AIMS: Toyota to show new Corolla

TOYOTA will present one of the most important cars of the Australian International Motor Show when it tears the covers from the eleventh-generation Corolla hatch in Sydney this week.

With the ageing current-generation Corolla (launched in 2007) still among the nation’s top-selling cars, the edgier new version is a strong contender to wrest the title of most popular small car in the land from the Mazda3 next year.

Pricing and specification for the more Euro-style Corolla will not be announced at the October 18 media day unveiling, but will instead be held back until the official Australian launch later that same evening.

Australian examples of the car will feature a more powerful version of the existing 1.8-litre engine developing 103kW (up 3kW) matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a new CVT automatic transmission.

Europe will receive sporty RS, petrol-electric hybrid and diesel versions – the latter of which will use BMW engines from early 2014 – as well as a wagon body style that premiered at the Paris show last month, but none of these are confirmed for Australia.

From top: Toyota 86 racer 2000GT 2000GT and 86.

The new-generation sedan version is not due until the end of 2013, meaning the current model will soldier on alongside its newer hatchback sibling for some time yet.

Joining the Corolla in making its first Australian appearance will be the successful GAZOO Racing 86 coupe, which won the SP3 category in the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany five months ago.

Adding to the performance flavour will be a classic and rare – just 337 examples were produced between 1967 and 1970 – 2000GT coupe, the ancestor of the modern 86 and other well-known Toyota coupes like the Celica and Supra.

Naturally, the Toyota stand will also feature the rest of its passenger and commercial range, notably the recently released 70 Series dual cab, the lauded 86 coupe, and the newly expanded Prius hybrid range – including the Prius C hatch and Prius V people-mover.

The Australian-made Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion sedans will also feature, plus the Yaris light car, top-selling HiLux ute, and Toyota’s SUV family including the RAV4, Kluger, Prado and 200 Series LandCruiser.