Toyota has detailed upgrades for the 2023 Toyota Corolla range in Europe, offering a first look at some of the changes likely to hit Australia later this year.
Changes for Europe include a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with cloud-based navigation and voice assistant, as well as refreshed design elements, new colours, and enhanced driver assistance features.
Last month Toyota Australia confirmed a series of running changes across the Corolla, Yaris, Yaris Cross, C-HR, Camry and GR Supra lines, all due to hit local showrooms during the second half of 2022.
Toyota hasn’t detailed what Australian models will gain beyond a beefed-up 98kW 1.8-litre hybrid system.
It has confirmed Australian models will gain “the latest version of Toyota’s multimedia system including additional USB-C connectivity”, as well as Toyota Connected Services, “a number of updated safety and convenience features, and exterior styling tweaks including fresh alloy wheel designs and an updated colour palette”.
Based on the details released about the Australian Corolla, it seems likely the European model is indicative of what’s to come Down Under.
The most noticeable changes for Europe are inside, with the addition of a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster complemented by a new 10.5-inch high-resolution infotainment system, complete with internet-connected services.
There’s a new “on-board voice agent” that responds to “natural, conversational requests” to operate media and vehicle functions such as opening and closing the windows.
The online capability gives European owners access to remote functions using a smartphone app, allowing them to use their smart device to lock/unlock the vehicle, pre-condition the cabin, activate the hazard lights, as well as locate their vehicle.
Externally, there’s a new front grille mesh pattern, updated fog light bezels, and new alloy wheel designs. High-grade versions of the Corolla Hatch and Touring Sports (wagon) score new bi-LED headlights with adaptive high-beam.
New paint colours include Juniper Blue for the hatch and wagon, while Metallic Grey is newly available for the European range across all body styles.
Toyota is bringing new interior trim and upholstery options to Europe as well, including new graphics, trims and “embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal”.
New Dark and Light Harmony interior themes bring coordinated colours and finishes for a “contemporary, elegant feel”.
Safety and driver assistance is also getting an update for 2023, with the European market adopting a new T-Mate suite which combines the Toyota Safety Sense assistance package with “other active driving and parking assistance systems”.
Key upgrades include:
- Acceleration Suppression: Reacts to sudden use for the accelerator when travelling at low speeds
- Collision Avoidance Support: Enhanced AEB that assists when turning at intersections or junctions; also now includes lateral collision avoidance
- Emergency Steering Assist: Enhanced to now recognise oncoming vehicles
- Curve Speed Reduction: Adjusts adaptive cruise control speed for curves and bends
- Safe Exit Assist: Triggers a warning if it a door is opening into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear
- Rear Seat Reminder: Alerts the driver before they leave the vehicle that they may need to check if they’ve left something in the rear seats
All versions of the Corolla in Europe and the UK are hybrids, and the 2023 line-up features Toyota’s latest hybrid system – benefitting both 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre systems available in the region.
The 1.8-litre hybrid has been bumped to 103kW bringing a 1.7-second reduction to the base drivetrain’s 0-100 claim (9.2 seconds) – Australian models will move to a 98kW power output, according to Toyota’s local arm.
Meanwhile, the beefier 2.0-litre hybrid which remains off the cards for local Corollas, now makes 144kW and has shaved 0.5 seconds off its 0-100 time at a claimed 7.5 seconds. Emissions for the more powerful hybrid have actually dropped by 3g/km (now 107g/km).
Toyota claims both drivetrain options bring improved performance and driveability, unchanged or lower emissions (depending on variant), as well as a redesigned power control unit (PCU) with a more powerful yet smaller and lighter lithium-ion battery – mass has been reduced by up to 18kg.
Recalibration of the hybrid control is designed to bring acceleration that “more closely mirrors the driver’s intention and their use of the throttle pedal”. Toyota says powertrain noise under acceleration has also been improved as a result.
Corolla Sedan 
The European-market Corolla GR Sport is also benefitting from some upgrades for 2023 – though it’s currently not offered Down Under.
There’s new 18-inch machined alloy wheels, a revised rear bumper design and under-guard, a new seat upholstery with the GR logo embossed in the headrests and micro-hexagon pattern in the silver ribbons along the edges of the bolsters and cushions.
GR Sport models also get a new GR-branded starter button. Toyota Europe says it has sold more than 20,000 units of the Corolla GR Sport range since it was introduced.
Sales of the updates Toyota Corolla range will commence in the European region (including the UK) during the first quarter of 2023.
Further details for Australia, including any pricing adjustments, will be announced closer to launch in the coming months. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
