by Updated Corolla Sedans for the Chinese Market
While the world awaits the all-new generation of the Toyota Corolla, recently shown as a concept, the Chinese market is receiving an update right now. Local buyers will deal with facelifted versions of the current sedan before a completely new model appears.
FAW Toyota has introduced the updated Corolla, and GAC Toyota has introduced the Levin L. Both models have received a longer wheelbase and updated interior technologies, developed specifically with the preferences of local customers in mind.
Exterior and Interior Changes of the FAW Toyota Corolla
The Corolla from the Toyota and FAW joint venture looks similar to the Prius sedan thanks to redesigned ‘hammer’-style headlights and a cleaner front bumper. Compared to the regular Corolla, this version has a wheelbase that is 50 mm longer, which positively affects rear passenger legroom—a key indicator for the Chinese market. The updated wheelbase is 2750 mm.
The rest of the body has remained almost unchanged. The most noticeable addition is a new LED light strip that connects the rear taillights—a detail borrowed from another elongated Corolla derivative, the Allion model.
The interior has been completely updated: a more modern dashboard with horizontal lines and new trim materials has appeared. Buttons on the center console have been removed, replaced by a large 12.9-inch freestanding multimedia system screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The center tunnel has also been redesigned, adding fast wireless charging. New front seats with integrated headrests and fresh upholstery further emphasize the update. The base configuration includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance system.
Updates to the GAC Toyota Levin L Model
The Levin L from GAC Toyota, which is a more classic variant compared to the FAW Corolla, has retained most of the stylistic features of the previous Levin GT model. It looks sportier and more similar to the Corolla sedan for the US market. As with the Corolla, the Levin L has received a longer wheelbase of 2750 mm, although visually the differences from the standard model are minimal.
Inside, the Levin L’s cabin is almost identical to the FAW Corolla’s interior, but with a different choice of trim. GAC Toyota has confirmed that the multimedia system runs on the Huawei HiCar 5.0 platform, powered by the new Qualcomm 8155P chip.
Engines and Sales Prospects
Both models, the FAW Toyota Corolla and the GAC Toyota Levin L, are offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Buyers can choose a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine producing 114 hp, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 170 hp, or a hybrid system based on a 1.8-liter engine producing 135 hp. All variants are paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.
The updated GAC Toyota Levin L and FAW Toyota Corolla sedans are expected to arrive on the Chinese market in the coming weeks. Information on pricing has not been disclosed yet. It is unlikely that the updated design and technologies will be offered for Corolla models sold outside of China.
This facelift clearly demonstrates Toyota’s strategy of adapting global models to the specific demands of the world’s largest automotive market. The elongated wheelbase, local technological partnerships, such as the integration of the Huawei system, and the emphasis on passenger space are classic techniques for winning over the Chinese consumer. Interestingly, even within the same platform, the two joint ventures manage to create products with different characters, offering a choice between the bolder design of the Corolla and the conservative Levin L. Such deep updates for a separate market may also indicate that the appearance of a completely new generation on a global level could be delayed longer than expected.
