Toyota Corolla Furia Concept: The Corolla We Want, The Corolla We Deserve

Toyota has unveiled the Toyota Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.  Kept under wraps until the presentation itself, the new-look Corolla was entirely that: a styling exercise.  No drivetrain or interior improvements accompanied the compact sedan, but it wore a very different face than what most are used to seeing with a Corolla badge affixed to it.

There is no question that Toyota has a serious need to improve the aesthetics of the Corolla, which is currently a strong seller for the brand, but which has lagged behind competitors like the Ford Focus, the Chevrolet Cruze, and the Hyundai Elantra in terms of features, interior quality, power, fuel economy, and of course style.  The fact that we could be getting a version of this much more attractive Corolla Furia in showrooms in the future is an important sign of life from Toyota, in the affordable sedan segment and an indication that the company won’t be riding the current Corolla platform into the grave but will instead make sure to replace it before it becomes irrelevant in the current market.

Next on our wish list for a new Corolla: an update on what ultra-efficient engine might be found under its hood, and the potential for a more exciting driving experience in the form of a sporty trim level or two.  The fresh looks of the Furia Concept give us hope that the Corolla can return to player status from a design and dynamics perspective.