KATHMANDU: Toyota has revealed a bold new Corolla concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2025, showcasing a dramatic design shift for the world’s best-selling car.
The next-generation Corolla will feature a futuristic look, high-tech interior, and a choice of electric and combustion powertrains.
Since its debut in 1966, more than 50 million Corolla units have been sold worldwide. The 13th-generation model will be a complete redesign, developed under Toyota’s new design language.
“We’re going to reinvent the best-selling car of all time,” said Toyota designer Lance Scott to Autocar UK. He explained that Toyota wants to keep the Corolla appealing to all kinds of customers by offering multiple power options hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure petrol engines.
According to Scott, the new model’s compact engine design allows more flexibility in styling and interior space. “You can choose your powertrain, but you won’t compromise on space, style, or functionality,” he said.
He added that Toyota aims to provide mobility options for everyone, not just EV buyers. The Corolla will continue offering both electric and combustion choices to suit different markets where EV demand varies.
The concept was designed at Toyota’s European Design Center in Nice, France, with the goal of completely reimagining the Corolla rather than evolving the existing model. “We wanted people to look at it and say, ‘I can’t believe that’s a Corolla,’” Scott said to Autocar UK.
Inside, the concept features a minimalist, tech-focused cabin with haptic controls, a floating center console, and fewer physical buttons.
Despite the modern design, Toyota says it does not plan to move the Corolla upmarket but to keep it accessible and competitive.
Toyota has not announced the production timeline or where the new-generation Corolla will be built. However, given the current model’s seven-year life cycle, the next version could arrive as early as next year.
