2022 Toyota Corolla, C-HR gain new infotainment, Australia unclear

The 2022 Toyota Corolla and 2022 Toyota C-HR ranges have been updated in Europe with new design options and a new infotainment system, but there's no indication of when the changes are expected to roll into Australian showrooms.

The European-market Corolla and C-HR become the third and fourth Toyota group vehicles to feature the new system – known as Toyota Smart Connect in Europe, or with no branding in the US – following the new Lexus NX medium luxury SUV, and the Toyota Tundra pick-up.

Displayed on carry-over 8.0-inch touchscreens, the system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay (rather than the wired systems in today's cars), wired Android Auto, and a voice assistant that "recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows."

Available as an option in Europe is a built-in, cloud-based satellite navigation system with live traffic functionality, 3D mapping, fixed speed camera locations, and highway speed signs.

Powered by a processor (in the Corolla) said to be 2.4 times faster than the current Corolla's unit, the new infotainment system also includes over-the-air software updates, and a "data communications module" that downloads navigation data and other connected services through the car's data services, rather than the driver's phone plan.

Buyers get four years' worth of cloud navigation, parking data, road event information, voice assistant and over-the-air free updates – bundled together in a Toyota Smart Connect package – as standard in the vehicle price.

Joining the overhauled infotainment systems in the European-market Corolla and C-HR are a selection of new special editions, along with new colour and wheel options.

The Corolla gains Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic exterior colours – the latter of which is already available in Australia – in both single-tone and two-tone (with contrasting black roof colours) forms, along with a new 17-inch machined wheel design for mid-spec sedan models.

Europe gets a new Trek Special Edition, based on the existing Corolla Touring Sports Trek – a high-riding, off-road-themed version of the Corolla wagon not sold in Australia, with its name linked to professional cycling – with unique alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds, piano black interior door handles, black leather seats, and satin chrome interior accents.

Meanwhile, the C-HR picks up a new mid-spec 'C-LUB' variant – expected to command more than half of European sales – adding Amethyst (purple) paint, contrasting silver or black pillars, roof and spoilers, restyled 18-inch wheels, unique fabric and synthetic leather trim, and gunmetal interior accents.

Order books for the 2022 Toyota Corolla and 2022 Toyota C-HR ranges will open in Europe by the end of November and sometime in December respectively, with deliveries in certain European markets to commence in early 2022.

While the special editions are unlikely to come to Australia (particularly the Corolla Trek Special Edition), it's likely the new infotainment systems will make their way Down Under in the coming years, across the entire Toyota range – but that is yet to be confirmed by Toyota Australia.

In a statement, a local Toyota spokesperson said: "Toyota Australia is always considering updates and developments to its multimedia products based on the global availability of technology. However, at this stage we have no announcements to make on updates to the platform for our infotainment systems."