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2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The Sporty Toyota Corolla Hatchback Shifts into 2025

• Available in Three Grades: SE, Nightshade and XSE

•2.0-Liter Dynamic Force Engine has 169 Horsepower

•Toyota Audio Multimedia with 8-inch Touchscreen Display Standard on All Grades

•Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback combines style, technology, and a fun-to-drive quality into an affordable, efficient package that's ready for the road ahead. The sporty hatchback is low to the ground, lightweight and sure to make a lasting impression that inspires drivers to go out and make more happen.

Available in SE, Nightshade and XSE – there are plenty of sporty grades for customers to choose from. The SE model sits on 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Nightshade sits on stunning 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels. The XSE has a different style with 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels.

All Corolla grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

Bold Silhouette

Corolla Hatchback's bold look begins with a rounded, muscular physique accented by chiseled character lines and simple, condensed three-dimensional highlights. Combined with the 16- or 18-inch wheels, the shape gives the Hatchback an active, well-planted attitude. Slim, aggressive LED headlamps wrap deeply into the front fenders and give Corolla Hatchback a distinct expression. The LED taillamps feature a diffusing inner lens designed to highlight the Hatchback's stout stance. The XSE features LED fog lights to the front fascia accented by chrome-finished fog bezels.

Naturally, the Hatchback is practical, starting with the hatch itself. Lightweight and simple, the hatch is easy to open and close. The available Enhanced Cargo Space option adds six cubic feet of space by lowering the cargo floor, made possible by switching out the spare tire for a tire repair kit.

Exterior color options include Blue Crush Metallic, Inferno, Midnight Black Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Finish Line Red, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, and Ice Cap. Two-tone color combinations are also available with a Midnight Black Metallic roof to further heat up Corolla Hatch's striking good looks.

Complete Driver's Package

Toyota designed the Corolla Hatchback as a complete driver's package, with a seamless combination of comfort and sporty controllability that begins with its TNGA-C platform. The structure employs extensive use of aluminum and high- and ultra-high tensile steel. A mixture of adhesives, spot welding and additional bracing – top to bottom, side to side –create a super-strong, super-tight platform for ride comfort and handling agility.

The MacPherson strut front suspension employs sophisticated techniques, including a strut bearing mounted coaxially with the kingpin axis. This feature allows smoother upward suspension travel, especially while traversing bumps, resulting in comfortable steering feel. The multi-link rear suspension is highly adept at comfortably absorbing bumps while prioritizing agility. The result: A Corolla Hatchback that delivers an uncanny blend of balance, composure and feel that invites the driver to seek out twisty roads.

Powertrain and road noise are hushed thanks to drivetrain efficiencies and the widespread deployment of sound-absorbing materials, including Thinsulate®, sealants, foams and silencer pads. As one example, the floor silencer pad is one large piece, instead of many smaller elements. The TNGA-C platform employs additional seals in body gaps to insulate noise penetration and enhance air-sealing performance. Even Corolla Hatchback's Aero Stabilizing Fins on the taillights help by combatting wind drone.

Dynamic-Force Engine

The 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine delivers exuberant performance with 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft. peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Its features read like those of a sports car: very high compression ratio (13:1), ultra-low internal friction, Toyota D4-S fuel injection combining direct injection and secondary port injectors, high-speed combustion and VVT-iE intelligent variable valve-timing on the intake side and VVT-i on the exhaust. (VVT-iE uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control the variable valve timing.)

Features like a rigid crank case with integrated stiffener, a lightweight resin camshaft cover and a ribbed oil pan help to make the engine a smooth operator. With all the fun comes the bonus of low fuel consumption, with manufacturer-estimated 32 city / 41 highway / 35 combined MPG for SE grade and 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined for XSE grade. Automatic Stop/Start reduces fuel usage in urban driving.

A continuously variable-capacity oil pump and a variable cooling system with electric water pump help maximize engine performance and efficiency.

Maximize Comfort

The standard analog gauge cluster houses a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display between the tachometer and speedometer. The available 7-in digital gauge cluster allows the driver to choose between multiple speedometer styles customizing their driving experience.

Featuring rich graphics, the easy-to-read digital gauge cluster can be customconfigured by the driver and offers intuitive operation to access information for the audio and multimedia systems. This includes hands-free phone operation, navigation and vehicle information including fuel efficiency, tire pressure and TSS 3.0 functions. Other important parameters and system settings are also available, and the driver can operate the system via steering wheel-mounted controls and voice command.

