Geneva show: Toyota teases next-gen Corolla

TOYOTA has chosen next month’s Geneva motor show to premiere its new-generation Corolla hatch ahead of an Australian on-sale date in the third quarter of this year.

Little has been revealed on the small hatchback other than it will feature a “more dynamic exterior design”, set to enhance the already-angular look of the current Corolla.

A single, darkened image of the vehicle’s profile shows redesigned headlights with an updated LED lighting signature, and a headlight cluster that appears to wrap further around the car’s flanks.

At the rear, the tail-light signature shows a more smoothly rounded look than its predecessor, while the tailgate looks as if it takes a more angled, coupe-like appearance.

The teaser vehicle also appears to sport a two-tone roof colour scheme, suggesting funky colourways for the new model similar to its C-HR small SUV stablemate.

Scant other details are available for Australia’s most popular passenger car, which amassed 37,353 sales in 2017.

The hot-selling small car has existed in its current form since 2012, with an update coming in mid-2015.

It is expected that the new version will be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which underpins other models such as the C-HR and Camry.

The new underpinnings will likely give Toyota engineers greater scope to shoehorn advanced driver assist technologies and alternative drivetrains under the bonnet of the Corolla, which is currently sold with a 103kW/173Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine, or a mild-hybrid version matched to the same powertrain.

The all-new Corolla will feature at least some form of electrified powertrain in its new-generation guise as Toyota has pledged all its models will be offered with an alternative option by 2025.

Toyota says it will also use Geneva to showcase the potential of its future battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles, as well as autonomous technologies, artificial intelligence and the debut of a racing concept version of the reborn Supra sportscar.

The Corolla reveal will take place in Geneva on March 6.