Toyota Corolla is the world’s most successful car having sold most number of units in the history of automobiles, as well as being the global top seller every year. More than 44 million units have been sold since it was first introduced in the 1960s. Corolla also remains the longest running nameplates in the history of automobiles.
Like most markets, the Toyota Corolla remains a popular car in Pakistan too. Since the early 1970s every Corolla model in our country has enjoyed tremendous success, and after 1993 when the local production commenced, Corolla’s popularity ballooned significantly. Pakistan currently has the highest Corolla sales in Asia Pacific region and fourth highest globally.
Related: Pakistan Has The Highest Corolla Sales in Asia Pacific and 4th Highest Globally
Since 1993, after the local production of Toyota Corolla kicked off in Pakistan, Indus Motor Company (IMC) have sold 4 different generations of Corolla and each has its own success story.
7th generation E100 (1993-2002)
The first locally assembled Toyota Corolla was the 7th generation. In 1993 the Corolla was available in XE and GL version in 5 non metallic colors to choose from. Back then the production of Corolla in Pakistan was 20 units per day, which is now nearly 250 units per day in 2018.
Throughout its 9 years of stretchy production period, the 7th generation Corolla remained a handsome seller and until 2001 its sales were more than the collective number of Honda Civic and Honda City. Considering the fact that it was up against much modern rivals including the 6th gen Civic, the Corolla was well above the sales chart. It was only when in 2001, the Honda Civic 7th generation was introduced and market got more players in the business including the Kia Spectra, the sales of the 7th gen E100 Corolla were dented.
Related: 7th Generation Corolla E100- The Most Popular Corolla in Pakistan
Towards 1995, few more trims were introduced including the fuel injected 1.6 liter petrol and 2.0 liter diesel versions. Throughout its 9 years of production, IMC produced 3 iterations to keep the car going along with time. The cosmetic changes were mainly evident at the back of the vehicle with different rear garnish and combination lamps, while a slightly different grille was there at the front.
Since it was the first Corolla assembled in Pakistan by Indus Motors, people often call this generation as Indus Corolla. The 7th gen was loved for its simplicity, easy maintenance and was considered a rugged and dependable workhorse and despite all these years it still has a decent resale value.
9th generation E120 (2002-2008)
IMC skipped the 8th generation Corolla for Pakistan and instead launched the mesmerizing 9th gen in 2002, after a stretchy 9-year production period of its predecessor. By that time the 7th gen Corolla had started to look like an outdated car while there were much modern vehicles available in the market.
The arrival of 9th gen was one of the most celebrated vehicle launch in our country and turned many heads when it first appeared on our roads. The 9th gen was unique in numerous ways. It was the first local assembled car to offer a beige interior, optitron speedometer & rear LED tail lamps. Most popular trim was the 1.3 liter XLi and GLi, while a premium 1.6 liter SE Saloon was available along with three diesel trims, the 2.0D, 2.0D SE and 2.0D Saloon.
In 2005 a minor refresh was launched with slightly different grille and rear combination lamps while the 1.6 liter SE Saloon version was discontinued in favor of the 1.8 liter Altis.
10th generation E140 (2008-2014)
The 10th gen was introduced in 2008 and the Corolla grew bigger in size and cabin space, but retained the same trims. Initially the Corolla was offered with same petrol and diesel engine options however, by 2011 when the facelift arrived, the diesel engines were discontinued while a downsized 1.6 liter Altis was introduced instead of the 1.8.
The 10th gen was considered a huge improvement over the 9th gen and offered better ride quality, better stability, handling and braking something that the 9th gen was often talked about.
In 2009 the 10th generation Toyota Corolla surpassed Suzuki Mehran to become the highest selling car in Pakistan. During its production span of nearly 6 years IMC roughly sold around 2 lac 20 thousand units of 10th gen Corolla in Pakistan.
11th generation E170 (2014-present)
In June 2014 IMC launched the 11th generation Corolla in Pakistan and since then it was crossed leaps and bounds in terms of success and impressive sales figures. Corolla breached the domestic sales record of selling more than 50,000 units in a fiscal year.
The 11th gen Corolla sold 51,398 in FY2014-15, 57,452 in FY2015-16, and 52,676 in FY2016-17. These figures are by far greater than the collective number of Honda Civic, Honda City and Suzuki Swift, the other three 1.3 liter+ engine vehicles in the market.
Related: 2019 Toyota Corolla Rendered by Japanese Media
The 11th gen comes available in three petrol engine variants, 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8. It is also considered to be the most well-equipped Corolla compared to all previous generations. It is being reported that IMC will discontinue the 1.3 liter Corolla variants somewhere during 2018 in favor of the Toyota Vios sedan. It will be interesting to see how this move will affect the sales figures of Toyota Corolla in Pakistan.
Which according to you is/was the best generation of locally assembled Corolla in Pakistan? Click to cast your vote below and let us know with the comments.
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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
