Toyota Corolla divides the world

Toyota has split the world with its all-new Corolla sedan and, in the process, is likely to split opinions in Australia. But there is no changing the umpire's decision on the car that's coming downunder.

We are getting the new European Corolla, pictured here in white, not the red American model. The difference is only in the detail, but the US car is clearly more aggressive around the nose and - helped by the splash of red on the bodywork - looks more desirable than the vanilla wrapped Euro model.

It's up to you, but Toyota Australia is talking up its choice as it readies the sedan for action in early 2014 alongside the Corolla hatch that currently heads the race to be Australia's showroom favourite for 2013.

It says the Euro look is closer to the style for Australia - without actually confirming the final details - and that it is already ahead in informal polling with potential buyers. But neither of the Corollas picks up the flair and impact of the car on which they are based, the Furia concept unveiled last year.

That's no surprise as the Corolla sedan must be a sales success in 47 countries, which helps explain the simultaneous unveilings more than 10,000 kilometres apart, one at Istanbul in Turkey and the other in Santa Monica, USA.

Away from the design, the car delivers extra cabin space and lower noise levels. But final details and pricing - including the all-important sub-$20,000 starting sticker that's already working well to bait the Corolla hatch - will not be released for more than six months.

Regardless of how it looks, the new car is part of the 11th generation Corolla model and will be built in 16 different factories. Supplies for Australia are likely to come from - not Europe or the USA, but Japan.