A few years ago Toyota dropped the thirsty Supra, the Celica and MR2 range are to be dropped this year, and now we hear that its the end of the road for the Toyota Corolla. Frankly we're amazed at the changes at Toyota, and you would easily be forgiven that the company is facing hard times, when in fact it's going from strength to strength. There have been 3 versions of the company's fantastic mid engined MR2, and seven generations of the popular Celica but Toyota is changing its image, and moving on.
But we're still amazed that the replacement for the current Corolla range will not be wearing the Corolla badge that has adorned Toyota's small car since 1966. Companies have of course changed car names before, perhaps the most famous being the Escort name being dropped in favour of the Focus, but the Corolla badge has been worn by more cars than any other badge in automotive history - over 30 million sales worldwide. In some markets, a four door version of the new car will keep the Corolla (or Rolla to enthusiasts) name alive. We don't know what name will replace the car, nor what the new 'Rolla' will look like yet; however, as far as looks go, we're expecting something a little like a Yaris on steroids and we're guessing it's going to be good. That said, we're not huge fans of every revision of the car, so we're hoping that the new one's going to be at least as good as the current version which we like - a lot.
Toyota News
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Toyota are said to be developing mind reading devices for inclusion in future models of their cars, and these will be used to adapt your car's settings according to how you are feeling. But don't expect to your Celica, MR2, Avensis or Corolla adjusting itself to your mood any time soon.
Hyundai have facelifted their popular Coupe once again, and it looks good. The 'Korean Ferrari' has changed shape several times in its life and not always to the customer's liking. However, this latest revision, which will be on sale towards the end of 2006 looks great; the lines are leaner and meaner with a relatively agressive look from the front.
Lotus have re-introduced a new entry level model back into the Elise line up by installing Toyota's 1.8 litre VVTi into their fantastic little sports car. Like the Toyota VVTLi engine used in the Elise 111S, the VVTi is currently used in a variety of Toyotas, including the Generation 7 Celicas and the Mk3 MR2s, though these cars are both about to be dropped by Toyota.
Toyota fans distraught at the news of the MR2s demise currently have two options if they want to get their hands on a fantastic Toyota mid-engined sports car.
Toyota's Avensis was all new in 2003, and that was pretty obvious. The 2003 model was completely different to the one that preceded it. This time round, most people, including Toyota enthusiasts, are struggling to tell the difference between the 2006 model, and the 2003 model that it replaces.
Despite the wealth of new and old media telling us what we should and shouldn't buy, the purchase of a new, or second hand car, is a very personal thing. What you want from a car probably isn't what I want from one, so how can any advice help you? | 