Corolla Hatchback

Make
Toyota
Segment
Hatchback

Toyota has released the revitalized Corolla lineup for the European market with a trio of models debuting sleeker styling, more technology, more powerful hybrid variants, and a GR Sport trim level.

The American-spec Corolla received a refresh a few months ago, so what's the big deal? Well, our Euro counterparts are privy to several nice-to-haves unavailable on the local market. This includes a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display now standard on all iterations of the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan, and Touring Sports (wagon).

Naturally, this feature is customizable, and drivers can choose between Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty themes. Over here, we have the next best thing: an available seven-inch digital gauge cluster. Lesser models make do with a 4.2-inch display.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, emergency steering assist, and a new front camera with a broader field of view. The addition of Proactive Driving Assist enables the Corolla to detect obstacles at low speeds and intervene to prevent a crash if required. This feature is also available on locally-built models.

Even though the local market Corolla Hybrid received a healthy power boost, it's got nothing on its European sibling. The electrified variant is available with a 2.0-liter powerplant that produces 193 horsepower. This allows for reasonably spirited performance, with 0 to 62 mph coming up in a respectable 7.4 seconds. A 1.8-liter with 138 hp is also available.

Toyota now offers the Corolla hatchback and wagon body styles with the desirable GR Sport grade. These models boast stylish 18-inch wheels, a unique rear bumper, and heated front sports seats with GR logos embossed in the headrests.

GR Sport-equipped vehicles also receive faux leather/fabric upholstery. We've already seen this applied to the popular RAV4 and expect more models to receive the GR treatment in the coming years.

While the exterior of the hatch and wagon shares a resemblance with the models sold in the USA, the sedan sports an entirely different front end that mirrors the Avalon. It gives the compact sedan an upmarket persona, and we hope to see this unique front fascia make its way to the USA.

Aside from new exterior colors, Toyota has refreshed the Euro Corolla range with a front mesh grille and new LED lighting signatures, among other subtle updates.

We hope Toyota USA sees fit to introduce the GR Sport trim level and more powerful hybrid engine in the USA as part of the 2024 model year update.

As for the stylish wagon, one can only dream.