Our Top Green Car of 2016

There’s some great plug-in technology coming on stream: particularly in the hybrid space, where many new models offer lithium-ion batteries for zeroemissions commuting and conventional engines for longerrange driving.

In that context, the Toyota Corolla hybrid might seem a bit oldschool.

It doesn’t have a plug and it runs previous-generation Prius powertrain technology, with nickel-metal hydride batteries.

But here’s the thing. Most plugin hybrids still have very limited range (30km or less) and they sell at very high premiums. The technology is advancing, but in terms of really making a difference to the environment it’s not accessible enough... yet.

That’s where the Corolla hybrid comes in. Working on the theory that a small ecoimprovement in a car that many people can afford does more for the environment than elite plugins, a hybrid version of the country’s best-selling passenger car deserves to be celebrated.

We’re still not happy about the Corolla hybrid’s $3000 premium over the GLX model on which it’s based.

However, it is better-equipped (including LED headlights, keyless entry/start and dual-zone air-con) and you will make up the difference in fuel cost over 75,000km. Fleets will do that very quickly.

The Corolla hybrid is easy to argue for regardless, because it’s almost as quick as the conventional model, better handling thanks to superior weight distribution and a more sophisticated rear suspension, and loses nothing in bootspace.

Strangely, the Corolla hybrid is not available in green.

But then blue is Toyota’s hybrid-theme colour.

SUPPLIED There’s very little to identify the hybrid version of the Corolla from the outside. That’s kind of the point.