Continuously produced since 1966 and now in its eleventh generation, the Corolla->ke1039 has not only become Toyota's->ke88 most popular product, but also the best-selling automotive nameplate in history. The model snatched that title from the Volkswagen Beetle->ke318 back in 2013, with no less than 40 million Corollas manufactured up to then and plenty more since. With the 2015 Chicago Auto show->ke225 right around the corner, Toyota decided to bring a number of limited-edition models to the event to accompany the refreshed Avalon, among which will be a Corolla Special Edition.->ke2041

While Toyota hasn't said what the special occasion is, the upcoming 50-year anniversary of the Corrolla nameplate makes sense. Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus trim level, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will have a number of unique features as standard, most of which improve either comfort and functionality or add a slightly sportier flavor to the otherwise bland compact model.

Updated 07/17/2015: Toyota revealed prices for the 2016 Corolla Special Edition, which will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016 and will be limited to approximately 8,000 units. Prices will start from $20,635.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition.

2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition

Pros

Cons

Exterior

The North American version of the eleventh-generation Corolla is less than two years old in 2015, but that hasn't stopped Toyota from pushing it back into the public's attention via the add-ons sported by the Special Edition. The model comes standard with a set of 17-inch, light-alloy wheels with a special design and a gloss black finish, while the only exterior colors available are Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White, all of them exclusive to the Special Edition.

Other than that, the same wide-mouth grille and somewhat angry headlights adorn the front end, giving the latest Corolla a much more aggressive overall look compared to any of its predecessors. The side profile isn't particularly progressive though, featuring a subtle crease that acts as a character line and rises upward toward the rear. Speaking of which, the rear end is somewhat classic-looking, with a pair of taillights that are connected by a horizontal line on the trunk and various origami-like creases on each side of the bumper.

Interior

The 2016 Corolla Special Edition features a black interior with red contrasting stitching and a red accented dash and door trim for a sportier feel. As standard, the model also comes with a Smart Key System with pushbutton start and Special Edition floor mats with logos and exterior badges that are unique to the model. Toyota says that the Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and powered sunroof with tilt and slide functions will be availabe as options for buyers who want the extra comfort amenities. Other than that, every part of the interior is obviously identical with a run-of-the-mill Corolla S Plus.

Drivetrain

Just like the Corolla S Plus that is used as a base, the Special Edition version is powered by a 1.8-liter four-banger with 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque that can be paired with a continuous variable transmission (CVT). No performance-adding modifications have been made on the limited-edition model.

Prices

The new 2016 Corolla Special Edition is priced at $20,635. It will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016 and will be limited to approximately 8,000 units.

Competition

Ford Focus Sedan

Unlike the latest Corolla, which has an exclusive design for North America, the 2015 Ford Focus Sedan is a global model. The closest competitor to the Corolla Special Edition in terms of performance and price would probably be the Focus Sedan Titanium, which starts at a heftier $23,995 MSRP but also comes with just about every option.

Speaking of which, the Focus has almost always been heralded as having the sportiest chassis in its segment, and the latest generation is no exception. Powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, the model is also quite a bit faster than the Toyota.

Chevrolet Cruze

Slightly redesigned for 2015, the Chevrolet Cruze is among the youngest rivals for the Corolla, having been originally launched in the U.S. back in 2010. Based on the GM Delta II architecture, which also underpins the Buick Verano and the new Cascada, the Cruze is still pretty modern in terms of technology.

An equivalent Cruze version would probably be the 2LT Automatic, which is powered by a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet for torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Slightly more expensive that its rivals equipped this way, the model starts at $24,095 MSRP. An all-new generation will be unveiled soon, so a direct comparison with the Corolla Special Edition will not last very long.

Conclusion

Manufactured only between August and December 2015 and limited to just 8,000 units, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition is likely to become a rarity among other Corollas. While some of the exclusive features sported by the model may be well received by some of its customers, especially younger ones, the truth is that it doesn't really have that much of a special flavor to it. Its success will obviously also depend on the starting price, but when you think about it only a couple of its features are trully worthy of the "Special Edition" designation, and they aren't exactly ground-breaking. All in all, the special Corolla model isn't expected to draw much attention from the redesigned Avalon, which it accompanies at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Updated History

Updated 02/13/2015: The 2016 Corolla Special Edition made its world debut at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show and we were there to bring you some nice live shots of the car. Check them out in the "Pictures" tab.