The Toyota Corolla iM, known for its sleek design, reliable performance, and impressive fuel efficiency, was a favorite among many car enthusiasts. However, in 2018, Toyota announced that it would be discontinuing the Corolla iM model. This decision left many wondering why the company would choose to stop producing such a popular vehicle. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Corolla iM and explore the factors that led to this decision.
Introduction to the Corolla iM
The Corolla iM was introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the Scion iM. The Scion brand, which was a subsidiary of Toyota, was known for its youthful and trendy vehicles. The iM was one of the brand’s most popular models, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance. When Toyota decided to discontinue the Scion brand, the iM was rebranded as the Corolla iM. The Corolla iM was based on the Toyota Auris platform, which was also used for the European market Toyota Auris.
Design and Features
The Corolla iM featured a sporty and aerodynamic design, with a sleek front grille, LED headlights, and a rear spoiler. The vehicle was available in a range of colors, including Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, and Electric Storm Blue. The interior of the Corolla iM was well-appointed, with premium materials, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and a range of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring. The Corolla iM was also known for its impressive fuel efficiency, with an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Performance and Handling
The Corolla iM was powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 137 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle was available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Corolla iM was known for its smooth and quiet ride, making it an excellent choice for daily driving. The vehicle also handled well, with precise steering and responsive brakes.
Reasons for Discontinuation
So, why did Toyota decide to discontinue the Corolla iM? There are several reasons that contributed to this decision. One of the main reasons was the decline in sales. Despite its popularity, the Corolla iM was not selling as well as Toyota had hoped. The vehicle was competing in a crowded market, with many other compact cars offering similar features and performance. Additionally, the Corolla iM was not as profitable as some of Toyota’s other models, which made it a less attractive option for the company.
Market Trends and Competition
The automotive market is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. In recent years, there has been a shift towards larger and more luxurious vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks. This has led to a decline in sales of smaller cars, like the Corolla iM. Additionally, the competition in the compact car market is fierce, with many other manufacturers offering high-quality vehicles with advanced features and competitive pricing.
Toyota’s Focus on Other Models
Toyota has a wide range of models in its lineup, and the company must prioritize its resources and focus on the most profitable and popular vehicles. In recent years, Toyota has been focusing on its SUV and truck models, such as the RAV4 and the Tacoma. These vehicles have been incredibly popular, and Toyota has been investing heavily in their development and marketing. As a result, the Corolla iM was not receiving the same level of attention and resources, which ultimately contributed to its discontinuation.
Replacement Models
Although the Corolla iM is no longer in production, Toyota has introduced several new models that offer similar features and performance. The Corolla Hatchback is one such model, which was introduced in 2019. The Corolla Hatchback offers a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The vehicle is also available with a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain.
Comparison to the Corolla iM
The Corolla Hatchback is similar to the Corolla iM in many ways, but it also offers some key differences. The Corolla Hatchback has a more aggressive design, with a larger front grille and more angular lines. The vehicle also has a more premium interior, with available features like a 8-inch touchscreen display and a JBL premium audio system. In terms of performance, the Corolla Hatchback is similar to the Corolla iM, with a smooth and quiet ride and responsive handling.
Other Options
In addition to the Corolla Hatchback, Toyota offers several other models that may be of interest to fans of the Corolla iM. The Toyota Matrix is one such model, which was discontinued in 2014 but remains a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and practical vehicle. The Toyota Matrix was known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel efficiency.
| Model | Engine | Transmission | Fuel Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla iM | 1.8-liter 4-cylinder | 6-speed manual or CVT | 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway |
| Corolla Hatchback | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 6-speed manual or CVT | 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway |
| Toyota Matrix | 1.8-liter 4-cylinder | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic | 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway |
Conclusion
The Toyota Corolla iM was a unique and exciting vehicle that offered a blend of style, comfort, and performance. Although the model is no longer in production, Toyota has introduced several new models that offer similar features and capabilities. The Corolla Hatchback is one such model, which offers a range of advanced safety features, a premium interior, and impressive fuel efficiency. Whether you’re a fan of the Corolla iM or just looking for a reliable and practical vehicle, Toyota has a range of options to choose from. By understanding the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Corolla iM, we can appreciate the complexity and challenges of the automotive industry and the ways in which manufacturers must adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences.
What was the Corolla iM and how did it differ from other Corolla models?
The Corolla iM was a compact hatchback car that was part of the Toyota Corolla lineup. It was introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the Scion iM, which was a rebadged version of the Toyota Auris. The Corolla iM was designed to appeal to a younger demographic, with a more aggressive exterior design and a more feature-rich interior. It was available with a range of engine options, including a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine.
The Corolla iM differed from other Corolla models in several ways. For example, it had a more sloping roofline and a more angular front fascia, which gave it a sportier appearance. It also had a more premium interior, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display and a range of advanced safety features. Additionally, the Corolla iM was available with a range of trim levels, including a base model, a mid-level SE model, and a top-of-the-line XSE model. Each trim level offered a unique combination of features and options, which allowed buyers to customize their vehicle to suit their needs and preferences.
Why did Toyota decide to discontinue the Corolla iM?
