There is little about Toyota's new small car that has not been uncovered through weeks of leaked information, but today it is official: this is the 2013 Toyota Corolla hatch.

On sale in Japan from today, the new Corolla will make its official local debut at October's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Toyota says the sharpened look of the iconic Corolla is the result of a stronger focus on European buying preferences, which the carmaker says are "broadly similar" to the tastes of Australian motorists.

Standout styling elements include the same deep-v grille design featured on the new Yaris and the upcoming RAV4 (along with the still-fresh Tarago) and sharp new headlights.

The 2013 Corolla also picks up a longer windscreen, contributing to a more streamlined profile than the current model.

Inside is a mostly black and grey dash design, with an uninterrupted top level and circular air vents.

The gear shifter has also returned to the more traditional position in the now-separated centre console.

Toyota's TRD tuning arm has revealed its own sports and styling pack for the Japanese-market Corolla, and the familiar Modellista design options will also be offered.

Although revealed in earlier leaks, it has also been confirmed this week that the new Corolla will utilise an upgraded version of the existing 1.8 litre petrol engine, delivering more power. Exact figures have not been released however.

A new BMW-sourced diesel has also been confirmed, although it remains to be seen if Toyota will bring this option to Australia.

Toyota says the driving experience in the new Corolla was also a focus, with the new model offering greater weight management and a more extensive use of high-tensile steel, saving up to 40 percent in weight and delivering a lower centre of gravity.

Interior space is also improved with the new Corolla, with rear passengers getting an extra 20mm of knee room, and the storage space growing by 90mm.

With the back seats up, rear storage capacity has grown to 360 litres.

In Australia, the new Corolla will tackle Hyundai's new i30 and the Ford Focus, and Toyota will be looking to the hatch's sportier style to battle the next Mazda3 - which will undoubtedly be sharper than the already segment-leading current model.

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• reply ” like !

  

  Tro says,
  9 months ago

  3 likes

  Hyundai just called up. Give us back the new gen I30 front design!
  • reply ” like !

    

    Kristian says,
    9 months ago

    4 likes

    Don't you mean rear? Its almost a carbon-copy! Google it.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Tocam says,
      9 months ago

      If you haven't notice, this resembles the CT200H from sister company Lexus more than Hyundai, and the new i30 actually came out after the CT200H.
      
      So shouldn't that suggest Hyundai i30 is copying the rear design of Lexus CT200H from which the new Corolla are inspired from?
  • reply ” like !

    

    Jimbob says,
    9 months ago

    Charlie Chaplan called and wants his lame "joke" back.
    
    I'd like to see you copy someone else's design and build, engineer & release in months between the i30 launch date and today. It takes the Chinese well over a year to do the same thing.
• reply ” like !

  

  CP says,
  9 months ago

  1 like

  Here's hoping Toyota Australia decide to bring in the diesel option to keep moving with the times.
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  9 months ago

  When is the sedan coming ?
  
  Rumour has it that it will arrive a year after the hatch,who will continue to buy the OLD sedan ,which is currently extremely popular ???
  • reply ” like !

    

    Shaun says,
    9 months ago

    They are still flogging off the old version of the Yaris... you have to remember Toyota buyers are not the keenest motorists, up-to-date style does not necessarily matter to them which is the only reason Toyota can get away with this.
• reply ” like !

  

  mel says,
  9 months ago

  1 like

  needs better engine
• reply ” like !

  

  Callous says,
  9 months ago

  3 likes

  The others are right. They stole the rear end off the i30! The front is awful. To be expected from toyota however.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Shaun says,
    9 months ago

    1 like

    The front isn't really that bad..... It shows a new direction for Toyota.... While I do like their cars - you can't argue they are some of the most reliable on the road, their designs are usually quite bland.
• reply ” like !

  

  steve says,
  9 months ago

  1 like

  Finally. A great looking car from Toyota. After yrs of good quality but cardigan type cars, we now end up with a stylish car. Only downside, IT'S CRYING OUT FOR A TURBO DIESEL!. Why Toyota Australia has never introduced the brilliant D4D diesel as used in the Euro spec Toyotas is beyond me, and considering the amount of diesels sold.in Hiace, Hilux, Prado, and Landcruiser, should have been a no Brainer. And Toyota Australia, no excuses about the figures of adding extra diesels to your range not adding up. If every other importer is able to add several diesel versions to their ranges, why can't you?
  • reply ” like !

    

    Tocam says,
    9 months ago

    1 like

    Totally agree, this design is unique and not as "generic" as say the VW Golf, it at least is going to stand out (good or bad in the eyes of the public) as a Corolla.
    
    Also diesel is a must to at least be competitive. I know I will get one if they come in diesels.
• reply ” like !

  

  steve says,
  9 months ago

  1 like

  Same here. I've owned a couple of Toyota's over the last 24-25 yrs, and they are bulletproof! I would be happy to own a top of the range corolla D4D with xenons, nav, park assist etc. Nothing wrong with a euro design Toyota. C'Mon Toyota OZ bring it on!
• reply ” like !

  

  Murti says,
  6 months ago

  i really like it nice design