TOYOTA COROLLA TOURING SPORT 1.8 Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT

Toyota's twelfth generation Corolla Hybrid gains significant upgrades in its hatch and Touring Sports estate forms. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The twelfth generation Corolla hatch and Touring Sports estate models have gained many friends for Toyota amongst family hatch customers wanting full-Hybrid power. Now that engine's been significantly improved in both its forms, as has the interior of this 'E210'-series design. If you'd previously dismissed the Japanese brand as an also-ran in the Focus class, it might be time to think again.

Background

Toyota was aiming to enter fresh territory with this 12th generation Corolla back in 2018 at its original launch. For one thing, it needed to make Hybrids more universally acceptable in this segment - that's why there are two of them with this current model, a 1.8 and a 2.0-litre unit, both of the 'self-charging' non-plug-in variety. This Corolla also aimed to change customer perceptions of Toyota in this sector, which tend to centre around expectations of drab interior quality, forgettable looks and boring drive dynamics. This 'E210'-series model turned out to be a huge step forward from its Auris predecessor in all these areas. But that wasn't quite enough to at last make this Japanese maker competitive at the sharp end of this class amongst Focuses and Golfs. The brand is getting closer though, particularly with the revised Corolla range we look at here, which continues to use the 'TNGA' 'Toyota New Global Architecture' platform and builds on world record sales of more than 50 million Corollas over twelve generations since 1966. There's now a Corolla SUV body style too, but our focus here is on the volume hatch and 'Touring Sports' estate body shapes, now usefully improved with a fifth generation hybrid system and a significant upgrade in interior quality and media tech. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

This revised Corolla gets the fifth generation of Toyota's full-Hybrid self-charging powerplant and, as before, it's available in both 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol forms. The big differences come with the smaller capacity 1.8-litre unit, with power output up from 120 to 138bhp, bringing a 1.7s reduction in the 0-62mph sprint time to 9.2s. A lot of that's down to weight-saving (the hybrid system's more powerful lithium-ion battery is 18kgs lighter), plus driveability's been improved too, thanks to a redesign for the power control unit and the transaxle motor. In addition, the hybrid control has been recalibrated to provide acceleration feel closer to throttle pedal use, with less of the previous 'rubber band' effect. As before, it all works via CVT auto gearbox with six speeds. Whichever powerplant you prefer, you should find this Toyota dynamically able - far more so than some of its segment predecessors. Throw the car into a corner and you'll find that though this Corolla is no Focus, it far from disgraces itself, with a decent level of front end grip and steering that's predictable and accurate, though rather light. The 2.0-litre variant's obviously the one to choose if you want a little extra performance, this version (now with power raised from 180 to 193bhp) making rest to 62mph in 7.5s (around a second faster than a VW Golf 2.0 TDI), but more relevant is the huge improvement in response in the 30-50mph overtaking increment that makes the car feel so much more flexible and spontaneously powerful on faster roads. Don't misunderstand us: a 2.0-litre Hybrid Corolla is still way down on the level of pulling power a black pump-fuelled engine would produce, with a 190Nm figure that's almost 50% less than a comparable 2.0-litre diesel. But you notice the shortfall much less than you do with the 1.8-litre Hybrid.

Design and Build

Subtle updates mark out this revised version of the 12th generation Corolla. These include changes to the front grille mesh pattern, fog light bezels and alloy wheel designs. Higher grades of the hatchback and Touring Sports estate models gain smarter bi-LED headlights with an Adaptive High-beam System. In addition to these two core body styles, there's also a completely separate Corolla Cross SUV model, though that's not our focus here. Size-wise, the standard Corolla hatch that most customers choose is pitched plumb in the centre of its segment, slightly shorter than a Ford Focus and quite a bit longer than a Golf. Inside, the changes are farer-reaching, the key one being a much-needed upgrade to the central infotainment screen, which grows in size to 10.5-inches and gains the facility for over-the-air updates. Plus from mid-range trim levels upwards, the driver's instrument display gains a 12.3-inch combimeter that can be customised to preference across four different modes - 'Casual', 'Smart', 'Sport' and 'Tough'. The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows. The cabin's now of higher quality too, with new graphics, trims and embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal to the upholsteries, surfaces and finishes. The trim and seat upholstery combinations follow smarter Dark and Light Harmony themes with co-ordinated colours and finishes to give the interior a contemporary, elegant feel. Otherwise, it's much as you were. Rear seat space isn't hugely generous, but two adults will fit OK. Boot space for the 1.8-litre models is rated at 361-litres for the hatch and 598-litres for the Touring Sports estate. Bear in mind that these figures are slightly reduced if you choose the 2.0-litre version.

