When will 12th gen Toyota Corolla launch in Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD: The Toyota Corolla currently being sold in Pakistan was first introduced in June 2014. Despite a decade passing, the car’s design has remained unchanged, with only minor cosmetic updates along the way.

In late 2017, Toyota introduced a facelift for the Corolla. This was followed by another facelift, known as the “Altis X,” at the end of 2020, after the Indus Motor Company (IMC) discontinued its popular 1300cc GLi and XLi Corolla variants, leaving only the 1600cc and 1800cc engine options available.

However, the overall shape and model of the Pakistani Corolla remained unchanged throughout these ten years.

Why IMC is not changing Toyota Corolla’s shape in Pakistan?

One reason Toyota has continued with the 11th-generation Corolla could be its uninterrupted high demand and stable sales in Pakistan. Changing an entire model is a complex process, requiring the company to consider several factors before introducing it to the market.

Car companies often import Completely Built-Up (CBU) units to test on Pakistani roads, identifying necessary adjustments to meet local preferences. Pricing is another crucial consideration, as the automaker needs to balance cost with the features included in the new model.

Toyota Corolla has consistently been the top-selling sedan in Pakistan, a position unmatched by its competitors. This success is largely attributed to the trust Pakistanis have in the Toyota brand, known for its reliability and durability.

In August 2024, the Toyota Corolla’s sales in Pakistan were the highest among all sedans, indicating that, even with the same model, it continues to be preferred over Korean and Chinese sedans available in the local market.

When will Toyota change Corolla’s shape in Pakistan?

However, despite its popularity, some customers are increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of change in design. Many are eager to know when Toyota will introduce the 12th-generation Corolla, and when a new shape will finally arrive in Pakistan.

Recent reports suggest that it’s unlikely we’ll see any design changes this year. Insiders claim that the new model hasn’t even entered production yet. While these rumours may not be entirely accurate, it seems improbable that Toyota will introduce a new Corolla shape within the next three months or even by the end of 2024.

Interestingly, the 12th-generation Corolla has already been launched in several countries, including the Philippines, but Pakistani buyers are still waiting. The latest reports suggest that while the new Corolla was initially expected to arrive this summer, economic challenges have delayed its release.

If you’re holding out for the next-generation Corolla, you may need to reconsider your plans, as a launch in 2024 seems increasingly unlikely.

Also, given the current car market conditions in Pakistan, the new generation of the Corolla is expected to be priced up to Rs9 million, or close to the price of the Honda Civic. Currently, the Toyota Corolla Altis X Grande is priced at Rs7.5 million.

A testament to the car’s enduring value, when the base model of the Corolla was first introduced in Pakistan, it was priced around Rs1.6 million.

Today, that same model, even after being driven for over 150,000 km, is selling for over Rs3 million in the used car market—a clear reflection of the brand’s reliability and strong resale value, despite its decade-old design.

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