Evolution Of The Corolla - Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of our series on the Toyota Corolla Evolution. In part 1, we explored the first six generations of the Corolla, from its inception in 1966 to the sixth generation in 1991. We will continue our journey through the remaining six generations of the Corolla, from the seventh generation in 1994 to the current twelfth generation. 

7th Generation: 1994

Toyota launched the seventh generation Corolla in 1994 with a lineup of 13 hatch and sedan versions. All were built in a brand new production facility at Altona, offering more interior space than their predecessors. Fuel-injected 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines were available, as well as driver airbags and anti-lock brakes for added safety.

8th Generation: 1998

Toyota's first generation of Corollas to be sold in Australia arrived in 1998. Following the cessation of local Corolla production in 1999, a facelifted version of that car and a new imported sedan - with a choice of 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre engines - formed the lineup. In 2001, Toyota developed a limited edition Sportivo featuring a 115kW turbocharged 1.8-litre engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

9th Generation: 2001

The all-new Corolla sedan, hatch and wagon delivered sharper and more distinctive styling, more safety features and a higher level of interior finish and equipment. Advanced engine technology including variable valve timing boosted the performance and efficiency of the sole 1.8-litre petrol engine.

10th Generation: 2007

The new Corolla hatch and sedan were designed to appeal to a wider audience. The sporty ZR model of the hatch featured a 1.8-litre engine and six-speed manual transmission, while the Ultima version of the sedan came with a more powerful engine and automatic transmission. Seven airbags were available on both models, including a driver knee-bag and ABS.

11th Generation: 2012

This generation delivered a full facelift and introduction of new multimedia technology. Many upgrades were made, including the materials, finishes, comfort and safety features. The hybrid-powertrain was introduced in 2016 to improve fuel-efficiency in the 1.8-litre petrol engine. 

12th Generation: 2018 (sedan in 2019)

The 12th generation of the Toyota Corolla was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering improved ride quality, enhanced comfort, cutting-edge safety features, and a stylish interior design. The new 2.0 liter petrol engine also delivered impressive performance. With the integration of Toyota Safety Sense suite, the automaker demonstrated their attention to detail by prioritizing advanced driver assistance technologies. The increasing demand for a larger version of the CH-R led to the introduction of the Corolla Cross in 2022. Additionally, the GR Corolla model was launched to cater to enthusiasts seeking a more high-performance and sporty variation of the standard Corolla.

The Corolla's success can be attributed to its commitment to safety, affordability, and fuel efficiency, as well as its ability to adapt to changing times and technological advancements. As a result, the Corolla has become a household name, loved and trusted by drivers worldwide. Its evolution is a testament to Toyota's commitment to innovation and excellence, and we can only expect the Corolla to continue to evolve and improve in the future.

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