EFFICIENCY DIVIDEND
The Corolla Hybrid recovers its premium promptly and, in the sedan, comfortably
Australia’s new car market is on a long slide south but in 2019 we bought hybrids in record numbers. Sales of hybrid passenger cars to private buyers last year increased by nearly 70 per cent. Hybrid SUVs are up 675 per cent. And they’re nearly all Toyotas.
The Japanese giant has persevered, quietly and determinedly, with hybrid technology since the original Prius, launched nearly 20 years ago.
Diesel’s fall from grace and the increasing realisation that climate change is a fact have now brought hybrids into sharp focus as an efficient, low-emission option.
Pure electric cars are still not viable for many, due to issues with price, range and everyday usability, none of which affect hybrids.
Toyota now has hybrid drive in its CH-R, RAV4, Camry and Corolla. Today, we’re in the new Corolla Hybrid sedan.
VALUE
Our test car is the base Ascent Sport, at $26,355 plus on-roads. That’s a $1500 premium on its petrol-powered equivalent.
Let’s do some simple calculations to see how long it takes for the hybrid’s fuel economy advantage to repay your $1500 investment and start putting you in front.
Both run on regular unleaded. We’ll assume an average price of $1.60 a litre and 15,000km annually, mostly short trips around town.
The petrol Corolla, with 2.0-litre engine and continuously variable transmission, will average 10L/100km, so over 12 months you will spend about $2400 on petrol.
In the Hybrid, with 1.8-litre and twin electric motors, you’ll return about 5L/100km — so your fuel spend also will halve, to $1200.
About three months into your second year of hybrid ownership, your extra $1500 up front will have been recouped and you’ll effectively be earning interest — at a much higher rate than from a bank.
The hybrid loses most of its efficiency advantage on the highway, matching the petrol version by averaging 5L/100km, depending upon speed and terrain.
Servicing costs and intervals are the same for both cars. Your extra $1500 for the Hybrid also buys keyless entry and start plus automatic aircon (the petrol version gets manual air).
Otherwise, equipment is also the same, with eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control (including reading emails and messages), Toyota’s information app, one USB port and one 12V outlet. Navigation with live traffic updates adds $1000.
The Ascent Sport Hybrid rolls on 15-inch alloys, with a space-saver spare. The petrol version gets 16-inchers and full-size spare.
COMFORT
In the hatch version, the Corolla has ridiculously tight rear legroom and a tiny boot. The sedan’s 60mm longer wheelbase and 255mm longer body yield a much more spacious, practical interior.
Two adults can travel comfortably in the back — without air vents or device connectors — and the sedan more than doubles the hatch’s boot capacity. Supportive and well-bolstered, the driver’s seat gets ample adjustment for the driving position.
The ride is controlled and absorbent. Tyre roar on coarse bitumen isn’t quite as intrusive as in the hatch but at highway speed it is still excessive — the Corolla is one of the worst cars on the market in this regard.
The Ascent Sport wears the “base model” tag well — you hold a plastic steering wheel and each switch looks pretty lonely on the dash — but fit and finish are excellent. Corollas are still made in Japan and it shows.
SAFETY
Autonomous emergency braking includes pedestrian and cyclist detection. Adaptive cruise features effective lane keeping, including lane centring. Speed sign monitoring and automatic high-beams are also standard.
DRIVING
Go-fast isn’t the objective here — if that’s what you want, the 2.0-litre petrol, with 125kW, is a sportier engine — but the hybrid’s electric motor provides the muscle to pull much more easily at low and mid-range revs. Its delivery, including strong overtaking performance when required, is similar to a torquey turbo diesel.
The Hybrid sedan’s CO2 emissions are 81 grams per kilometre. That’s 40 per cent less than the petrol sedan’s 137g/km. In EV or Eco mode, using a gentle right foot and at up to 80km/h, you’ll often be running on battery power alone for short distances. The B-mode in the transmission increases the regenerative braking effect when you release the accelerator.
Toyota’s rigid new body architecture, finely tuned independent suspension at both ends and a low centre of gravity make this Corolla the best handling version to wear the badge. It’s a confident, secure, enjoyable drive.
HEART SAYS
The idea of being stranded out the back of nowhere with a flat battery in my electric car freaks me out. This is an anxiety-free alternative.
HEAD SAYS
EVs will be viable one day but not today. Diesel?
Dodgy, dirty and doomed. Hybrids are proven, efficient, reliable technology — and the Corolla Hybrid is great value.
ALTERNATIVES HYUNDAI IONIQ HYBRID, FROM $34,790
Runs 1.6-litre four and electric motor, with newer lithium-ion battery tech, claimed 3.4L/100km economy and CO2 emissions of 79g/km. Navigation, dual zone aircon and digital radio standard.
TOYOTA PRIUS, FROM $37,090
Updated last year and now in its fourth generation, the original hybrid runs the same body structure and mechanicals as the Corolla, with bespoke techno styling inside and out to attract the nerds.
VERDICT
The economics are powerfully persuasive, it drives just like a normal car and, if you buy one, you’ll be putting your money where other people’s mouths are on climate change.