TOYOTA has unveiled a striking new interpretation of the Corolla, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of the popular nameplate. Revealed during a livestream event in Japan that also featured a six-wheeled Lexus LS minivan and a raised Century coupe, the Corolla concept stood out as one of the most intriguing debuts of the showcase.
Although officially labelled a concept, several cues suggest that this new Corolla is close to production readiness. Traditional side mirrors, for instance, hint at a practical rather than purely experimental design.
More notably, the presence of a fuel cap on the front fender points to an electric powertrain – though Toyota has yet to confirm whether it’s a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid.
An electric version of the Corolla seems almost inevitable, given Toyota’s gradual but deliberate expansion into EVs.
However, it’s difficult to imagine the brand abandoning combustion power entirely for such a globally significant nameplate. The Corolla remains central to Toyota’s global sales, and with the company’s ongoing belief that full electrification will not dominate every market, internal combustion variants are expected to remain part of the lineup for years to come.
Toyota has so far withheld technical details, leaving observers to speculate on what lies beneath the concept’s sharp exterior. One scenario could see this EV variant sold alongside a petrol-powered twin with nearly identical styling – a strategy already used by Lexus for the new ES, which looks largely the same in both hybrid and electric form.
Alternatively, Toyota may position this futuristic design as the electric face of the Corolla, while keeping the combustion model more conventional.
Visually, the concept signals a clear shift in design philosophy. It moves away from the conservative lines of the current generation and embraces a bolder aesthetic.
Distinctive features include pixel-pattern daytime running lights, a subtle ducktail spoiler, and a beltline that sweeps downward toward the A-pillars.
The short front bonnet further hints at a platform designed primarily for electric propulsion, though Toyota’s recently announced ultra-compact four-cylinder engine could still fit within these dimensions.
Whichever route Toyota chooses, the design marks a new chapter for a car long defined by its practicality and familiarity.
The Corolla concept will make its full debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, opening to the press on Oct 29, where more details are expected to be revealed about what could become the most progressive iteration of the Corolla yet.
