocks two seconds off the 0-100 kilometres per hour time of its predecessor.
The sportier SE and XSE trims get a new diffuser and new 18-inch wheels.
Alongside updated front and rear styling, all 2023 models gain Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 and Audio Multimedia systems.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the Toyota Corolla's evolution over 55 years
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Where it all began - a first generation Corolla from 1966. All photos courtesy Toyota -
A second-generation model from 1970. -
A third-generation model from 1974. -
A fourth-generation model from 1979. -
A fifth-generation model from 1983. -
A sixth-generation model from 1987. -
A seventh-generation model from 1991. -
An eighth-generation model from 1995. -
A ninth-generation model from 2000. -
A tenth-generation model from 2006. -
An 11th-generation model from 2012. -
Toyota's all-new Corolla Cross -
A Corolla from 1987 in a station wagon style. -
Up to date with the new version, from 2019. -
A collection of Corollas at Toyota's Tokyo showroom.
They also feature a new 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard, replacing the smaller displays on previous versions.
Meanwhile, the hatchback benefits from a redesigned front grille, a rear bumper with chrome accents, and new (optional) 18-inch wheels.
All models still look to have what made sales of the Corolla top 50 million in the middle of 2021, which is reliability and value for money.
On that subject, there’s no word on pricing yet (or what cars will be available where, as regional variations always occur), but the new models are likely to end up in showrooms at the tail end of 2022.
Volkswagen Golf R: a stylish pocket rocket — in pictures
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Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now. -
The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack. -
The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system. -
The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine. -
The R insignia -
The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler -
Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White. -
Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R -
The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds. -
The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels. -
Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome. -
The R features dynamic turning lights. -
That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out. -
The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes. -
Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster. -
The R's blue brake calipers. -
The sporty seats are made in black with blue details. -
The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
