iCAUR V27 REEV brings 335 kW and a 1 000 km range to SA
iCAUR is adding a large all-wheel drive SUV to its local range in the fourth quarter, with 335 kW and a claimed combined range of up to 1 000 km.
- New Energy Vehicles
- 9 November 2026
It is now 60 years since the first Toyota Corolla arrived in South Africa in 1966. Toyota is marking the anniversary with special editions of the Corolla Hatchback, Corolla Sedan and Corolla Cross, each with distinctive styling and commemorative details. The nameplate has grown from a compact family sedan into a range of hatchbacks, lift backs, coupés, performance models, MPVs and SUVs.
1966 to 1983: the early years:
The Corolla that arrived in South Africa in 1966 was followed by early generations that established it as an accessible, practical choice for motorists.
Local production began in May 1975, making South Africa the third country after Japan and Thailand to manufacture the Corolla. The fourth generation E70 followed in 1980, remembered locally for its angular styling and rear wheel drive layout. Within three years of its introduction, it had become South Africa’s bestselling car.
In 1983 a limited run of 300 TRD lift backs arrived. The model remains a sought-after part of the Corolla’s local heritage, and enthusiasts affectionately refer to them as ‘Box shape’ or ‘Baby Cressida’.
Later generations and a wider range:
Subsequent generations brought changes in styling, comfort and practicality. They included the wedge shaped fifth generation, locally nicknamed ‘Chisel Nose’, the ‘Kentucky Rounder’, the ‘Baby Camry’ and the much-loved Tazz, which was produced locally for 18 years, until July 2006.
The range also grew beyond the sedan with the Corolla RunX hatchback and the Corolla Verso MPV, while the ninth generation 180i GSX moved the Corolla into the luxury saloon space.
Local milestones and the GR Corolla:
Toyota’s Prospecton plant became central to the Corolla’s local story, and on 20 November 2013 the millionth South African built Corolla rolled off the production line, a milestone for Toyota and the local automotive industry. The eleventh generation arrived in 2014, and in 2020 Toyota announced a shift in its local manufacturing focus towards the Corolla Cross.
Introduced locally in November 2021, the Corolla Cross was the first hybrid vehicle produced by Toyota South Africa Motors. It brought the nameplate into the crossover segment.
The GR Corolla launched in South Africa in May 2023, extending the GR performance brand into the compact car segment after the GR Yaris. It is powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and was introduced with a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic added later.
Three 60th Anniversary editions:
The Corolla Hatchback 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary has global 60th Anniversary badging and 18-inch black alloy wheels, and is offered only in Platinum White Pearl Bi Tone with a black leather interior and aluminium pedals. Its 1.8 litre hybrid system has a total system output of 103 kW, with listed combined fuel consumption of 4.0 litres per 100 km.
The Corolla Sedan 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary has a global badge and an instrument panel engraving, with a black leather and suede interior. It uses the same hybrid system and output, with listed combined fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 km. Both hybrid editions feature Toyota Safety Sense 3.
The Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary adds styling and accessories to the 1.8 XS petrol grade and will be on sale from early next month. It has a black bi tone roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels, mud guards, black C pillar garnish and roof cross bars, with black and brown partial leather upholstery. Its 1.8 litre petrol engine and CVT produce 103 kW and 173 Nm, with listed combined fuel consumption of 6.7 litres per 100 km.
Pricing:
The Corolla Hatchback 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary (R618 900), the Corolla Sedan 1.8 HEV 60th Anniversary (R596 300) and the Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary (R499 900) are priced as listed.
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