First revealed at the Guangzhou Motor Show back in 2018, the 12th-generation Toyota Corolla is now making a return to the venue with a completely new facelift update. Having gone on sale for roughly six years, the car now receives a drastically new look, additional technology, and – unfortunately – the removal of physical controls on the centre console.
The biggest change to the new Toyota Corolla facelift comes from its front fascia, which has now adopted Toyota’s latest hammerhead design language, characterised by the C-shaped headlights similar to those seen on recent models such as the Camry, RAV4, and Prius.
These C-shaped headlamps are connected by a full-width light bar, with LED slats cascading down the daytime running light (DRL) assembly for a more sophisticated appearance. Unlike its hammerhead siblings, however, the new Corolla uses a split headlight setup, with the main LED projectors positioned below the DRLs and discreetly integrated into the side vents.
At the rear, changes are more subtle. The taillights retain their familiar shape but are now linked by a new light bar — a design choice likely made to appeal to consumer preferences in China. The facelift also introduces new 17-inch multi-spoke dual-tone wheels that look oddly similar to some mid-2010s Lexus models.
Inside, the Corolla receives a noticeable tech refresh with a new 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 12.9-inch central infotainment display. However, Toyota has replaced most of the physical climate and media buttons with touch controls on the centre screen — a move that may not be favoured by most Toyota fans.
That said, it’s unclear if the button-less layout will be applied to the model globally, or remain exclusive to China similar to how the Chinese domestic market’s Toyota Camry differs to that sold in other parts of the world.
The centre console has also been redesigned for a more open and practical layout. It now accommodates a ventilated 50W wireless charging pad and offers additional USB ports for improved device connectivity. Other interior tweaks include sleeker air vents and a smaller Toyota logo on the steering wheel.
Moving beneath the skin, reports from Autohome state that the facelifted Corolla will be offered in China with two powertrain options. The first is a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a hybrid system using a lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide battery, delivering a combined output of 98 hp (72 kW). Alternatively, buyers can opt for a non-hybrid 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine producing up to 171 hp (126 kW).
The report adds that the new Toyota Corolla facelift will come standard with a new and more comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This allows for features such as lane departure warning (LDA), predictive driver assistance (PDA), and emergency stop signal (EDSS) systems, among other active safety features.
The stark facelift is sure to give the ageing Corolla a new lease of life, although for those willing to wait longer, a much more radical all-new model based on the recently-unveiled concept could also be coming in the next few years, possibly with an all-electric option.
GALLERY
