Toyota is practically a synonym for reliability. Thanks, in part to a history of dependability and consistency, and the rest is down to an utterly invincible pick-up truck.
The brands loyal customers buy one Toyota after another, and for good reason; reliability. At one-point British car builders were working to the nearest centimetre, meanwhile Toyota engineers were working to millimetre precision.
In 2017 the boss of Toyota, the biggest car company in the world, told his engineers to “stop building boring cars”. And since that moment, the company hasn’t looked back. The launch of the new C-HR and RAV4 SUV’s was a watershed moment, and now it is the turn of the best-selling car in the world.
After eleven former versions of the Corolla, a World Rally Championship title, and 44 million copies, the twelfth Toyota Corolla is once again available. And for the first-time ever, fitted with Toyota’s tried and tested efficient Self-Charging Hybrid technology.
Looks
The last family hatchback and estate from Toyota was the reliable but bland Auris. A name as forgettable as the… uh, what was it called?
Anyway, the Auris is history. Toyota’s engineers have taken lessons from the cult following of the C-HR and given the new Corolla a sharp and angular front end. The bright LED headlights are standard on all models and give the Corolla an assertive stance.
The back of the car depends on which model you pick. The Corolla is available in three models; the popular Hatchback, the spacious Sports Tourer, and the business-suave Saloon. The hatchback will be the pick of the bunch, but the practical Sports Tourer offers a new niche in the market, as a sleek Self-Charging Hybrid Estate.
Toyota’s sporting success means that these models have benefited from their racing teams know how in a ‘GR Sport’ model. Which improves airflow with an additional body kit and grill, but still benefits from the brands most popular hybrid engines.
Interior
The interior of the new Corolla is driver focused. The dashboard is dominated by swathes of black gloss, and buttons are kept to a minimum except a few handy shortcuts around the display. When the ignition is off the inside is simplicity at its finest, but press the start button, and the car comes alive; the dials spin and reset, and the multimedia welcomes you into the cockpit.
Driving in the new Corolla is now safer than any Corolla before it. As well as the standard safety features we have come to expect, Toyota also include its suite of intelligent safety technology, called ‘SafetySense’ The range of sensors help keep the car safely in lane, and also detect what others around it are doing, and acts accordingly. As well as a self-parking mechanism which takes some time to get used too.
Depending on the trim, changes your level of comfort. ‘Icon’ & ‘Design’ models feature smart black cloth seating, ‘GR Sport’ features Semi-Leather sports seats, range topping ‘Excel’ models are only versions in the line-up to be adorned with a full leather sports seats with red stitching. Meanwhile the Sports Tourer ‘Trek’ edition is the only one available with a chic Melange mixed fibre grey cloth and mocha trim. Which sets new standards in interior design, taking ques from modern lounge and sofa fabrics.
Engines
Over twenty years ago Toyota was telling the world that Self-Charging Hybrid cars were the future. And in this time, they have perfected the technology better that anyone else. Which is probably why WhatCar voted the Corolla ‘Best Hybrid” (2020).
And, in the best hybrid available there are two choices. A 1.8 and a 2.0 – both are simple Self-Charging Hybrids, without any need to plug-in over night. The calm, refined, and most notably, efficient 1.8 engine is found in Toyota’s best-selling medium-sized models. It is tried, tested, and built to serve many happy miles. Toyota says this will continue to be the best-seller, making up 90% of the Corolla’s sales.
The new 2.0 is something else. It’s keen to freely rev through the gears, with a pace that keeps the 0-60 under a nippy eight seconds. The electric motor gives an instant boost, making up for the lack of a turbo, and all four cylinders take over at higher speeds. In the end you’ll still expect over 50mpg – which isn’t something other 180+ horse power hatchbacks can brag about.
The Competition
For years Toyota was the sole occupant of the self-charging Hybrid market. But now, after proving that there is a future for Hybrid cars, other manufacturers have caught-up in this very exciting class.
