Toyota brings back the Corolla
TOYOTA is dropping the Auris name from its line up and reverting to the Corolla moniker for its next generation of medium sized models.
The new naming coincides with the latest Corolla adopting a common Toyota New Global Architecture platform, replacing the three different vehicle platforms currently used in the range.
All three Corolla body types – which will be built in Britain at Toyota’s Burnaston factory near Derby – will feature the latest hybrid electric technology.
The new model is due for release early in 2019 and will be seen at the Paris Motor Show in October this year where Toyota will also show it as an estate – or Touring Sports as the Japanese car maker calls it.
The hatch had its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March – where it wore an Auris badge.
“The TNGA engineering and design philosophy brings a whole new dimension to our next generation C-segment models,” said Dr Johan van Zyl, president and chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe. “Adding to Corolla’s renowned quality, desirability and reliability, it delivers the more emotional values that our customers aspire to, such as a distinctive design, interior refinement, rewarding driving dynamics and powerful yet efficient hybrid electric powertrains.
“There is no better moment than the launch of the upcoming new generation model to reintroduce the Corolla name to our C-segment hatchback and wagon.”
Toyota has used the Corolla name since 1966 and the it has become the world’s best selling model nameplate with more than 45 million vehicles sold.
The Auris name was adopted in Europe in 2006 to give the car an updated image although the model remained badged Corolla in other global markets.