Toyota Corolla concept: Could it be ready for production?
Toyota have unveiled a concept of the next-gen Corolla and by means looks far closer to production, coming with loads of speculation on whether it will be a complete ICE or hybrid or EV.
New Delhi: While the Lexus LFR was the most awaited product from the brand, Toyota have come with something that perhaps no one was expecting. While there are no updates on the supercar, in a livestream, Toyota showed quite a few interesting cars, including the Lexus LS six-wheeled minivan and the Century coupe on stills and of course the new Corolla.
While still being graded as a concept car, it comes with regular side mirrors that make it look like it is ready for the production stage. It comes with a fuel cap on the front, which does suggest it will be an EV. Of course, it could come as a hybrid, but then it would be called a Prius.
Will the next-gen Toyota Corolla come as an EV only?
The electric version might be certain, and it is quite difficult to think that Corolla is coming without a combustion engine. It has been one of the best-selling names in history, and there remains a bit of doubt as to how the car will be viewed. However, with the company’s long-held scepticism about electric vehicles, it is certain that the ICE versions are not dying any time soon.
At present, Toyota are keeping most of the details secret and there is only speculation. One of the theories is like the new Lexus ES, there will be two variants, one electric, the other an ICE, with either ICE or hybrid. There is also a chance that Toyota might ultimately come up with a much more conventional ICE model.
In terms of design, it feels pixelated DRLs, a ducktail spoiler, beltline that slopes downwards near the A-pillars. The short hood does look like there will be an EV platform. Toyota are at the same time teasing a new ultra-compact four-cylinder engine as well. For Toyota, the design for the Corolla is radically different and looks faraway from the dreary look the car had in the early 2000s.