Refreshing or Revolting: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Today, Toyota revealed the new Corolla Hatchback, its replacement for the current Scion-turned-Corolla iM. We still don’t know how much power it makes, but with a new platform, Apple CarPlay, and an optional manual transmission, the five-door Corolla definitely has our attention. But how does its styling compare to the old iM?

Up front, the Corolla hatch gets sharp, angular headlights and a huge grille. Compared to some of the other sedans in the Toyota lineup, it’s a much more stylish look, but fans of the iM’s more conservative front end may be put off. In profile, you can see a few common themes in each car’s roofline, but the similarities end there. The Corolla Hatchback’s curvier styling has a more upscale, European feel, which makes sense when you realize it’s essentially a U.S.-spec Toyota Auris.

Out back, the European feel continues, especially in the taillights. If we didn’t know what we were looking at, we might even mistake the five-door Corolla for an Opel. The iM, on the other hand, didn’t look bad from behind, but its styling is definitely less eye-catching. Then again, its more upright liftgate might offer more cargo room than the sportier looking Corolla Hatchback.

Inside, Toyota definitely took fewer risks with its new Corolla. Cabin styling is inoffensive, conservative, and a bit more mainstream than even the Corolla iM. The only controversial decision might be the placement of the new touchscreen infotainment system. It’s larger and easier to see, but not everyone likes “floating tablet” designs.

At the moment, Toyota hasn’t said when the new Corolla Hatchback will go on sale or what it will cost. That may change at the New York auto show next week. Hopefully, Toyota decides to share what kind of power the engine makes, as well.

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