The Corolla Hatchback cabin is equal parts sporty, elegant and, as always, Corolla-comfortable and durable. Minimized gaps between buttons and switches and consistency in all materials and elements' shape, color, grain and gloss help maximize continuity and aesthetic quality. High-gloss materials are paired with matte elements – silver-colored accents with Piano Black and available contrast stitching – to accentuate a premium look and feel.

The center console incorporates a tray ahead of the gearshift that can hold small items such as a smartphone or wallet. When the car is so equipped, the tray serves as the Qi wireless device charging area. A 5.5-inch smartphone can easily fit inside the center console box.

Seating comfort, always a Toyota strength, is optimized in the Corolla Hatchback to provide a natural body posture and position. Ample front door storage includes cup holders that can fit 24-ounce bottles. Rear seat passengers have upper door cup holders that hold 16-ounce bottles.

The Corolla Hatchback SE grade comes standard with single-zone automatic climate control, an electronic parking brake, automatic up/down power windows and two front and two rear USB ports.

The XSE grade comes with dual-zone climate control, fabric/SofTex® trimmed seating, unique stitching on the instrument panel and doors, heated front seats and an eight-way power driver's seat standard. All grades come with paddle shifters standard.

Next-Level Technology

All Corolla models come with the 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. With an active available Drive Connect* trial or subscription, drivers can interact with the system through touch and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect*, simple phrases like 'Hey Toyota' awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates will also be available.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An available Wi-Fi Connect* subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the car into an AT&T Hotspot, along with the ability to link customers' separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with the new Integrated Streaming feature. This augments the already robust audio playback ability that includes HD Radio, USB data and a SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription.

The SE and Nightshade audio system includes six speakers. The audio experience goes to a higher level with the JBL® Premium Audio system with 8 speakers and an 800-watt amplifier that comes standard on the XSE.

All Corolla models offer a host of Connected Services available on all grades. The up to 10-year Safety Connect* trial includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. The up to 10-year Service Connect* trial provides drivers the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders. And with an active Remote Connect* trial or subscription, drivers remotely interact with their vehicle through the Toyota app.

*4G Network-dependent

Safety & Convenience

The 2025 Corolla Hatchback comes with the robust Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This safety suite includes:

•Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist and provide an audible/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don't react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.

•Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

•Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) detects lane markings or the road's edge at speeds above 30 mph. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.

•Lane Tracing Assist: Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to help keep the vehicle in the center of a lane. LTA assists the driver with steering control while DRCC is in use.

•Road Sign Assist: Road Sign Assist (RSA) uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs, such as speed limit, stop, and yield signs. RSA provides sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display

•Automatic High Beams: Automatic High Beams (AHB) is designed to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams as appropriate.

•Proactive Driving Assist: Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle's camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. PDA can also provide gentle braking into curves.

For complete details on TSS 3.0, please visit Toyota.com/safety-sense.

**MSRP Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1,095. All prices are subjected to change.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a no additional cost plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company's U.S. operating sites.

by Toyota

by Toyota


Over the years a manufacturer that has built a solid reputation for sturdy, reliable vehicles is Toyota, and no car proved that better than the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla name is the oldest in Toyota's current inventory of American products, second only to the Land Cruiser. The most popular car line in history, with over 30 million Corollas sold worldwide, the Corolla is also the first Toyota made in America.

The smallest Toyota sold in America up until that time, the Corolla was introduced in Japan in October of 1966. The first Corolla arrived in the U.S. in the summer of 1968. The newest edition featured a 90-inch wheelbase in two-door coupe, four-door sedan and two-door wagon body styles. The Corolla also featured a 60-horsepower, 1.1-liter overhead valve four-cylinder mounted longitudinally in the engine bay that sent power to a four-speed manual transmission before going to a solid rear axle. Not yet on the options list was an automatic transmission.

There was nothing sophisticated about the first Toyota Corolla and it definitely wasn't pretty, yet it was so simple that there were almost no parts to break. The original Corolla's unibody structure had a strut front suspension and mounted the rear axle on a pair of leaf springs. The worldwide opinion in the early 1960's was that Japanese products were unrefined, Toyota worked hard to overcome this then common perception. Corolla's were priced under $1,700 and that proved that even when Toyota build a smaller, cheaper car, the last thing to suffer was quality.

