Just hours after Toyota USA revealed its take on the updated Corolla, the brand’s European arm has shown its version – including our first look at the big interior tech upgrades possible for Australia.
Toyota Europe has revealed its version of the 2023 Toyota Corolla facelift – including a high-tech new interior expected to preview Australian models, due later this year.
The reveal in Europe follows mere hours after Toyota’s American arm revealed its updated Corolla – but compared to its US counterpart, the European model debuts a tech-heavy new interior which could filter on to Australian models, once they arrive in the second half of 2022.
As rumoured, a super-sized 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is now available on flagship models – up from eight inches – while a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver, shared with the GR Corolla.
The US model retains the current 8.0-inch centre screen and 7.0-inch instrument display – though both models on either side of the Atlantic run a new infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-linked satellite navigation and over-the-air updates.
While Toyota Australia is yet to confirm if the larger European displays will be available locally, rumours indicate they will be available in Japan – where our Corollas are built, opening the door for a local launch.
European-market Corolla hatchbacks are built in the UK – with the European sedan sourced from Turkey – while the North American sedan is manufactured in the United States.
Europe will receive the same new-generation 1.8-litre hybrid system confirmed for Australian showrooms, which overseas offers a redesigned transaxle electric motor, 18kg-lighter lithium-ion battery (replacing an older nickel-metal hydride design) and retuned electronics.
While Australian models will develop 98kW, unique tuning will see European versions offer 103kW – up 13kW – for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.2 seconds, a 1.7-second improvement.
Australia is still expected to miss out on Europe’s 2.0-litre hybrid option, which receives the same upgrades as the 1.8-litre system for a power output of 146kW (up 12kW), and a 7.5-second 0-100km/h time (down 0.5s).
Exterior upgrades to the hatchback and wagon in Europe mirror those seen on the US hatch, with a new front grille pattern, metallic front fog light surrounds, restyled alloy wheels and revised bi-LED headlights, with new signatures and adaptive functionality capable of ‘turning’ into corners.
Three new colours are available in Europe, split across the body styles – Juniper Blue, Midlight Teal and Metallic Grey – though whether these come to Australia (and under which names) remains to be seen.
European buyers continue to have the option of a GR Sport model, with unique 18-inch wheels, revised bumpers, and exclusive GR seat embossing – but it’s unclear if this will come to Australia, as a GR Sport variant isn’t built in the Japanese factory.
Upgrades to the advanced safety suite include intersection support for the autonomous emergency braking system, new safe exit assist, and retuned Emergency Steering Assist technology.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla is due on sale in Europe early next year.
Toyota Australia has confirmed the updated Corolla for a local launch in the second half of 2022 – though finer details of pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.
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