Toyota decided to discontinue the Corolla iM due to a combination of factors. One of the main reasons was the changing market trends, which showed a decline in demand for hatchback cars in favor of crossover SUVs. As a result, Toyota shifted its focus towards producing more crossover SUVs, such as the Corolla Cross, which was introduced in 2020. Additionally, the Corolla iM was not selling as well as other Corolla models, and Toyota decided to simplify its lineup and focus on more popular models.
The discontinuation of the Corolla iM also allowed Toyota to eliminate redundancy in its lineup. The Corolla iM was similar to other Corolla models, such as the Corolla sedan, and Toyota decided to focus on producing a single, more streamlined Corolla model. This move also enabled Toyota to reduce production costs and allocate resources more efficiently. Furthermore, the discontinuation of the Corolla iM has given Toyota the opportunity to introduce new models that are better suited to the current market trends, such as the Corolla Hybrid, which offers improved fuel efficiency and a more environmentally friendly option for buyers.
What were some of the reasons behind the Corolla iM’s poor sales performance?
One of the main reasons behind the Corolla iM’s poor sales performance was the intense competition in the compact car market. The Corolla iM was competing with other popular models, such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda3, which offered similar features and options at competitive prices. Additionally, the Corolla iM’s design and styling were not as bold or innovative as some of its competitors, which may have made it less appealing to some buyers. The Corolla iM’s engine options were also not as powerful as some of its competitors, which may have been a turn-off for buyers who prioritized performance.
The Corolla iM’s poor sales performance was also due to its limited availability of options and features. For example, the Corolla iM was not available with an all-wheel-drive option, which is a feature that many buyers in colder climates look for. Additionally, the Corolla iM’s infotainment system was not as advanced as some of its competitors, which may have been a disappointment for some buyers. The Corolla iM’s pricing was also not as competitive as some of its competitors, which may have made it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Overall, the Corolla iM’s poor sales performance was due to a combination of factors, including intense competition, limited options and features, and a lack of bold design and styling.
How does the discontinuation of the Corolla iM affect Toyota’s lineup?
The discontinuation of the Corolla iM has resulted in a more streamlined and simplified Toyota lineup. With the elimination of the Corolla iM, Toyota has reduced the number of models it produces, which can help to reduce production costs and allocate resources more efficiently. The discontinuation of the Corolla iM has also allowed Toyota to focus on producing more popular models, such as the Corolla sedan and the RAV4 crossover SUV. Additionally, the discontinuation of the Corolla iM has given Toyota the opportunity to introduce new models that are better suited to the current market trends, such as the Corolla Cross and the Corolla Hybrid.
The discontinuation of the Corolla iM has also resulted in a more focused and targeted marketing strategy for Toyota. With a reduced number of models, Toyota can allocate more resources to promoting its remaining models, which can help to increase sales and brand awareness. Additionally, the discontinuation of the Corolla iM has allowed Toyota to reposition its brand and focus on producing more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. Overall, the discontinuation of the Corolla iM has resulted in a more streamlined and simplified Toyota lineup, which can help to improve the company’s efficiency and competitiveness in the market.
What are some alternative models that buyers can consider instead of the Corolla iM?
Buyers who are looking for a compact hatchback car can consider alternative models, such as the Honda Civic Hatchback, the Mazda3 Hatchback, and the Volkswagen Golf. These models offer similar features and options to the Corolla iM, such as a compact size, a hatchback design, and a range of engine options. Additionally, buyers can also consider crossover SUVs, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V, and the Mazda CX-3, which offer a more versatile and practical alternative to traditional hatchback cars.
The alternative models offer a range of benefits and features that may appeal to buyers who are looking for a compact car. For example, the Honda Civic Hatchback offers a more powerful engine option and a more advanced infotainment system, while the Mazda3 Hatchback offers a more premium interior and a more engaging driving experience. The Volkswagen Golf, on the other hand, offers a more spacious interior and a more advanced safety features. The crossover SUVs, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Honda HR-V, offer a more versatile and practical alternative to traditional hatchback cars, with features like a higher ground clearance and a more spacious interior.
What does the future hold for Toyota’s compact car lineup?
The future of Toyota’s compact car lineup is likely to be focused on producing more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. Toyota has already introduced the Corolla Hybrid, which offers improved fuel efficiency and a more environmentally friendly option for buyers. Additionally, Toyota is planning to introduce more crossover SUVs, such as the Corolla Cross, which offers a more versatile and practical alternative to traditional hatchback cars. Toyota is also investing heavily in electric vehicle technology, and is planning to introduce more electric and hybrid models in the near future.
The future of Toyota’s compact car lineup is also likely to be influenced by changing market trends and consumer preferences. As buyers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency, safety, and technology, Toyota will need to adapt its lineup to meet these demands. This may involve introducing more advanced safety features, such as autonomous driving technology, and more environmentally friendly engine options, such as hybrid and electric powertrains. Additionally, Toyota will need to focus on producing more stylish and desirable vehicles, with features like advanced infotainment systems and premium interiors. Overall, the future of Toyota’s compact car lineup is likely to be focused on producing more innovative, sustainable, and desirable vehicles that meet the evolving needs and preferences of buyers.