The Toyota Corolla is celebrating 60 years in South Africa, marking six decades of a nameplate that has become part of the country’s motoring history.
First introduced locally in 1966, the Corolla has evolved from a compact family sedan into a diverse model range. Over the years, it has included hatchbacks, coupés, performance models and, more recently, SUVs.
Some of its memorable local derivatives include the E70 ‘Box-shape’, the TRD liftback, the Corolla Tazz and RunX. Today, the Corolla Cross and performance-focused GR Corolla continue that legacy.
Toyota’s local manufacturing connection dates back to May 1975, when production began at its Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal. In November 2013, the millionth locally manufactured Corolla rolled off the production line.
To celebrate the milestone, Toyota is introducing three special editions: the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross.
Three 60th Anniversary editions
Corolla Hatchback 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary
The Hatchback receives 18-inch black alloy wheels, anniversary badging and an engraved instrument panel. It is finished exclusively in Platinum White Pearl Bi-Tone with a black leather interior.
Power comes from a 1.8-litre hybrid system producing 103 kW, with claimed fuel consumption of 4.0 L/100km.
Corolla Sedan 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary
The Sedan gets anniversary badging, an engraved instrument panel and black leather-and-suede upholstery. Colour options include Glacier White, Satin Silver Metallic and Graphite Grey Metallic.
It uses the same 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain producing 103 kW, with claimed fuel consumption of 3.9 L/100km.
Both hybrid models feature Toyota Safety Sense 3.
Corolla Cross 1.8 XS 60th Anniversary
The Corolla Cross receives a black bi-tone roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels, mud guards, black C-pillar garnish and roof cross bars.
Inside, it gets black-and-brown partial-leather upholstery, anniversary-branded scuff plates and all-weather floor and boot mats.
Unlike the other two editions, the Corolla Cross uses a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103 kW and 173 Nm, paired with a CVT. Claimed fuel consumption is 6.7 L/100km.
It will go on sale in South Africa from early December.
Pricing
Toyota Corolla Hatchback 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary: R618,900
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary: R596,300
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS 60th Anniversary: R499,900
The three special editions celebrate different chapters of the Corolla’s 60-year journey, from its traditional sedan roots to the hybrid and crossover models that form part of Toyota’s current local line-up.
