Saw a mule for a Corolla Hatchback on the road!

Is this a sign that Toyota is testing and developing a hatchback version of the Corolla, not the Matrix. I have a picture. I didn't have enough time to take a picture of the back, but it looked very different from the current Corolla back end, even though the front is identical.

 

Interesting...

 

nice find i always love seeing "top secret" new cars.

 

I thought the Matrix was the hatchback version of the Corolla. Maybe it's the new compact version of the Venza?

 

Matrix is a different car all together. Perhaps effectively the same as a hatchback Corolla, but it's not actually that.

That car looks more like a wagon than a hatchback.

 

Supersized Yaris?

 

The Matrix IS a Corolla hatchback, it's 100% the same platform other than the body sheetmetal. Actually, it's technically a Corolla wagon because it has four doors, but so does whatever's camouflaged up there in the picture.

Incorrect. The Matrix and Corolla share the same underpinnings, same engine, same transmission, etc.
In fact, Toyota reports Matrix sales as Corolla sales, and the Matrix is called the Corolla Matrix in most foreign countries where it's offered because Corolla name recognition is so big overseas. Again, the only differences are the interior trim and the wagon body.

 

FINE! You and your damn facts.

 

Where did you take the pic?

 

I will say if this is a Corolla wagon it doesn't seem to have much space at ALL in the back. The Matrix is the same way but solves this usability issue via fold-flat seat jiggery-pokery, effectively turning it into a two seater with an SUV-sized cargo area. Perhaps ToMoCo is following a similar mechanic here.

 

You wanna get some "mule" pics, hang out on I-75 in Florida. All the stuff I've seen have Michigan Manufacturer plates and camo'd panels. They must drive'm from Michigan to Florida and back. It seems like every-time I go to visit my parents in Tampa there is a convoy of these test vehicles. Pretty cool stuff no matter who's sheet-metal it is.

 

very true!!! seein how im from florida n 75 aint but a 20 minute drive from my house...ive seen a lot of vw's n GM vehicles...it does look like a mini venza

 

On Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, CA.

 

That's awesome! If I ever go down to Florida, I'll definitely go there. lol. This was my first spy shot, I got excited