Toyota Corolla Axio “50 Limited”
The Corolla nameplate is celebrating its
50th anniversary this year, and Toyota is commemorating the occasion with a
special edition Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid G “50 Limited” that will go on sale
in Japan on September 1. Confusingly, this is different from the other
commemorative special edition models announced earlier this year, being a
throwback model that specifically harkens back to the original Corolla.
Limited to just 500 units, the car is
differentiated from regular Axio models through standard-fit bi-beam LED
headlights, a dotted-effect lower grille, side skirts, 16-inch alloy wheels,
smoked LED tail lights, sports seats and piano black interior trim. These were
all included on the earlier “W x B” commemorative model.
The “50 Limited” gains unique
badging at the rear of the car that is reminiscent of the one found on the
first-generation Corolla – depicting three flowers over the letter “C”. This is
a direct representation of the origin of the Corolla name, which means “crown
of flowers” in Latin. The rear badge is repeated through the special embroidery
on the seat backs.
Speaking of which, the interior is
decked out in red leather upholstery and trim panels, another throwback to the
original – the colour was reproduced through modern technology at the company’s
Design Division, using a sample from the first Corolla.
As with regular Axio Hybrid models, the
“50 Limited” is powered by a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine, mated to an
electric motor and an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT) –
outputs are rated at 74 PS and 111 Nm of torque. Available in either White
Pearl Crystal Shine or Black Mica, it is offered in a sole two-wheel drive
variant, priced at 2,400,000 yen.
