Here are some spy shots of Toyota’s Corolla iM doing the rounds in Los Angeles, US. In case you were wondering, the Corolla iM is the hatchback iteration of the Corolla.
What’s unique about this sighting is that our photographers have captured a glimpse of the interiors. Despite being draped, you will notice the huge screen that sits prominently and high-up on the dash. Even the instrument cluster is visible in the background. Having said this, there’s no doubt that the next Corolla iM projects a more premium feel when compared to the existing model.
As can be seen in the picture, this version is equipped with a manual transmission and there’s even talk about Toyota introducing an all-new automatic gearbox (CVT) when the car hits showrooms. Sources also anticipate the current car’s 137bhp 1.8-litre four-cylinder motor to continue duty in the new car, albeit in a different state of tune. Not to forget that Toyota may also have a hybrid variant up their sleeves for some markets.
That aside, although the new car is expected to be underpinned by the TNGA modular platform, it seems to have retained most of the proportions of the existing model, at least at first glance. Also, judging by the looks of this test prototype, it will borrow heavily from the design cues of the new Camry. Which is evident from the slim pointed nose and the large air dams.
Experts believe the next Toyota will make an official entry into the global market sometime in the last quarter of 2018.
