Changes made to the China-spec Malaysia and other Asian markets may get the Corolla sedan makeover.
With its 2018 launch, the 12th generation Toyota Corolla car is at the ideal age for a generational makeover. For the time being, nevertheless, it seems that the sedan’s chosen course is a facelift. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released information revealing this. Let us examine the specifics.
Facelift of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan Spied What is fresh?
The front fascia of the 2026 Toyota Corolla car has undergone a significant makeover, as shown in the pictures. The makeover emphasizes elegance and refinement, while the current model has a lot of striking features. The most recent iterations of Toyota vehicles, such as the Prius and Camry, are probably where the design inspiration came from.
Signature elements like the top frame in the hammerhead design provide a unique appearance and feel. L-shaped fog lamp housings and C-shaped lighting components are further noteworthy features. Compared to the existing model, the central air intake is now much thinner. There are new dual-tone alloy wheels on the side profile.
A triangular addition to the quarter light windows at the back is also visible. It has also retained other elements including blacked-out B pillars, body-colored conventional door handles, and dual-tone ORVMs. The tail lights at the back get a smoked finish. Additionally, there is new red trim that guarantees a linked tail light appearance and feel.
Updates to the inside
The pictures MIIT released do not show the interiors. On the other hand, some new features will probably be added to the equipment list. Toyota could concentrate on launching a more upscale, technologically advanced interior, akin to the Camry’s facelift. The dashboard could be updated with smoother lines and better soft-touch materials, however this has not been confirmed.
The package may include a bigger display, such a 12.3-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. OTA upgrades, better graphics, and voice-activated controls are all possible. The seat cushioning and upholstery may vary in several ways. It is possible to make updates for the air filtration system, center console, and ambient lighting. The highest versions could have a head-up display (HUD).
Options for the powertrain
It is possible that the changes made with the China-spec Corolla sedan facelift will not apply to other Asian markets. Chinese buyers may anticipate the same powertrain choices for the 2026 Toyota Corolla car. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine with natural aspiration produces 121 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque. It has a CVT gearbox with a straight shift.
A 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 116 horsepower and 185 Nm of torque is the second choice. Alongside it is a CVT transmission. China also offers a 1.8-liter self-charging hybrid drivetrain for the Toyota Corolla automobile. When mated with an e-CVT gearbox, it produces 122 horsepower.
Whether Toyota intends to reintroduce the Corolla in India is uncertain. Beginning in 2003, the sedan was marketed here under the name “Corolla Altis.” Stricter regulatory compliance requirements and the increased demand for SUVs, however, led to its discontinuation in 2020.