The Corolla has a posh brother; the Lexus CT. Similar in size, and using the same 1.8 engine and hybrid technology, but based on the Auris architecture. It’s dated interior isn’t a patch on the Corolla’s modern style. For thousands more, the Lexus’ only trump card is its badge.
Real competition is offered in the form of the Hyundai Ioniq. This was the first mass-production car in the world to offered in a choice of Self-Charging Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and pure Electric. The Hyundai is a smart choice and while still a hatchback, it has a saloon profile. The Hyundai is cheaper and offers a like-for-like five-year warranty. Being a Hyundai the connectivity suite & sat-nav is flawless and incredibly easy to use, but the style is a little more tame than the energetic Corolla.
When it comes to making a choice between these two; the Hyundai is a hybrid that looks like a typical hybrid. Sleek, aerodynamic, and efficient. The Toyota Corolla however, is all of these things, but is wrapped up in a gorgeous looking ultra-modern hatchback.
Real competition comes from its stable mates; the Yaris, Prius, and C-HR Hybrid SUV. But the Corolla is arguably the most practical and best looking of the bunch. Which is why is won WhatCar’s “Hybrid Of The Year” this year (2020).
Also, for the time being, the Corolla’s spacious estate version, the Sports Tourer, has practically no competition. Making this version a very exciting prospect for active families and company car drivers.
Business User
For those that can’t rely on the inconvenience of plugging in their car on a daily basis, the Self-Charging Hybrid is the obvious choice. Thanks to Toyota’s the efficient hybrid system, the new Corolla is in the same business tax bracket as Toyota’s smallest model; the Aygo with a dinky 1.0 engine. But benefits from a much more exciting drive and choice of three roomy models.
Many business users will opt for the traditional business saloon in the ‘Design’ specification. It adds all of the features you want, without upping the monthly payments for unnecessary extras. However, managers and directors will likely choose the Hatchback or Sports Tourer as it is only these that are available in the range-topping ‘Excel’ and ‘GR Sport’ trims with all the additional features.
Island User
We’re being told by manufacturers that everybody wants an SUV, but if you look out on Island roads, you’ll still see mostly humble hatchbacks and expansive estates. Toyota’s Corolla ticks both of these boxes, but with the refinement and efficiency expected of a hybrid.
Push start, put the car in drive, and go about your day in silence, as the battery recharges as you drive. It couldn’t be simpler. Forty-four million buyers have put their trust in the Toyota Corolla name, and you can be sure it will safely cruise the Island’s roads without missing a beat thanks to Toyota’s dependable history and standard five-year warranty.
Also, have you tried getting a bike on the roof rack of an SUV? It’s a nightmare. Do yourself a favour and choose a hybrid estate.
Choices
The Value Choice: Toyota Corolla Hatchback ‘Icon’ 1.8 Self-Charging Hybrid
The Range-Topper: Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer ‘Excel’ 2.0 Self-Charging Hybrid.
The Local Favourite: Toyota Corolla Sports Tourer ‘Design’ 1.8 Hybrid Self-Charging Hybrid
Verdict
Self-charging hybrids are going to be the future for some time. They are the most convenient way to adopt efficient electrification into the way we drive, without having to fight over the charging stations on our way home from work.
There are other hybrid cars available on UK roads, and they are good. But why settle for good, when Toyota’s new Corolla has been voted the best Hybrid car. It ticks all the boxes; it is safe, refined, economical, and above all it looks great. With a five-year warranty and over twenty years’ experience in perfecting the art of the self-charging hybrid system, why look elsewhere?
If the Corolla’s magnetic looks are working their magic, and you’re thinking to speaking to your local dealership about a test drive, Toyota are also doing their part too. For a limited time, Toyota are offering 0% finance across the entire range.
Forty-four million buyers can’t be wrong, so the hardest part will be choosing which of the three Corolla’s suits your lifestyle best.
