Toyota discontinues production of the $10,000 budget Corolla
If you thought new $10,000 cars didn't exist anymore - you just haven't looked for them in Japan. Toyota sells the Corolla E160 there, which it has been updating for more than 13 years. But its era is coming to an end: production of the Axio compact sedan and Fielder station wagon will end in October 2025.
What's known
This model is a relic of another era. It's based on the old generation Corolla, which was only sold in select markets. The Axio in basic configuration with manual transmission and front-wheel drive costs only 1.64 million yen (about $10,800 at current exchange rates), while the Fielder station wagon costs from $11,770. Even the all-wheel drive version with CVT automatic transmission will cost just $12,600.
Toyota Corolla Axio. Photo: Toyota
By comparison, the current global Corolla E210 model costs about twice as much. Yes, it's more technologically advanced and comfortable, but the Axio won in simplicity, maintenance costs, and affordability.
Toyota Corolla Fielder. Photo: Toyota
Why stop production? Toyota doesn't give an official reason, but we can assume it's about profitability, as well as safety and environmental standards. The E160 stayed in production for a long time thanks to its low price, simple design and lack of advanced electronics. However, increasing safety and environmental requirements are making such cars an endangered species.
Source: Motor1
