With the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Special Edition, the Japanese automaker isn’t just debuting a new model. They’re foreshadowing what’s to come from the Toyota lineup.

The new version builds on the 2021 Corolla Hatchback SE with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The car is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower. It has a multi-link rear suspension, Sport drive mode, and paddle shifters.

Its exterior features a Supersonic Red paint job, black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels, and a body kit that adds a front splitter, side skirts, black rear roof spoiler, a rear bumper garnish, and Special Edition badge to the car. At the front are J-shaped bi-beam LED headlamps and LED taillamps sit at the rear.

The Corolla Hatchback Special Edition comes with the SE’s standard features list including an 8-inch infotainment touch screen, six speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Siri Eyes Free, an AUX jack, two USB ports, satellite radion, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and Bluetooth. Complementary Safety Connect, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi Connect trials come with purchase.

Additionally, there’s a leather-wrapped shift knob, electronic parking brake, keyless entry, and automatic up/down windows.

The model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. It has 10 airbags (up from eight on the traditional model.

Toyota backs the car with a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty and 60-month warranties that cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a no additional cost plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

Just 1,500 of the hot hatches will be made. Pricing has yet to be announced. The car will arrive at dealer lots late this summer.

As for the model alluding to the future, it’s easy to see what Toyota’s talking about. The Corolla Hatchback is about due for a refresh and that means that it would be the perfect time to include some of the features and equipment this Special Edition has on it, like the additional airbags.