Corolla to dust for

Yeah, let's hope this Japanese version of the 11th generation Toyota Corolla won't be forming the basis of the international variant.

The all-new Corolla you see here in official pictures has just been released in Japanese showrooms and comes with a conservative shape, smaller package and downsized engines. The interior design is also on the traditional side, aping some styling cues from its bigger brother Camry.

If you'd thought the days of bland Toyotas were over, think again. This Corolla surely contrasts overseas reports that Toyota's boss has vowed to make future models more exciting to look at.

Why has the Corolla shrunk in size?

Steering apes that of bigger Camry.

Perhaps Toyota believes that it can repackage the Corolla with more compact dimensions (50mm reduction in length) for better driving agility while also maintaining spacious cabin. In fact, that's what happened in Honda's latest Civic.

While the 1.8- and 1.5-litre petrol engines have been maintained, there's a new 1.3-litre option on the entry-level front for the Japanese to choose from. A smooth-shifting CVT automatic is available across the Corolla range.

Is Toyota trying to create more air between the Corolla and Prius?

There's a chance Toyota could be thinking along that line. You see, the Prius family of cars is a new generation family car sold exclusively with hybrid engines which Toyota intends to make it a global success.

Sure, the Corolla has been around for more than 10 generations and been dubbed the world's best-selling car during its best years. But that doesn't mean the Corolla can't make way for another model.

But the Corolla is favoured by Thai cabbies...

Certainly, particularly in CNG-powered variation. It's hard to see Toyota Motor Thailand ditching such a lucrative target of the Corolla.

But it remains interesting to see how Toyota will rationalise its future passenger car line-up in the country, now that its production facilities have been taken to next level to accommodate cars with advanced technology like the Prius.

But if Toyota still wants to sell the Corolla in world markets, this Japanese version is unlikely to win the palates of Thais in styling terms.