The first Corolla was too small and underpowered for North American tastes, the second Corolla aimed to fix this problem. Introduced in 1970, the second generation Corolla featured a wheelbase stretched to 91.9 inches with power that came from a new 1.2-liter version of the OHV four that achieved 73 horsepower. The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension was continued. The newest generation of Corolla had very minor styling changes other than the extended wheelbase and was now significantly more comfortable and confident. Its popularity rose when an automatic transmission was offered, and it quickly became the second best-selling car in the world.

For the following year, the car became even more improved as the engine grew to 1.6 liters and output was expanded to 102 horsepower. For1972 the grille was redesigned, though no other changes were made. For the 1973 and 1974 year the only updates were larger bumpers added to accommodate federal regulations along with the introduction of sporty SR5 models with five-speed manual transmissions.

The third generation of Corollas were introduced in 1975 and were styled quite uniquely with a raised center section in the grille, much like a more angular body. Five models were now available for this year, with the priciest one being a two-door sedan that was powered by a 1.2 liter engine. This was joined by a 4-door sedan, a two-door hardtop, a sporty SR5 hardtop and a five-door station wagon, these were all powered by the 1.6 liter four. All models except the SR5 power featured standard transmission. The SR5 featured a four-speed manual. Optional in the other Corollas, a five-speed manual was once again a five-speed manual. Three-speed automatic was also available. During the mid-1970s, emission standards were stiffening and a catalytic converter was included in the 1975 Corolla for the first time.

The ‘Liftback' a new three-door hatchback was added to the Corolla line in 1976 and resembled a sporty two-door station wagon rather than the traditional fastback or economy vehicles. Toyota envisioned that the Liftback would be responsible for 30% of Corolla sales in the U.S., especially with its split fold-down rear seat.

A new Corolla Sport Coupe was introduced in 1976 that shared the front-end styling with the Liftback in both standard and SR5 configurations. Less expensive than the much larger Celica, the new Sport Coupe with its fastback styling gave Toyota a sporty car to feature.

For 1977 the front-end styling of both the sedans and wagons were modified with a more conventional grille. Undistinguished in their shapes, these new vehicles were overdone in their details and were never considered to be particularly attractive cars. But they did last seemingly forever.

Virtually unchanged, the third-generation Corolla had very little updates during the 1978 model year.

The fourth generation of Toyota Corolla's was introduced in 1979 with a whole new chassis. A much more sophisticated car than any other Corolla before, this new generation would become better still. Deleting its primitive leaf spring rear suspension, the 1979 Corolla replaced it with a more compliant coil spring system. The wheelbase was now increased to 94.5 inches and the new unibody above the new suspension was much larger, stronger and more attractive in its own way. The new Corolla was powered with a new 75-horsepower, 1.8-liter version of the OHV four and newly available were four- and five-speed manual along with three-speed automatic transmissions.

The SR5 in Sport Coupe, Hatchback and Liftback semi-wagon configurations were particularly popular during this generation due their effective use of detailing and the fact they looked more expensive than they actually were.

'80 and '81 Corolla lineups continued over from 1979 virtually unchanged, but in 1982 the automatic transmission was upgraded to a four-speed unit. The following year a new 1.6-liter overhead cam engine replaced the previous 1.8 and was both smoother and more powerful than before.

In 1984 Toyota introduced the front-drive Corolla sedan that now sported front drive. The SR5 Coupe, Liftback and station wagon remained on the previous-generation Corolla's rear drive chassis. Just as conventional in the front-drive as it had been in a rear-driver layout, the same 1.6-liter, SOHC engine was used and sat transversely in the front driver's engine bay feeding either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Coil springs held up the rear drive. A four-cylinder diesel powered a few early fifth-generation front-drive Corollas.

Halfway through the '84 model year, a new dual-overhead cam, 16-valve version of the 1.6-liter four rated at an impressive 124 horsepower was offered on the rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback. This resulted in the Corolla GT-S, a fun-to-drive car that attracted many buyers.

The Corolla lineup remained virtually unchanged through 1985 and 1986. In 1987 the new ‘FX' coupe was introduced; a front-drive Corolla that was produced at the NUMMI joint venture production plant in California. The new coupe was a conventional hatchback in the same body style as the Volkswagen Rabbit, and was available with either the SOHC or DOHC 1.6-liter engine. The new coupe was known as the FX16 when equipped with the DOHC engine. The FX marked the beginning of Corolla production in North America.

The rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback were replaced in 1988 with a new front-drive coupe. Enormously more refined, the new Corolla coupe and Corolla GT-S were more refined and capable, just not as fun. The sixth generation sedan was styled more conservatively than the previous generation and was built at both the NUMMI plant in California and in Japan, while the coupes and wagons were only produced in Japan. Available with either front-wheel drive or full-time All-Trac all-wheel drive the station wagon was versatile. The FX hatchback was discontinued after only a year. The base received DX trim, while it was better-equipped LE for the seda, DX and SR5 for the wagon, and SR5 and GT-S for the coupe.

The same 95.6-inch wheelbase was used on the sixth generation of Corolla, though it was almost an inch wider now. The Sprinter was a slightly updated version of the Corolla body that was sold in Japan. Identical mechanical pieces were utilized and were built at the NUMMI plant and branded as the Geo Prism. The All-Trac wagons kept a solid rear axle with coil springs while sedans, coupes and front-drive wagons rode on a full independent strut suspension.

DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinders were the engine used on all models while the sedans, front-drive wagon and SR5 coupe received a carbureted 90-hp motor. All-Trac wagons received a fuel-injected 100-hp version while the GT-S received a 115-hp EFI version. A standard five-speed manual with the option of either three or four-speed automatic (depending on trim level) were the transmission choices for this generation of Corollas. Standard were thirteen-inch wheels, while the GT-S received 14-inch wheels along with four-wheel disc brakes and a six-way adjustable driver seat with sport bolstering. The sixth-generation of Corolla's did not feature many modern conveniences as standards, such as AC, power steering, stereo or dual outside mirrors.

For 1989 there were no major changes except for the addition of an All-Trac sedan to the Corolla lineup, which lasted only a year. In 1990 all Corollas benefited from fuel injection and the base engine was now rated at 102 hp. The GT-S was now measured at 130 and five additional lb-ft of torque for a total of 105 horsepower. For this year an all- new entry-level sedan was added to the lineup, with all of the basic Corolla equipment including the cloth upholstery.

Following the 1991 model year, coupes were discontinued. The only change for 1992 was the addition of a few new paint colors, and the highline LE sedan could be purchased with the four-speed automatic.

Now riding on a 97.0-inch wheelbase, the seventh generation of Toyota Corollas was introduced in 1993 and the sedan and wagon moved up a size classification from ‘subcompact' to ‘compact' according to the EPA. No more Corolla coupes or all-wheel-drive wagons were available. Sedans were now only offered in standard, DX and LE trim while a front-wheel-drive wagon was available only in DX trim. DX and LE models benefited from an additional stabilizer bar in front while all cars rode on a fully independent suspension.

The basic Corolla sedan featured the same 1.6-liter engine that had been used in the previous generation vehicle, with output at 105 hp, except in Massachusetts, NY, and California where it was rated at only 100 due to stringent emissions requirements. New Corolla DX and LE models featured a new 1.8-liter DOHC, 16-valve four making 115 horsepower. Standard was a five-speed manual with a three-speed autobox optional on the base sedan and a four-speed was optional ono all other models. 14-inch wheels were eatured on all cars along with front disc/rear drum brakes. ABS was an optional feature on all models across the line. Standard in 1993 was height-adjustable seatbelts and driver-side front airbags. Passenger front airbags became standard the following year, along with locking retractor seatbelts in passengers' positions.

For 1995 the DX sedan received new upholstery while all audio systems received a complete redesign. The 1.8-liter engine lost 10 horsepower in order to comply with stricter emissions regulations. For 1996 the LE model was discontinued. The front grille was updated with a color-keyed frame while the taillight panels were revised while the DX received a full-width treatment. The interior trim was also updated with an integrated child seat added to the options list. The manual transmission was upgraded which yielded shorter throws, newly improved feel and more positive gear engagement.

The DX wagon was deleted in 1997 and replaced with a special CE, Classic Edition sedan. The CE incorporated many popular features in one value-priced package, that included power windows, locks, AC, four-speaker stereo, power steering, manual remote mirrors and special floor mats and exterior badging. Additional side-impact protection to meet new federal standards was added to all models. In 1997, all Corollas sold in the U.S. were for the first time built in North America at the NUMMI plant in California and the TMMC plant in Canada. The Corolla had become the best-selling nameplate in automotive history by the end of the 1997 model year.

