Toyota’s ‘crown’ jewel
Just in time for March’s ‘19’ plate and the Brexit deadline comes the intriguing new British-built Toyota Corolla.
i’ve been driving the latest models from the 12th-generation range in Majorca as the Corolla, with 46 million sales since 1966, ditches diesel for petrol-electric, self-charging hybrid power.
The perky hatchback, aimed at young couples with a child, is expected to account for twothirds of UK sales, while the Touring sports estate is geared towards active families who need more space and flexibility. Both are built at the Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, where Toyota has invested £240 million, and exported extensively to mainland europe.
The name Corolla is derived from the Latin word for crown.
They’re eye-catching, frugal, fun, practical and stylish and, on looks alone, live up to global chief executive Akio Toyoda’s demand for ‘no more boring cars’.
Best seller will be the economical icon Tech 1.8-litre 122hp, but go for the 2-litre if you want more oomph. some 90 per cent of all Corollas will be hybrid, with just one in ten pure petrol.
That’s because up to half of typical commuting journeys can be accomplished by the hybrid in all-electric mode, says Toyota.
The new Corolla marks a return for the famous name after a 12-year absence. The hatchback is a rival to Volkswagen’s Golf and replaces the Auris.
There are four Corolla trim levels: icon, icon Tech, Design and excel.
There are two hybrid engines. first, a 2-litre engine developing 180hp that accelerates to 62mph in 7.9 seconds to a top speed of 112 mph. it averages between 50 mpg and 61 mpg, with low Co2 emissions from 89g/km.
or there’s the fourth-generation 1.8-litre hybrid developing 122hp that goes from rest to 62mph in less than 11 seconds with the same top speed and Co2 emissions from 76g/km.
There’s plenty of kit on offer including 3D-effect digital dials, head-up display, a panoramic sunroof and parking assist.
The Corolla range is priced from £21,300 for the hatchback icon 1.2-litre, 116hp, pure petrol — the only such engine in the range — up to £30,340 for the 2-litre, 180hp, Touring sports excel hybrid.