It’s been two years since the 12th generation Toyota Corolla sedan made its global debut back in November 2018. The latest generation of world’s most successful car debuted in two simultaneous events in China as well as USA on the 15th of November two years ago.
Related: The All New Toyota Corolla Has Made Its Global Debut
Based on the TNGA modular platform, the 12th gen Corolla is said to be better than ever. It is the safest, the most powerful, yet the most fuel efficient, the most fun to drive and perhaps the most beautiful Corolla ever produced as claimed by the company.
While everyone of us know that Toyota Corolla is the world’s most successful car having sold more than 45 million units globally since it was first introduced in 1966. Not many know that the 12th generation Corolla itself has become the highest selling car of the world. According to Focus2Move, the market intelligence & consulting firm specialized in global automotive industry:
“We track the global vehicles sales since 2010 and always had the Toyota Corolla on top of the list with a global share between 1.3% and 1.5%. However in 2020, the Corolla is actually reaching 1.6%.”
The 12th generation is also the first Corolla model ever to have a hybrid powerplant in its lineup. Before now, the hybrids were restricted to Japanese domestic versions only (JDMs) which are narrower & smaller than international Corolla variants specifically to comply with regulations within Japan. The hybrid system offered with the 12th gen Corolla is said to be the most fuel efficient & the best system provided in a mass produced car.
Related: Why The Next Generation Toyota Corolla Will Be Better Than Ever
The 12th gen Corolla also comes equipped the innovative Toyota Safety Sense package that takes driver assistance to the next level. Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Night-time Pedestrian Detection, Pre-Collision System with Cyclist Detection, Full-range Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist are some of the safety features worth mentioning.
Besides visual appeal, some of benefits of the 12th gen Corolla for regular users include better handling due to a lower center of gravity, improved & stiffer chassis for enhanced safety, better ride quality due to better suspension, better visibility due to a lower cowl, improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and a responsive steering etc.
Since its introduction in November 2018, the 12th gen Corolla has reached almost every corner of the world with markets including North America (USA, Canada), China, Japan, Europe, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), Southeast Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines), Taiwan, South Africa & Brazil etc to name a few. The 12th gen Corolla has grabbed a number of automotive awards already while it has been awarded with the highest safety rating from leading crash testing bodies & safety organizations around the world.
However even after two years we are yet to welcome the 12th gen Corolla despite being the largest market for Toyota Corolla in the region. Before the introduction of Toyota Yaris, Pakistan was Corolla’s biggest market in Asia Pacific and 4th highest in the world in terms of sales thanks to the 1300cc variants off course. The biggest challenge is actually the TNGA platform, as Toyota needs to convert all of its 16 plants which manufacture Corollas across the globe to the TNGA production setup, however conversion of most of the plants have now been completed.
Indus Motor Company (IMC) is in process of introducing another minor model change (facelift), the second for the 11th generation Corolla in Pakistan which is being sold since June 2014 and received its first facelift in August 2017. Bookings for the Corolla facelift are closed at the moment and will be resumed soon with deliveries set to commence from January 2021 against an expected price bump.
Related: 12th Gen Toyota Corolla in Pakistan: What to Expect?
Meanwhile the company is also carrying trials and tests for the 12th gen Corolla, spy shots of camouflaged test mules have already appeared on the internet. Whereas the introduction of a second facelift for the 11th gen model is seen as a move that will help IMC clear out stocks before the arrival of 12th gen Corolla most likely towards the latter half of 2021.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com