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by CFAO Mobility Toyota
05 May 2023
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For over five decades, the Toyota Corolla has held a special place in the hearts of South African motorists. Its unique blend of affordability, reliability, and style has cemented the Corolla as an automotive icon. In this light-hearted journey through time, we'll explore the history of the Corolla, from its early beginnings to the latest range of Corolla Hatch, Corolla, and Corolla Quest models.
The Toyota Corolla story began in October 1966, with the debut of the E10 model. Designed as a compact, affordable family car, the Corolla featured a minimalist design, rounded edges, and a modest 1.1-litre engine. Its charm quickly won over the hearts of drivers around the world, including South Africa, becoming Japan's best-selling car by 1968.
The E20 series marked the Corolla's second generation, retaining its affordability and reliability while offering a larger body, a more angular design, and a choice of 1.2-litre or 1.6-litre engines. During this period, Toyota also introduced a two-door coupe model called the Levin, which became a popular choice among car enthusiasts and racers.
By its third generation, the Corolla had solidified its status as a global favourite. The E30 series featured a boxier design and a new 1.6-litre engine, while the sporty SR5 model catered to driving enthusiasts. The Corolla continued to evolve with the E40, E50, and E60 series, each offering improvements in performance and safety features.
The E70 series brought a significant change in the Corolla's design, adopting a more squared-off, angular look in line with 1980s automotive trends. This generation offered an upgraded 1.8-litre engine and a front-wheel-drive option. The AE86 model, known for its impressive performance and handling, gained cult status among car enthusiasts and became a symbol of the South African racing scene.
The Corolla continued to evolve throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with the E80 series introducing aerodynamic design elements and the E100 series (launched in 1991) focusing on safety and comfort. By the time the E110 series was released in 1995, the Corolla had become a truly global vehicle, with production taking place in multiple countries to cater to ever-growing demand.
The new millennium saw the Corolla maintain its reputation for reliability, affordability, and practicality. The E120 series offered a more sophisticated design and enhanced safety features, while the E140 series (2006) refined the Corolla's aesthetics and performance. The E160 series (2012) featured a more compact and fuel-efficient design.
The E210 series represents the latest iteration of the Corolla, boasting a sleek design, advanced safety features, and improved fuel efficiency. This generation also saw the introduction of the Corolla Hatch, a sporty and versatile addition to the Corolla family.
The Latest Models: Corolla Hatch, Corolla, and Corolla Quest. These models are available for a test drive. Locate your nearest CFAO Motors Toyota Dealership and schedule an appointment with us!
The Toyota Corolla Quest is currently our most inexpensive model.
The Toyota Corolla has always had great reliability rankings.
Absolutely. If it is well maintained a Toyota Corolla can last for up to 10 years.