The Toyota Corolla has just turned 60, and it's doing so in style. Since its launch in 1966, this compact car has surpassed 57 million units sold worldwide, a figure that makes it the most successful car in history. It is currently manufactured in 12 plants and sold in 150 countries, with a strong presence in Europe. To celebrate, the Japanese automaker has prepared a special edition called the Corolla 60th Anniversary , which is now available for pre-order at European dealerships and will hit the streets in late October or early November.
This commemorative edition isn't just a simple range update, but a full-fledged tribute. It will be available in all three body styles sold in Europe: the five-door hatchback, the Touring Sports wagon , and the four-door sedan . All three share a distinctive aesthetic and a very comprehensive equipment package, but retain the familiar fifth-generation hybrid powertrain. However, there are a few minor details worth considering before making a purchase.
An exclusive image for a special occasion
The first thing that catches your eye is the color. Toyota has reserved a shade called New Boreal Blue for this edition , a metallic blue with a retro touch that's combined with a gloss black roof and pillars (Night Sky Black). This two-tone finish is available on the hatchback and wagon, while the sedan debuts its own color, Lunar Sky Blue . If blue doesn't appeal to you, you can always opt for Platinum Pearl White or Metallic Ash Gray, which are also available in the color palette.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are another distinctive feature. They have a ten-spoke design with a matte, machined finish, and the lug nuts are black chrome. Matte silver details appear on the lower part of the front bumper, the side skirts, and some trim pieces. The Touring Sports also features an additional silver piece on the rear bumper. Finally, decals with the 60th-anniversary logo on the rear doors easily identify these models.
Interior and equipment: more than just a facelift
Inside, the changes are more subtle but equally noticeable. The door sills feature the commemorative logo, and the textile floor mats are black with matte silver inserts. The rest of the dashboard is identical to that of any Corolla, but that's not a bad thing because the standard equipment is very comprehensive. It includes a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10,5-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, with cloud navigation and real-time traffic information.
In terms of safety, the Toyota T-Mate package is included , encompassing a pre-collision system with intersection detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency steering, and traffic sign recognition. All of these features can be updated over the air (OTA), so the car will always be up-to-date without needing to visit a service center.
Hybrid mechanics: the same old recipe
Under the hood, there are no surprises, and that's a good thing. Toyota retains its fifth-generation hybrid system, with two options: a 1.8-liter engine that delivers a combined 140 hp and a 2.0-liter engine that boosts to 178 hp. The former is available in all body styles, while the latter is only offered in the hatchback and Touring Sports. The sedan makes do with the less powerful engine, a logical choice given its more relaxed character. Both are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and retain the ECO label, something always appreciated in the city.
Prices and availability in Europe
The 60th Anniversary Edition is now available to order at European dealerships, with the first deliveries expected in late October or early November. In Germany, which typically sets the price benchmark , the hatchback with the 140 hp engine starts at €36.990, while the 178 hp version rises to €38.890. The Touring Sports starts at €38.590 with the less powerful engine and €40.490 with the more powerful one. Toyota claims that, compared to other trim levels, this edition offers savings of up to €1.200, so it's not just about looks.
In short, the Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition is a way to celebrate six decades of history without changing a winning formula. It offers a more distinctive look, top-notch features, and the same reliability you've come to expect, all at a reasonable price. If you're considering a hybrid compact, this special edition is worth considering, especially if you like driving something different without sacrificing the essentials.
