Toyota knows about hybrids having been the first manufacturer to introduce one ie the Prius to a UK audience in 1997.
The hybrid Corolla is a generously equipped hatchback that competes for size with the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Renault Megane.
There’s a choice of two self charging hybrids with the environmental and economic benefits most of us are looking for today.
Corolla Hybrid Model Highlights
Model highlights of the Corolla Hybrid include:
- LED daytime running lights and LED tracer lights
- Toyota Safety Sense 2 with Adaptive Cruise Control and 4.2” colour TFT
- Heated Seats with Lumbar Support
- 8” touchscreen with Toyota Touch® 2 media system with 6 speakers and DAB & Bluetooth®
- Reversing Camera
- Heated, Power-adjustable & Retractable door mirrors
The 2 litre hybrid demonstrates the best performance, the 1.8 hybrid has the best emissions and mpg and the 1.2 Turbo is best avoided, according to AutoTrader.
Corolla Practicality
This isn’t the most accommodating car in the hatchback class. Rear legroom is average and sporty-like front seats could limit this space further for the feet of passengers sitting in the back.
The boot of the 2 litre Hybrid holds a mediocre 313 litres although the 1.2 petrol and 1.8 Hybrid gain a slightly larger 361-litre space.
While the rear seats fold down easily, please note there is a dip from the loading lip into the boot floor.
Corolla Driveability
The Corolla’s handling is faultless, with smooth steering, lots of grip and a nicely balanced feel around corners.
Corolla Hybrid Value For Money
Hybrids potentially offer diesel-like fuel economy figures with super-low emissions ratings.
Studies have shown that, in urban environments, Toyota’s hybrids can run in their zero-emission, electric vehicle (EV) modes for substantially more than half the distance and time of a typical, congested commute. This is where the Corolla Hybrid models will really earn their keep.
The UK prices for the Corolla range are neither wildly expensive nor notably cheap, but one thing the Toyota has in its favour are very strong predicted residual values; their reputation means they depreciate slower than others so they’re considerably better than the class average.
