Toyota builds on Corolla’s enduring success for 2026
The Corolla is a long-standing cornerstone of Toyota’s European model range, serving as a centre of gravity for the development of locally manufactured vehicles. On the global stage, it enjoys the status of the world’s most popular car, based on the name-plate being carried by more than 50 million vehicles across 12 generations.
That popularity is founded on consistently delivering qualities valued in the heart of the market: the famous Toyota Quality, Durability and Reliability together with practicality, versatility and efficient yet rewarding performance. All this – and more – is featured in the new Corolla for 2026.
The latest updates focus on appearance and sustainability. New colours have been added to the Corolla palette: in a Corolla-first, an exclusive grey matt finish for the performance-inspired GR Sport hatchback and Touring Sports versions, and a new Dark Grey metallic.
The introduction of the matt finish is a notable first for Toyota’s UK manufacturing. Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston factory is the first facility to introduce this radical new colour on a volume-production vehicle. It brings a new dimension to Corolla’s appeal, the eye-catching matt finish giving the car’s sculpted curves added visual emphasis. This new colour option was introduced first in the UK for the 2025 Corolla; it will be released for other European markets in 2026 as a new Onyx Grey option.
The new Dark Grey, meanwhile, is a deeply polished metallic shade with a timeless quality that creates a subtle high-tech impression.
Corolla’s environmental profile is strengthened with the use of Samara upholstery, a hard-wearing but pleasingly tactile fabric made from recycled materials. On the Icon grade hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models, Samara is being more widely used across the seatbacks and cushions. Toyota’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in leather alternatives being used for the steering wheel and shift lever trims.
Today’s Corolla range benefits from the latest generation of Toyota’s world-leading full hybrid technology, with customers enjoying the choice of two highly efficient powertrains. The 1.8 and 2.0-litre options for the Hatchback and Touring Sports are both characterised by smooth refined, performance combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The 2.0-litre version delivers a maximum 176bhp (178 DIN hp) for those seeking a sharper performance edge. The Corolla Commercial is powered by the 1.8-litre system.
As a car that has consistently kept pace with the times and customers’ evolving preferences and requirements, Corolla today benefits from a fully digital user experience. That includes a 12.3-inch combimeter – standard on all versions –which can be customised to suit the driver’s information preferences. The digital package also includes the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with functions including access to cloud-based route navigation that benefits from up-to-the-minute traffic information.
Likewise, Corolla remains at the forefront of providing Toyota advanced safety and driver assistance systems as standard, enhanced for 2026 with a Driver Monitor Camera being provided on all versions. The Toyota Safety Sense package supports the driver in recognising a wide range of everyday accident hazards, providing alerts and, if necessary, drive force, braking and steering assistance to help avoid a collision, or lessen the consequences if an impact occurs. As with the multimedia, systems benefit from seamless and convenient over-the-air updates.
Corolla remains a core model for Toyota in Europe, with local production of the hatchback, Touring Sports wagon and Commercial van at Toyota Manufacturing UK.
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