TOYOTA is bringing back the cool factor to one of its most beloved and best-selling models with a range of retro-inspired features.
The Japanese firm has unveiled the next-generation Corolla Hatchback FX that’s coming exclusively to the US, featuring bold 1980s-inspired design elements that make it truly stand out.
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The new Hatchback FX, based on the entry-level Corolla SE grade that’s available in the US, is set to throw it back with a tasty black spoiler, glossy white 18-inch wheels with black wheel nuts, and the FX16-inspired rear badge.
Inspired by the E80 generation FX16 of the 1980s, there’s plenty to look at on the inside too, with black Sport Touring Seats which feature suede inserts, and orange contrast stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel and gear shifter boot.
There’s also three exterior finishes to choose from: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic.
However, the Hatchback FX doesn’t get any more power, and it isn’t available as a more powerful hybrid.
They will be hard to come by, though, with just 1,600 examples to be made available for US buyers – in a nod to the 1600cc 4AGE engine which powered the original FX16.
Toyota US, who’ve dubbed the Corolla Hatchback FX as a “blast from the past”, is yet to announce its price for the model – although the SE starts from $23,780 before taxes and on-road costs, while the high performance all-wheel drive GR Corolla is priced from $38,860 – so maybe somewhere in the middle?
It’s expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall.
The Corolla, which is the world’s all-time best selling nameplate with a milestone of 50 million reached in 2021, is currently on its 12th generation – which was first released in 2018.
Available as a hatchback, estate and sedan, the model consistently ranks highly among the best-selling cars in the US, largely thanks to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
This comes as drivers looking to splash out on a new car can save nearly half the price on a brand-new Toyota, but only if they live in the right place.
A massive new $25,000 rebate is tied to a niche eco-friendly model that already has a small footprint in the US.
The limited-time offer is for the 2025 Toyota Mirai.
The hydrogen-powered sedan is getting a massive cash incentive from Toyota, but only for buyers who go through the brand’s promotional financing.
Between May 1 and June 2, Toyota is offering $25,000 in Financing Subvention Cash on the 2025 Mirai.
The deal can be paired with 0% APR for 72 months, as long as the buyer uses Toyota’s approved financing.
The rebate cuts the base price of the 2025 Mirai from $52,890 to $27,890 including destination charges.
That’s a 47% discount for a luxury-style sedan that most people haven’t even heard of.
Hyundai and Amazon’s digital car-buying platform
In November 2023, Hyundai and Amazon announced their partnership.
The collaboration between the Korean automaker and online shopping giant promised to bring “innovative new experiences” to customers.
The pilot program said that Amazon would launch online vehicle sales in the US, starting with Hyundai in 2024.
“Customers will be able to search on Amazon for available vehicles in their area based on a range of preferences, including model, trim, color, and features, choose their preferred car, and then check out online with their chosen payment and financing options—all within the Amazon experience they already know and trust,” the companies announced in a press release.
On top of the move to online car sales, Hyundai named Amazon Web Services as its preferred cloud provider to help with operations. Plus, the companies said that Alexa would be built-in to Hyundai’s next-generation vehicles.
“Hyundai is a very innovative company that shares Amazon’s passion for trying to make customers’ lives better and easier every day,” Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said at the announcement at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
“Our broad, strategic partnership should do just that, from changing the ease with which customers can buy vehicles online, to making it simple to use Alexa in Hyundai vehicles for entertainment, shopping, smart home adjustments, and calendar checks, to enabling Hyundai to transform their customer experiences and business operations by moving to AWS.
“We look forward to inventing together for many years.”
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, shared a similar statement.
“Partnering with one of the world’s most customer-centric organizations unlocks incredible opportunities as we continue to expand our portfolio, grow our sales network, transition to electrification and realize the future of smart mobility,” Chang said.
“Amazon is the ideal partner to help realize our vision of progress for humanity, including improving how people and goods move more efficiently and sustainably.
“Hyundai is the first automotive company available for full end-to-end transactions in Amazon’s U.S. store and this is another example of how we continue to push for ways to elevate the customer journey together with our outstanding retail partners.”