Toyota streamlines Corolla range amid rising hybrid demand

TOYOTA South Africa Motors (TSAM) has simplified its Corolla offerings, focusing on the 1.8-litre Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) XR grade for both the hatchback and sedan. This change comes as part of a planned line-up rationalisation designed to reflect shifting customer preferences and market demand.

Effective immediately, the XS HEV derivatives and the XR 2.0-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) models are no longer available. The consolidation around the 1.8-litre HEV XR aligns with a broader trend towards electrified vehicles, supporting efficiency, reduced emissions, and Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability, and reliability.

The Corolla nameplate has a long-standing global reputation. Now in its 12th generation, it has sold more than 50 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling vehicle names in automotive history. First introduced in 1966 as a compact city car, the Corolla has continually evolved to meet changing customer and market needs.

A proud history

In South Africa, the Corolla Hatchback was introduced in 2018, replacing models such as Conquest, RUN X, and Auris, while the Corolla Cross SUV arrived in 2021. The Corolla Cross strengthened the brand’s local success, winning several accolades at the 2022 South African Car of the Year Awards, including the overall title and wins in the Compact Family and New Energy categories.

Toyota’s local legacy with the Corolla name is also highlighted by past achievements, such as the first front-wheel-drive Corolla earning the inaugural South African Guild of Motoring Journalists’ Car of the Year in 1986, followed by the GLi Twin Cam 16 Executive in 1989.

Today, the Corolla name spans multiple segments, from the performance-focused GR Corolla to the family-oriented Corolla Cross. The streamlined hatchback and sedan range signals Toyota’s continued focus on hybrid technology and sustainable mobility while retaining the reliability and value customers expect.