For Toyota Motor Corp., China wasn¡¯t always the first pit stop when it came to unveiling key car models. But this time, it¡¯s different.

The automaker took the wraps off the all-new Corolla ¡ª and its China-only twin, Levin ¡ª at a global premiere in Guangzhou on Friday, hours before it was put on display in California. The move marks Toyota¡¯s deeper push into the world¡¯s biggest auto market where it is trailing rivals.

The Corolla, the staid workhorse that seldom makes heads turn but is still loved universally, is getting a face-lift at a time sedans are losing their sheen in the U.S. while gaining followers in China. Built on Toyota¡¯s new global architecture platform, the models to be unveiled will offer more connectivity and intelligent features to lure Chinese buyers.