WATCH: Toyota's radical new Corolla and Hi-Ace concepts, SA-bound FJ Cruiser debut at Japan Mobility Show

From the striking new Corolla concept to the futuristic Hi-Ace concept and rugged Land Cruiser FJ, Toyota had something for everyone at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, held in Tokyo this week.

Approaching the Japanese manufacturer’s stand, it was difficult to get up close and personal with the highly anticipated new Land Cruiser FJ, such was the intense interest shown in this new 4x4.

As previously reported, the new FJ is under consideration for South Africa. However, with the Japanese launch only scheduled for mid-2026, don’t expect to see it on local shores any time soon.

Built around the IMV platform that also underpins the current Hilux and Fortuner, the FJ aims to make the Land Cruiser sub-brand more accessible to prospective consumers, without taking away any of its associated ruggedness. It has a traditional four-wheel drive system with low-range, and a proven 2.7-litre normally aspirated petrol engine with 120kW, although it remains to be seen whether a diesel will ever be added to the range.

The cabin, though sporting a digital instrument cluster and large central touchscreen, maintains the hard-wearing and rugged appeal of the exterior, and the boot is certainly spacious.

Toyota Corolla Concept

The dependable Corolla has never been much of a head-turner, but that looks set to change with the next-generation model.

The Corolla Concept, revealed at the show, gives us a taste of what to expect from the next Corolla. Although we don’t know to what extent the production model will be toned down, this show car certainly does promise a lot more visual excitement than before.

The interior is equally radical, with all user interfaces and controls packed tightly around the steering wheel.

Details remain thin on the ground, but it is widely reported that the new Corolla will offer a wide variety of powertrains, including internal combustion (ICE), hybrid and electric.

The ICE models will likely use Toyota’s newly developed 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, while hybrid versions could pair these with BYD’s hybrid technology in an extension of the collaboration that began with the Chinese market bZ3X.

Bold new Hi-Ace Concept

Another household name that looks set for a bold remake is the Hi-Ace.

As with the Corolla, we don’t know how closely this design concept previews the production model, and certain aspects will most certainly be toned down, with the concept’s small windows and in-cabin screens making way for conventional windows. The concept also lacks B-pillars, for easier loading of people and goods, but the showroom model could return to a more conventional layout.

Not many details have been revealed thus far, but speculation runs rife that electric power could be on the cards for the next Hi-Ace.

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