KE55 Corolla

Toyota responded to the Corolla’s flaccid performance with a larger 45kW 1.3-litre engine known as the 4KC.

A new dashboard, cabin trim and grille were the more obvious changes.

The wagon (KE38) gained a base SE variant, while a top-line XX coupe debuted in October ’79.

At the same time Toyota imported the new generation KE70 Corolla-based T-18 (TE72), a 1.8-litre powered hatchback that replaced the unloved KE50 Liftback.