Toyota Corolla turns 60 in South Africa with three special editions

Since its introduction in South Africa in 1966, the Corolla has grown from a compact family sedan into a model family spanning hatchbacks, liftbacks, coupés, performance models, multi-purpose vehicles and SUVs. Toyota is now introducing 60th Anniversary editions of the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross, each with its own styling and commemorative details.

Corolla generations on South African roads

The fourth-generation E70 arrived in 1980 with angular styling and rear-wheel drive, and within three years it was South Africa’s bestselling car. A limited run of 300 TRD liftbacks followed in 1983, still known to enthusiasts as the ‘Box-shape’ or ‘Baby Cressida’.

Later models earned nicknames of their own, from the wedge-shaped ‘Chisel Nose’ to the ‘Kentucky Rounder’ and ‘Baby Camry’. The Tazz was produced locally for 18 years, until July 2006, while the RunX hatchback and Verso MPV took the name beyond the traditional sedan.

Local Corolla production and new directions

Production in South Africa began in May 1975, making the country the third, after Japan and Thailand, to build the model. At the Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal, the millionth South African-built Corolla left the line on 20 November 2013.

Introduced locally in November 2021, the Corolla Cross became the first hybrid vehicle produced by Toyota South Africa Motors. At the other end of the range, the GR Corolla was launched in South Africa in May 2023 with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, later joined by an eight-speed automatic.

Corolla Hatchback and Sedan anniversary editions

Both passenger cars use the 1.8-litre hybrid system with a total output of 103 kW, along with Toyota Safety Sense 3 and an anniversary engraving on the instrument panel. The Hatchback adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, aluminium pedals and black leather, and comes only in Platinum White Pearl Bi-Tone. It uses a listed 4.0 litres per 100 km and costs R618 900.

Offered in Glacier White, Satin Silver Metallic or Graphite Grey Metallic, the Sedan has a black leather-and-suede interior and a listed consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 km. It is priced at R596 300.

Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary price and availability

Based on the 1.8 XS petrol grade, the locally developed Corolla Cross edition gets a black bi-tone roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels, mud guards, roof cross bars, branded scuff plates and all-weather mats. Its 1.8-litre engine and CVT deliver 103 kW and 173 Nm, with a listed 6.7 litres per 100 km. Priced at R499 900, it goes on sale in South Africa from early next month in Glacier White or Chromium Silver.

Supplied by MotorPress (Mzo Witbooi, Manager: Product Communication, Toyota South Africa)

This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.