Market and Model

Toyota isn't bothering here to try and provide an affordable entry-level model, prices across the all-Hybrid, all-automatic range starting from around £30,000. There's a premium of around £1,300 to go from the five-door hatch body shape to the 'Touring Sports' estate. Though you can no longer have a Saloon, there is now a separate Cross SUV model. For the hatch and the Touring Sports estate, there are four main trim levels - 'Icon', 'Design', 'GR Sport' and 'Excel'. All of these spec levels deliver even more kit for the latest model year, with fresh colours that include a vibrant 'Juniper Blue'. The dynamic-looking 'GR Sport' version's been upgraded too. This improved Corolla is equipped with Toyota T-Mate, which combines the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense package with other active driving and parking assistance features. Improvements in the operation and functionality of the systems include Acceleration Suppression, which reacts to sudden use of the accelerator when travelling at low speed; collision avoidance support when making a turn at an intersection; Emergency Steering Assist that can now react to oncoming vehicles; lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. There's also now a 'Safe Exit Assist' system, which stops doors being opened in the face on oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. And a 'Rear Seat Reminder' has been added, which alerts the driver to look at the rear seats as they leave the car.

Cost of Ownership

Toyota has decided that all Corolla buyers should have a Hybrid engine - and a look at the efficiency stats reveals why. The stats are still pretty eye-catching, a typical 1.8-litre Hybrid Corolla Hatch with 'Icon' trim managing up to 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 102g/km of CO2. That's further helped, Toyota expects, by the fact that for typical customers, up to 50% of typical commuting journeys will be accomplished in all-electric drive. For the 2.0-litre Hybrid hatch, the best stats are up to 57.7mpg and up to 107g/km. The Japanese maker describes the Corolla's Hybrid technology as being of the 'self-charging' variety, which means that it isn't of the currently popular Plug-in variety. The brand of course has PHEV technology (it's available on top versions of its Prius model) but currently feels it isn't necessary for the Corolla line-up. What else? Well, the five year 100,000 mile warranty is extremely good and even after that runs out, you'll find that you can extend it for nothing up to a maximum of ten years, providing you have the car regularly serviced at a Toyota dealer. There's also three years warranty against rust and 12 years of anti-corrosion protection.

Summary

So what do we have here? A name from the past which packages up technology from the future. Very soon, all family hatchback-class models will feature model line-ups that are primarily electrified. But Toyota has brought us that right now. In a car its volume brand competitors will have to take very seriously indeed, particularly in this updated form. If you're going the Hybrid route with a car in this sector, it makes sense to buy into the brand that has most experience in producing this kind of powertrain - and that's unquestionably Toyota. But this model also has other things to recommend it, with levels of safety and media connectivity that rivals struggle to better. Overall, if you're looking for a car in this segment, a Corolla may not currently be on your shopping list. We think it ought to be.

Body Glass

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Auto up and down function on all power windows

Noise reduction layer on windscreen

Power front windows

Power rear windows

Rain sensing wipers

Rear privacy glass

Rear window defogger

Rear window wiper

Time adjustment on intermittent wiper

UV-filter on driver and passenger windows

Brakes

15" Front brakes

Anti lock braking system + Electronic brake force distribution

Brake assist function

Downhill Assist Control (DAC)

Electronic parking brake

Emergency brake light signal (EBS)

HAC - Hill start assist control

Traction control

Carpets/Rugs

Front floor mats

Rear fabric floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Double wishbone rear suspension

Front and rear stabilizers

MacPherson front suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

E-call

Driver Aids

Connected car functionality upgrade, tracker, remote status and e-care

Electrically assisted power steering

Power tailgate with kick sensor

Smart entry and push button start

Wireless charger

Driver Convenience

Adjustable speed limiter

Blind spot monitor and safe exit assist

Drive mode select (Eco, Normal)

Driver monitoring camera

Front and rear parking sensors with auto brake

Intelligent clearance sonar

Intelligent parking assist

Lane departure alert - LDA

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) switch on steering wheel

Memory on adjustable speed limiter

MyT connected services

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Rear cross traffic alert

Rear view camera with guidelines

Toyota remote services

Driver Information

10.5" Multimedia display screen

12.3" multi information screen

Colour multi information display with 3D

EV drive indicator

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

Gear position indicator with meter

Head up Display

Hybrid system indicator

Key reminder warning

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and wired android auto

Speedometer

Toyota smart connect multimedia system

Toyota smart connect navigation

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Automatic folding mirrors

Black door mirrors

Electrochromatic mirror

Power adjustable heated door mirrors

Reverse tilting door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Satin chrome dashboard inserts

Soft touch texture on upper dashboard

Stitching on lower dashboard

Stitching on upper dashboard

Engine

Catalytic converter

Electric accelerator pedal

Gasoline particulate filter

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Front USB-C in dashboard

JBL Premium sound system with 8 speakers

Smart voice assist/ Voice recognition

USB and Aux in connectors + 12V front outlet

USB connector

Exterior Body Features

A - Pillar garnish

Aluminium roof rails

B - Pillar in Black

Black door moulding

Black meshed lower front grille

Black side air vents

Black surround on lower front grille

Black toyota logo in front

Body colour rear roof spoiler

Body coloured bumpers

Body coloured front spoiler

Body coloured outside door handles

Body coloured rear bumpers

Body coloured shark fin antenna

Chrome window frames

Front and rear fender high liner

Fuel caution label

Gloss black diffuser

Gloss black upper front grille

Height memory opening on power tailgate

Lower back and back door plated garnish

Paint protective wrap guard

Rear bumper decoration with chrome plated inserts

Rear side wing doors

Rear under guard with chrome ornament

Remote tailgate release on key

Satin chrome insert on front door assist grips

Satin chrome inserts on rear passenger air vents

Single exhaust tailpipe

Tailgate release with push button

Tailgate remote release in cabin

Unique grille pattern

Unique lower skirt

Exterior Lights

Adaptive automatic high beam system (AHS)

