Next Toyota Corolla gets two looks

TOYOTA is giving small hatchback shoppers a choice of two distinct styling options for its facelifted Corolla, with either Scion-borrowed United States styling or a more European-derived Auris look both on offer.

The move is part of the Japanese car-makers strategy to attract younger buyers to the brand and follows the introduction of both ZR versions of the outgoing Camry and Corolla, and a sharpened SX variant of the 2015 Camry.

Toyota is not revealing any other details of the new Corolla, which is due to arrive next month, but it is understood the US-look variants will form the entry-level options, with the more traditional Euro variants sitting higher in the range.

Badged the Auris in Europe, the Australian version will be available in either Ascent and Ascent Sport grades, while the American-look Corolla will wear sportier SX and ZR badges.

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia public relations manager Mike Breen told GoAuto the introduction of two differently styled Corollas would broaden the appeal of its top-selling model.

“We thought we would give people who are interested in Corolla an option to take the more sporty flavour in the Ascent sport or the more traditional look of the higher grades,” he said.

“The US look, which is marketed there as the Scion, is the youthful sporty image. We were provided with the opportunity so we thought we would take advantage of it.”

Ascent variants wear a more accentuated Toyota badge set between chrome-look “wings,” while its headlights have been reshaped to fit a resculpted front bumper.

Sportier styled SX and ZR have piano black honeycomb grilles to match its lower vents, bezels and aerodynamic bodykit.

Toyota Australia executive sales and marketing director Tony Cramb reiterated Mr Breen's enthusiasm for the model.

“We are spicing up the Corolla hatch range with two distinct looks – the classic redesign seen in the European car and the added spark displayed by the sporty-looking US car,” he said.

“In Australia, we can draw on the global strength of Toyota to offer compelling designs for cars like Corolla that stand out in the market and offer maximum appeal to buyers who have different tastes.

“This underscores Toyota's ability to ensure Corolla moves with the times to meet the changing needs of Australian drivers and their families.”

The Corolla consistently sells strongly in Australia and was the top-selling vehicle for the past two years, and is leading the challenge this year.