2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition Sees Red
How can the Toyota Corolla Hatchback increase customer interest two years after its debut and ward off the sexy new Mazda3 in the process? By launching an equally attractive, limited-edition model, that’s how!
Similar to its Japanese rival, this unique Corolla stands out with a rich scarlet hue (the same Supersonic Red introduced on the 2021 RAV4 Prime). It’s one of two new colours for 2021, the other being Wind Chill Pearl. A black contrasting roof is optionally available.
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The car also sports black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive body kit that includes a sporty front splitter, side skirts, a black rear spoiler, a rear bumper garnish and a unique “Special Edition” badge.
Some Additional Extras
Like all other 2021 Corolla Hatchback models, the Special Edition adds rear seat-mounted side airbags, bringing the car’s total airbag count to 10. Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitor becomes standard on the SE grade and above.
Moreover, customers can now replace the spare tire with a tire repair kit, which lowers the cargo floor and adds 147 litres of total capacity (to 651 litres) behind the rear seats.
Nothing New Under the Hood
Some will be a bit disappointed to find no mechanical or technical upgrades. The Special Edition uses the same multi-link rear suspension and 168-horsepower 2.0-litre engine as other Corolla Hatchbacks.
On top of that, the six-speed manual transmission is not available, so you’ll be stuck with a CVT. At least this one includes simulated 10-speed sequential Shiftmatic steps, a Sport mode and paddle shifters.
Limited to just 200 units in Canada, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition will go on sale in late summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The Best is Yet to Come
The Corolla Hatchback lineup continues with S, SE, SE Upgrade and XSE models. The Nightshade Edition is back, too, sporting blacked-out accents and black 18-inch alloy wheels to the customer’s choice of Midnight Black Metallic or Super White exterior colour.
Of course, the cream of the crop will be the future GR Corolla, a true hot hatch expected to deliver around 250 horsepower along with improved handling. Hopefully we’ll have more details to share with you in the coming weeks.