Updated Toyota Corolla revealed in Japan

A facelifted 2023 Toyota Corolla range has been revealed in Japan, providing the most accurate look yet at the updated version of Australia’s top-selling small car ahead of its arrival here later this year.

While updated versions of the popular Japanese small car have already been revealed for Europe and the US, the model revealed this week gives us a better idea of how locally-delivered MY23 Corollas will shape up since Toyota Australia’s Corolla comes from Japan.

Market-specific design tweaks and loads of new tech are the highlights of the first update for the 12th-generation Corolla launched in 2018.

For Japan, those tweaks include revised front and rear bumpers, redesigned fog light surrounds, C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), fresh alloy wheel designs and a new paint colour palette headlined by a bright hero orange hue that appears to be available only for the Corolla hatchback.

Inside the cabin, all markets are tipped to get Toyota’s upgraded infotainment system including a bigger new 10.5-inch touch-screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Wi-Fi connectivity, the latter of which costs extra in Japan.

Local versions should also be at least available with a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, over-the-air (OTA) software updates and an improved ‘natural’ voice recognition system.

The JDM Corolla also brings more safety equipment as standard, including the addition of junction turn assist to the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, along with a new driver aid that’s designed to apply the brakes and steer the vehicle away from pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles if it gets too close (dubbed Proactive Driving Assist overseas).

Inbound versions of the updated Corolla are set to continue on with the same two powertrain options, but while the 125kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine goes unchanged, the petrol-electric hybrid – consisting of a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor – will benefit from an 8kW power boost, giving it a combined total power output of 98kW (previously 90kW).

Local details and pricing are yet to be confirmed, but the updated Toyota Corolla hatch and sedan are due to arrive in Aussie showrooms – minus the new 'C' logo on the grille – by the end of 2022.

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