The Toyota Corolla is a car that appeals to many tastes – but the Japanese brand has launched an ad campaign for the latest version of the car which is aimed at challenging its vanilla image.

The ad for the all-new Corolla, which is known in some markets as the Auris, features 19-year-old Ukrainian-born male model Stav Strashko – who identifies as transgender – strutting in front of the car in a red bikini, before losing his jacket and posing in front of the car topless.

The taglines ''not in trend, not casual, not for everyone'' flash on screen while the androgynous model, who appears female in most of the shots, stares into the camera.

Strashko has posted the ad on his Facebook page, with the comment: ''Omg Its finally out, my ass and face on toyota's new auris commercial!!!!''

The ad is reportedly only going to be shown in Japan.

The new Corolla hatchback will be revealed at the Paris motor show in September.

-Fairfax Australia