Heavily Updated 2019 Toyota Corolla IM Spied Testing Again
The heavily updated Toyota Corolla iM hatchback has been spied testing in Los Angeles prior to its debut.
The Corolla iM, formerly referred to as the Scion iM, was rolled into Toyota’s lineup after the automaker killed off the Scion brand for 2017. Despite the Corolla iM being only three years old, it’s already due for an update thanks to its relation to the global variant, the Toyota Auris, which was introduced abroad back in 2012. The regular Corolla isn’t due for an update until 2020, so any changes applied to the iM version should give us an idea of what to expect from the sedan going forward.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review
The prototype pictured here appears to have a completely redesigned front end, all-new taillights and a softer, more rounded off overall shape. This image set also includes photos of the interior, revealing an entirely new design direction for Toyota that is altogether more refined and modern-looking than the current Corolla’s cabin. Some of the major changes we spot include an all-new center stack and steering wheel, a different infotainment display and a different gear lever. The key fob can also be seen resting on the center onsole.
As far as the powertrain goes, expect the latest four-cylinder gasoline engines from Toyota to be on offer, and perhaps an updated CVT automatic transmission with a better gear ratio spread. A hybrid is also a shoe-in for certain markets, but it’s not clear if we’ll be receiving that model stateside.
Look for the updated Toyota Corolla iM hatchback to debut sometime next year.
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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I still hate those stand up screens for the infotainment system.
Looks like an updated version of the 2006 Auris Space Concept, which is fine with me. Let's just hope we get the hatch in the 'States, right?