Toyota Corolla Axio “50 Limited” commemorates half a century of Corolla history – limited to 500 units

The Corolla nameplate is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Toyota is commemorating the occasion with a special edition Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid G “50 Limited” that will go on sale in Japan on September 1. Confusingly, this is different from the other commemorative special edition models announced earlier this year, being a throwback model that specifically harkens back to the original Corolla.

Limited to just 500 units, the car is differentiated from regular Axio models through standard-fit bi-beam LED headlights, a dotted-effect lower grille, side skirts, 16-inch alloy wheels, smoked LED tail lights, sports seats and piano black interior trim. These were all included on the earlier “W x B” commemorative model, so what is so special about this particular model?

Well, the “50 Limited” gains unique badging at the rear of the car that is reminiscent of the one found on the first-generation Corolla – depicting three flowers over the letter “C”. This is a direct representation of the origin of the Corolla name, which means “crown of flowers” in Latin. The rear badge is repeated through the special embroidery on the seat backs.

Speaking of which, the interior is decked out in red leather upholstery and trim panels, another throwback to the original – the colour was reproduced through modern technology at the company’s Design Division, using a sample from the first Corolla.

As with regular Axio Hybrid models, the “50 Limited” is powered by a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine, mated to an electric motor and an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT) – outputs are rated at 74 PS and 111 Nm of torque. Available in either White Pearl Crystal Shine or Black Mica, it is offered in a sole two-wheel drive variant, priced at 2,400,000 yen (RM93,945).

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