Spyshot: 2018 Toyota Corolla – Same Look Body, TNGA Underneath?

European spy photographers have captured what is believed to be a test mule of the next-generation Toyota Corolla undergoing winter testing.

The prototype in question wears a conventional three-box sedan body with window lines similar to the present model. Its front end is heavily camouflaged, but at the rear it exposes a set of placeholder tail lights from the current US spec Corolla.

Closer look at the base of the prototype’s A-pillar, however, shows a slight mismatch at its joining to the fender panel, and the bonnet seems to follow a slightly different shutline to the current model.

Beneath its camo, the next-generation Corolla is expected to be based on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform that was introduced with the fourth-generation Prius and, like Volkswagen’s MQB and Volvo’s SPA, set to underpin a whole new generation of vehicles.

Can we accordingly expect the Prius’ rear double wishbones to replace the present model’s torsion beam suspension? We certainly hope so.

A new range of engines are expected to feature in the 2018 Corolla. Last December, Toyota had committed to roll out no fewer than 17 versions of nine new engines between now and 2021. All these engines are developed under the TNGA umbrella.

There were even reports that Toyota is considering the use of BMW-sourced powertrains, likely the 1.5-litre B38 or 2.0-litre B48, to supplement its in-house offerings. 

Pictures: Stefan Baldauf