The Toyota Corolla has been part of South African motoring for six decades, and Toyota is marking the anniversary with special editions of the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross. Each has its own character, and each is priced from R499 900 to R618 900.
The Corolla arrived in South Africa in 1966 as a compact family sedan. Over the years, it has grown into a broad model family that includes hatchbacks, liftbacks, coupés, performance cars, MPVs and SUVs Through all of those changes, it has kept its reputation for reliability, practicality and value.
Several generations left a mark locally. The fourth-generation E70, launched in 1980, was known for its angular styling and rear-wheel-drive layout, and it became South Africa’s bestselling car within three years. A limited run of 300 TRD liftbacks followed in 1983, and enthusiasts still prize them today. The Tazz, built locally for 18 years until July 2006, became a familiar sight on the country’s roads.
Local manufacturing has been central to the story. Production began in May 1975, making South Africa the third country to build the Corolla after Japan and Thailand. Toyota’s Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal later produced the millionth South African-built Corolla on 20 November 2013.
The nameplate has also moved into newer segments. The Corolla Cross, introduced locally in November 2021, brought the badge into the crossover market. It was also the first hybrid built by Toyota South Africa Motors. The high-performance GR Corolla, launched in May 2023, took the name into performance motoring with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, offered with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
Three special editions
The Corolla Hatchback 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary is the sportiest of the three. It comes in Platinum White Pearl Bi-Tone with 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black leather interior and aluminium pedals. Its 1.8-litre hybrid system produces a total output of 103 kW and a listed combined fuel consumption of 4.0 L/100 km. It is priced at R618 900.
The Corolla Sedan 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary takes a quieter approach. It is offered in Glacier White, Satin Silver Metallic or Graphite Grey Metallic, with a black leather-and-suede interior. It uses the same hybrid system and output as the Hatchback, with a listed combined consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 km. It is priced at R596 300.
The Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary is aimed at buyers who want a higher-riding model with very mild off-road capability, thanks to a slightly elevated ground clearance. It is based on the 1.8 XS petrol grade and adds a black bi-tone roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels, mudguards, and roof crossbars. Anniversary-branded boot and door scuff plates and all-weather mats are included. It is available in Glacier White or Chromium Silver, with black-and-brown partial-leather upholstery. Its 1.8-litre petrol engine, paired with a CVT, produces 103 kW and 173 Nm, with a listed combined consumption of 6.7 litres per 100 km. It is priced at R499 900 and goes on sale in South Africa early next month.
Toyota has positioned the three editions as a celebration of the Corolla’s place in local motoring, and each reflects a different strand of the model’s history: sporty hatchback, traditional sedan and crossover.
