Teased in a single image that only reveals the LED headlights, lower honeycomb air intake, part of the thin strip grille and LED fog lights, the sedan will feature the same front end as the hatch and ride on the automaker’s TGNA platform, although the rear remains a mystery in spite of apparent previews in the form of a recent render and leaked magazine pictures last year.

Inside, the interior will mirror that of what was previously known as the Auris in design, layout and equipment, with the same expected of the engine. In the States, power comes from a single 2.0-litre Dynamic Force petrol that produces 125kW/210Nm, teamed to a six-speed manual gearbox or the new 10-step Direct Shift CVT. 

In other markets, the sedan is likely to be offered with the 85kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.8-litre hybrid that produces 90kW and a 2.0-litre hybrid producing 132kW, although a normally aspirated 1.6 will be available in Ireland.

As the Chinese spec Corolla is likely to be similar to the Corolla Axio sold in a number of other Asian markets, the US version, which could also be on the cards for release in Australia, might well go on sale in South Africa next year along with the hatch, though this remains purely speculative.