New Toyota Corolla hatchback launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota is marking six decades of the Corolla in South Africa with a range of special 60th Anniversary models, including a Corolla Cross, a sedan, and a hatchback.

The model first launched in our market in 1966, growing from a compact family sedan into a diverse range, including hatchbacks, liftbacks, coupés, performance models, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and SUVs.

Local production of the Corolla started in May 1975, as South Africa became the third country after Japan and Thailand to manufacture the model, which has since become a mainstay in Toyota’s local line-up.

In the next few decades, Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM’s) Prospecton plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, became central to the Corolla’s local story.

By 20 November 2013, the millionth South African-built Corolla rolled off the Prospecton production line, marking a significant milestone for Toyota and the local automotive industry.

A year later, the eleventh-generation Corolla arrived in South Africa, with its predecessor still in production as the Corolla Quest, which has since been discontinued.

Today, TSAM’s Prospecton production plant builds the current-generation Corolla Cross, as well as the high-performance GR Corolla.

Anniversary Edition specifications

The Japanese auto giant has kept the hatch’s powertrain unchanged, fitting the 60th Anniversary Edition with the same 1.8-litre hybrid motor with a combined system output of 103kW and 172Nm.

Thanks to the frugal nature of the motor and a fuel-efficient CVT, the Corolla Hatch retains its posted combined fuel consumption of 4.0/100km.

What sets the special edition model apart is its styling and distinctive anniversary badging and details, including 60th Anniversary badging and special 18-inch black alloy wheels.

This Corolla hatch also features an exclusive Platinum White Pearl Bi-Tone finish, with a black leather interior with 60th Anniversary engraving on the instrument panel and aluminium pedals.

This black leather interior is complemented by matt silver scuff plates bearing the 60th Anniversary logo, as well as front and rear carpet mats in black textile with matt silver inserts.

The model is also fitted with the Corolla range’s specifications, including a customisable 12.3-inch driver’s display and Smart Connect+ multimedia system with a 10.5-inch touchscreen.

As in the standard Corolla hatch models, drivers can expect to find a comprehensive safety and driving assistance package as standard, including Toyota Safety Sense features.

These include a Pre-Collision System with Intersection Collision Avoidance, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist, Emergency Steering Assist and Road Sign Assist.

Pricing

Prices for the Toyota Corolla hatch models sold in South Africa are as follows:

• Toyota Corolla hatch 1.8 HEV XR – R601,100
• Toyota Corolla hatch 1.8 HEV XR 60th Anniversary – R618,900 (New)

Prices included the brand’s 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 6-service/90,000km service plan. The HEV units also receive an 8-year/195,000km hybrid battery warranty.

Toyota Corolla Hatch 60th Anniversary