Toyota is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Corolla compact with a new limited edition model and updates for the entire 2017 Corolla lineup. The Corolla’s mid-cycle update includes a few styling updates, as well as some significant enhancements to the vehicle’s safety systems.
Toyota has treated the 2017 Corolla to a new face with a revised bumper and new LED headlights. Corolla L, LE and LE Eco models get Bi-LED units while the more expensive SE, XSE and XLE grades get complex-LED headlights. Corolla LE and XLE models get redesigned 16-inch wheels while SE and XSE models roll on new 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the Corolla gets upgraded cloth seats as well as a few new color schemes. Corolla LE buyers can pick between Almond, Ash/Dark Gray or Black/Brown color schemes, while Corolla SE buyers get the choice of Softex-trimmed sport seats with Vivid Blue, Orange Zest, and Black premium inserts. A revised climate control panel, circular air vents and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen (up from 6.1-inches) round of out the Corolla’s interior updates.
All 2017 Corolla models get a major lift on the safety front thanks to Toyota’s now-standard Toyota Safety Sense-P technology, or TSS-P for short. That safety suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. All Corolla models also feature a rear-view camera for the 2017 model year.
Toyota is also launched a 50th Anniversary Special Edition Corolla model to commemorate that car’s original market launch in 1966. Based on the Corolla SE, the 50th anniversary model will be available in a unique Black Cherry Pearl, but buyers can also select from Classic Silver and Blizzard Pearl.
That Black Cherry color scheme continues inside with Black Cherry piping and contrast stitching. Other perks of the 50th Anniversary Special Edition model include “50th Anniversary Edition” floor mats, exterior badges and standard navigation.
All of that added technology does come at a price though, as the 2017 Corolla carries a base price of $18,500, or $1,200 more than the outgoing model. Those wanting one of the 50th anniversary models, of which Toyota will produce 8,000 units, will have to cough up $21,900. Both prices exclude a mandatory $865 destination fee.