Snapshot
- 2023 Toyota Corolla update revealed
- Expected to arrive in November
- Price rises between $2300 and $3500 likely
The 2023 Toyota Corolla hatch and sedan will arrive in Australian showrooms in November, according to leaked details.
It will likely bring hefty price rises between $2300 and $3500, depending on the variant.
With the current Corolla priced from $25,395 before on-road costs, this will take its starting price closer to $30,000 – in line with the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf.
Hybrid variants are likely to be subject to a larger increase – between $2800 and $3500 – while petrol versions are tipped to rise between $2300 and $3000.
“Further details will be released closer to the launch of the upgraded Corolla,” said a spokesperson for Toyota Australia.
As revealed in Japan this week, the updated Toyota Corolla gains mild exterior revisions, an updated hybrid powertrain, new safety features, and a tech-focused interior.
For the new model year, the Corolla will also feature Toyota Connected Services as standard.
Like the related Corolla Cross small SUV, it will be limited to a complimentary 12-month subscription – but Toyota says its updated in-car connectivity includes new features not yet seen in existing vehicles.
Toyota Australia has confirmed it will announce further details on Connected Services at the launch of the Corolla Cross this month.
Under the bonnet, the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine has received efficiency improvements in Japan, with 125kW and 202Nm (+2Nm), but it is unknown if this will reach Australia.
Meanwhile, the 1.8-litre hybrid system receives an updated electric motor and a lithium-ion battery to replace the current nickel-metal hydride unit.
Earlier this year, Toyota’s local arm confirmed the updated Corolla Hybrid will get an 8kW bump, bringing power to 98kW – along with “fresh alloy wheel designs and an updated colour palette” across the range.
The new colours are sunstone orange and lunar blue, with the latter featuring an optional two-tone black roof for the ZR hatchback. Peacock black and eclectic blue will be discontinued.
Exterior changes include updated headlights, thicker daytime running lamps and a reshaped front grille with additional chrome highlights.
Inside, the Corolla adopts Toyota’s latest generation infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected satellite navigation, and over-the-air software updates.
While a 10.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen is available overseas, local examples will likely retain an 8-inch setup running the new software.
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will be offered on the flagship ZR grade, while the current 4.2-inch display will be replaced by a 7-inch semi-digital unit for the Ascent Sport and ZR.
As previously announced, USB-C ports will feature across the range, along with “updated safety” features.
This is likely to comprise Toyota’s third-generation safety suite – as seen on Corolla Cross – enabling lane change assist, junction and motorcyclist detection, curve speed assist and an emergency driver stop system.
These features will join the existing autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
In a further safety boost, the entry-level Ascent Sport is expected to gain blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert, which are currently limited to the SX and ZR.
However, blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert could be limited to a new ‘convenience pack’ for the Ascent Sport, with exact details surrounding the factory-fit option currently unclear.
Front and rear parking sensors will feature on SX and above, along with remote start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rain-sensing wipers. The latter was previously limited to the ZR sedan.
Finally, a hybrid ZR sedan is tipped to finally join the range, with the hybrid sedan currently limited to Ascent Sport and SX trims.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla will likely arrive in Australia showrooms in November, so stay tuned to Wheels for official details – including pricing – as it emerges.
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