GALLERY: How the Toyota Corolla has changed through the years
Join us in celebrating 50 years of the people’s car with a trip down memory lane to see what has made them the iconic family vehicles they are. How many do you recognise amongst this lot?
1966-1970: First Generation
Man was still three years away from landing on the moon when the venerable Tatsuo Hasegawa led the development to launch the very first Toyota Corolla.
Designed to bring high end technology to an affordable, family vehicle – he captured the hearts and minds of Japan’s car-buying public in a flash.
1970-1974: Second Generation
As the economy continued to shed its post-war shackles, the desire for personal cars was on the rise.
The millionth Corolla rolled off the production line during this spell, with the edges softened and a greater focus on the sporty side of things – a regular theme for future generations.
1974-1979: Third Generation
A new generation and a new head honcho in Shirou Sasaki. This Corolla took a move towards sensitivity, both in the creature comforts of the interior and in its fuel efficiency and lower impact on the environment.
1979-1983: Fourth Generation
After over two decades with Toyota, Fumio Agetsuma finally got his hands on the design of the Corolla in time for generation four.
His clever use of market research paid off as this version caught the eye of Baby Boomers and their families around the globe.
1983-1987: Fifth Generation
We go back to the future for this one. Ever more useful computer technology was used to create a vehicle with deliberate echos of the first generation of 1966.
1987-1991: Sixth Generation
Quality of life was rising across the world by now and no more so than in Japan, where lead designer Akihiko Saiko wanted to create “impressions that inspire the soul.”
He must have been on to something, as over 100,000 cars were being sold worldwide every month by 1989.
1991-1995: Seventh Generation
Moving through the 90s we see a larger, bold design meant to inspire confidence in the public. Airbags also appeared as part of a greater focus on safety as the 21st century approached.
1995-2000: Eighth Generation
“Convey a slim, healthy image with a beautiful shape.” That was the idea for designer Takayasu Honda, whom we must presume was referring to the car.
Social responsibility was the buzzword by now with environmental concerns being answered by nifty weight reduction and fuel efficiency.
2000-2006: Ninth Generation
Stripped back and re-imagined from a blank canvas for the new millennium, this Corolla was all part of Takeshi Honda’s “start from scratch” mantra.
Would you believe he even considered changing the name… can you imagine?
2006-2013: Tenth Generation
After four decades of local focus on design, Toyota looked far beyond the shores of Japan as they reached double figures of Corolla generations.
Europe and North America were keenly looked at by design chief Soichiro Okudaira in order to create a “Happy Corolla for Our Planet.”
2012-present: Eleventh Generation
Wakudoki. Not familiar with the Japanese? Waku-waku is the anticipation of pleasure, while doki-doki is the sound of your heart beating.
Put them together and you have the stated aim of today’s Toyota Corolla under the watchful eye of Shinichi Yasui. Lovely.