For the eighth generation of the Toyota Corolla, the vehicle lost some of its weight and increased its fuel mileage due to a new engine and a more efficient drivetrain. An all-new, all-aluminum 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine was rated at 120 horsepower. This was exactly twice the engine rating of the first Corolla introduced in 1968. A 10% increase of fuel economy from the previous generation was achieved with the standard five-speed manual. This eighth generation of Corolla could achieve 31 mph in the city, and 38 on the highway.

For this generation, only a sedan was offered, though in three trim levels, the base VE, midlevel CE and the highline LE. An optional three-speed automatic was on the VE, while CE and LE featured the four-speed unit. The equipment levels remained the same as the previous generation, though base models came with power steering and dual exterior mirrors. Optional on all models was ABS while new extra features that included side airbags and a CD player were available.

The 1998 Corolla was considered to have an elegant exterior followed with a handsome interior and a good source of competition to the Honda Civic and the Nissan Sentra. Sales remained strong with the comparatively expensive and short on rear-seat legroom Corolla. For 1998 a total of 248,195 Corollas were sold.

1999 featured very minor changes for the Toyota Corolla. A cassette stereo was added to the VE model, while the LE model came standard with 1998's Touring Package items that included wide 14-inch tires, a front stabilizer bar, a tachometer and other various exterior cosmetic enhancements. For 2000 Toyota added it VVT-i variable valve timing system to the 1.8-liter engine which boosted output to 125 horsepower. This allowed Corolla to achieve low emission vehicle status while making for a larger torque. The following year featured new front and rear fascias, headlights and taillights. A somewhat sporty S version was also introduced in 2001. S model featured unique wheel covers, foglights, intermittent wipers, mudguard, grilles and color-keyed moldings. The upholstery on the interior was sportier with a tachometer and faux leather-wrapped wheel. The base VE model was replaced with the CE. For 2002 the Corolla line remained virtually unchanged though the price was lowered for the optional value packages.

Designed to attract young buyers, the 2003 Corolla Sedan more closely resembled a shrunken Camry. The ninth generation rode on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, five inches longer than the previous generation, and 0.7 inches shorter than the current Honda Civic sedan. The newest Corolla was available as a base CE, luxury LE or somewhat sporty S. Its total length was measured at 178.3 inches, 3.7 inches longer than the Civic. The newest generation shared the exact same wheelbase as the original '83 Camry with just a 2.7 inch increase than that car.

The 03 Sedan featured ordinary strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, but well manufactured front disc/rear drum brakes. The rack-and-pinion steering was also excellent. The ninth generation of Corolla's is as close to a luxury car ride as any small economy sedan has ever offered.

An evolutionary development of the all-aluminum 1.8-liter, DOHC, 1-valve engine from prior models, the engine is now rated at 130 horsepower. The base CE-grade Corolla now features four gears in its optional automatic. Equipment levels were also up now too. The CE comes with air conditioning with micron filtration, power mirrors, 15-inch wheels and a CD player. The LE now came with fake wood accents that can be optioned with leather upholstery.

Toyota Corolla's may not feature as many varieties as in previous years, but they are build to provide many years of trouble free driving, now more comfortable and roomier than ever. Since the launch of the Corolla name in 1996, more than 30 million vehicles have been produced, making it the best selling car of all time. Currently, Corollas are manufactured in Japan, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, South Africa, India, Turkey, Brazil and Thailand.

by Jessican Donaldson


The 'Era of the Family Car' started in 1966. It was in November of that year that the first Corolla — aimed at the Japanese general public — rolled onto the market to much fanfare. In the 40 years since, the Corolla has continued to evolve thanks to a philosophy of 'always staying ahead of the times.'

Today, with a total production of 30 million vehicles and sales in more than 140 countries and regions, the Toyota Corolla has earned its title as the 'Global Standard Vehicle of the 21st Century.'

The birth of a worldwide Corolla was made possible thanks to innovative thinking, technology and managerial decision-making that went on behind the scenes at Toyota Motor Corporation. All of these comprise the evolving elements of the 'Corolla DNA,' which has been passed down from generation to generation within the Toyota Motor Corporation.

Predicting the Motorization Boom

The first-generation 1100cc Corolla went on sale in November of 1966.

The total population had passed the 100 million mark, spending for television advertisements was overtaking spending for newspaper advertisements, the economy was picking up steam, and the term '3 C's' (air-Conditioners, Color televisions and Cars) was on everybody's lips.

