Corolla sales have gone up because the Gli is the only complete and afordable car in Pakistan at the moment.
The Liana is more complete and more affordable.
But may be lack of ABS brakes is one of the causes
as it is an expansive system and if we add its cost to city's price it will be more than GLi's price.
The new City does have ABS.
the appreciation from your family, relatives, colleague and even strangers when they see you owning a 'big' car.
In a nutshell , people are not very smart. They choose the most ridiculous reasons for buying a car.
"Hey , i'll buy an Xli , put an Altis badge on it and everyone will think im driving a "big" car!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!" 
IMO the Liana and City are both much better deals. Yes yes , the Corolla is in a different category and all that , but that shouldn't apply over here since we have stripped down versions.