Adaptive headlights

Auto headlight levelling system

Auto headlights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED High mounted stop light

LED multi beam headlights

LED rear combi lights with LED lightguide

Light remind warning with auto cut off

RHD aimed headlight levelling system

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Clean air filter

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with ECO mode switch

Heated rear duct

Nanoe-X air purifier

Pollen filter

Rear air conditioning

Rear air vents

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Remote air conditioning

Interior Features

12v power outlet - front

12v power outlet - luggage side

2 Shopping bag hooks in luggage compartment

3 spoke synthetic leather steering wheel

4 tie down hooks in luggage compartment

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) switch on steering wheel

Adjustable speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Aluminium door scuff plates with corolla badge

Audio, multi-info and telephone switches on steering wheel

Black armrest on centre console box

Black front door assist grips

Black out with door sash and wheel house

Boot underfloor storage

Center console cover

Driver and passenger seatback pockets

Dual level deckboard

Dual mike in roof

Dual sided boot floor

Front and rear cup and bottle holders

Front and rear door pockets

Front console box

Front cup holders

Front overhead assist grips

Front sliding synthetic leather armrest

Gloss black gear shift console

Leather gear shift with satin chrome on gear shift console

Luggage utility boot rails

Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Perforated leather upholstery

Power window switches with satin chrome inserts

PVC door armrest

Rear armrest

Rear cupholder

Rear overhead assist grips

Rear passenger coat hooks (2)

Regulation compliancy wvta label +

Retractable tonneau cover with luggage partition net

Satin chrome insert on steering wheel

Satin chrome inserts on centre air vents

Satin chrome inside door handles

Satin chrome surround on heater control panel

Satin chrome surround on multimedia

Satin chrome surround on speedometer

Side storage in boot

Single compartment glovebox

Sliding armrest on centre console box

Slow opening glovebox with lights

Soft touch front and rear door trim

Synthetic leather gear shift knob

USB charger rear

USB-C Cable

Voice recognition switch on steering wheel

Interior Lights

Automatic light control system

Driver and front passenger personal light

Illuminated entry system in room lamp

LED boot light

Rear passenger personal lights

White ambient lighting on open tray and front cup holder

Packs

Toyota safety sense 3 pack - Corolla

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Adjustable driver and front passenger seat belt extender to top anchor point

Child locks on rear doors

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Front seatbelt reminder

Occupant detection

Rear seat belt reminder

Rear seat reminder alert

Safety kit

Seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) 7 airbags - dual driver, dual side curtain, side impact and driver knee airbags

Tyre pressure warning system

Seats

3 rear headrests - integrated in centre

3 rear height adjustable headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60/40 split folding rear seat

Electric lumbar support for passenger

Forward tilting 2nd row seats

Front head restraints

Front passenger seat

Front sports seats

Heated front seats

ISOFIX child restraint system

Manual height adjustable for driver and front passenger seat

Manually sliding driver seat

Manually sliding front passenger seat

Power adjustable lumbar support on driver seat

Remote controlled Toyota easy flat system

Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) feature (active headrest) for seats

Security

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Alarm with motion sensor and immobilizer

Digital key

Locking wheel bolts

Power door locks

Power passenger window lock

Remote central locking + deadlocks

Transmission

Front differential 2.834

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sun visor with mirror and light

Wheels

Unique wheel finish with red wheel cap

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 double spoke dark grey machined face alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.8

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.096

HC: 0.015

HC+NOx: 0.013

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.004

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 106

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 111

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 97

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 94

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 98

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 85

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 92

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 94

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 85

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 84

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 87

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 75

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1798

Compression Ratio: 13.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

Engine Code: 2ZR-FXE

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 57.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Low: 68.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 76.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 85.6

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.8

Badge Power: 140

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Hybrid

Coin Series: Excel

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 11

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 18E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.4

Engine Power - BHP: 140

Engine Power - KW: 103

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 105

Engine Torque - MKG: 14.5

Engine Torque - NM: 142

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Top Speed: 112

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE SPOKE

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1460

Length: 4650

Wheelbase: 2700

Width: 1790

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1885

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1606

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 596

Max. Loading Weight: 485

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 450

Minimum Kerbweight: 1400

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Premium paint

Packs

Essential Protection pack - Corolla

Protection plus pack - Corolla

Protection plus pack with steel bumper plate - Corolla

Style Pack - Black - Corolla

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Dark grey

Metallic - Eclipse black

Metallic - Juniper blue

Metallic - Storm grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Platinum white pearl

Premium paint - Scarlet flare

Premium paint - Sterling silver

Trim - Leather

Perforated leather - Black with grey stitching and satin chrome ornament