'People are living in nuclear families out in the suburbs, which means they'll need family cars to get around. A motorization boom is coming to Japan.'

This was the future that Toyota foresaw coming in just a few years; and this was what prompted the building of a sprawling, 1 square kilometer plant in Takaoka (Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture) devoted exclusively to manufacturing the Corolla. When Toyota announced they planned on manufacturing 30,000 Corollas a month, the media at the time were utterly beside themselves with shock. (At the time, Toyota's annual production was approximately 50,000 vehicles.)

Achieving Superiority through the Adoption of New Technologies

The first-generation Corolla had a number of technologies, specifications, systems, etc. that were the first of their kind in Japan and for Toyota.

At the time, column shift transmissions were standard; however, Toyota recognized that floor-shift transmission was already common in Europe and would be required in the coming highway age. Thus the Corolla was equipped with a four-speed floor-shift transmission before other vehicles were. Also, after much research and testing, MacPherson strut suspension — which allows for a larger engine compartment and makes it possible to lighten the vehicle and reduce manufacturing costs — was adopted for the first time in domestic mass production.

A number of other innovative technologies, such as for improving the comfort of seats, increasing rear seat space, raising the height of the roof and adopting the long floor shift lever, gave the Corolla a competitive edge.

Exceeding 80 Points Thinking

Customers won't accept anything inferior about the vehicle they drive; it has to be better in some way than other available vehicles, and it has to give them a sense of satisfaction and pride — or else they won't buy it.

'Shooting for a score of 80 for a vehicle means having no failing marks, but we can't accept a score of just 80 for each part; some parts have to get above 90.' That was the thinking of Hasegawa, Chief Engineer for the Corolla at the time. This meant the Corolla could not merely have an average total score of 80 points. It had to be much better.

Continuous Introduction of New Technologies and Specifications

Continually improving a product's technological capabilities and overall quality will allow it to stay ahead of the times and the needs of customers and society.

For the Corolla, this has meant offering an array of variations (from coupes to wagons to hatchbacks and more), as well as utilizing the philosophy of 'the right vehicle for the right place.' By making vehicles using processes that are rooted in each locale, the Corolla has achieved recognition as a global vehicle.

Toyota has continued to pursue new technologies and specifications, develop greater engine performance and driving safety, make vehicles more environmentally considerate and achieve greater comfort.

Putting Ourselves in the Customers' Shoes

'The only way to meet the needs of the customer is by putting yourself in his or her shoes and asking yourself what they need, what would make them happy.'

Using this mindset, Toyota convinced itself to improve standard features without focusing on cost and also to use the 'reverse thinking' that profits come from sales expansion. This thinking helped the Toyota Corolla evolve over time to become the vehicle that meets its customers' needs.

One specific example of an improvement resulting from this thinking is back-up lights added to the rear of the Corolla, which helped ensure that drivers could see at night when backing up. While this is the sort of feature every family car needs, at that time, even mid-size vehicles were lacking them. In contrast, back-up lights were a standard feature on every single Corolla produced.

Corolla's strategy of latching on to and then incorporating customer needs permeated the entire passenger vehicle market.

The 1.3 million people attending the new vehicle-release exhibition for the Corolla symbolized the fact that it had accurately captured the needs of customers at the time.

Actively Exporting to Overseas Countries

'Right from the development phase, we thought of the Corolla as a vehicle made to drive down the center lane of the German Autobahn,' says Hasegawa, Chief Engineer for the first-generation Corolla.

In other words, the first-generation Corolla was conceived as a rival for compact vehicles on the European market even in the design phase and as a high compact vehicle that also would be accepted overseas. The Corolla featured a strong, compact engine with a five-bearing crankshaft, which was cutting edge at the time, even amongst compact vehicles on the European market; and the engine was modified to 1100cc to accommodate export to the United States. These and other features show how, from the very beginning, Toyota continually had a view towards active global development.

As soon as the Corolla went on sale in Japan, it also was exported to Australia; and in the years since, the number of Corolla vehicles exported has continued to rise.

Furthermore, thanks to Toyota's 'right vehicle for the right place' concept, the Corolla has achieved high ratings in the overseas market, evidenced by a cumulative production of 30 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. Over the years, the Corolla has come to be recognized as both a global and local best in the more than 140 countries in which it is sold.

by Toyota

by Toyota