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

Rain sensor

Power front windows

Front wiper de-icer

Power rear windows

Rear window wiper

Auto up and down function on all power windows

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Time adjustment on intermittent wiper

Rear window defogger

UV-filter on driver and passenger windows

UV-filter on rear windows

Noise reduction layer on front windows

Noise reduction layer on windscreen

70% privacy rear side and quarter glass

Ethanol washer fluid

Brakes

Traction control

Brake assist function

HAC-Hill-start Assist Control

Electronic parking brake

Downhill Assist Control (DAC)

Anti lock braking system + Electronic brake force distribution

Emergency brake light signal (EBS)

15" Front brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Front floor mats

Rear fabric floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

MacPherson front suspension

Double wishbone rear suspension

Front and rear stabilizers

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

E-call

Driver Aids

Reversing camera

Intelligent parking assist

Front and rear parking sensors

Adjustable speed limiter

Lane departure alert - LDA

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) switch on steering wheel

Memory on adjustable speed limiter

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Toyota remote services

Drive mode select (Eco, Normal)

MyT connected services

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Electrically assisted power steering

Wireless charger

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

Smart entry and push button start

Driver Information

Speedometer

Hybrid system indicator

Key reminder warning

EV drive indicator

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

10.5" Multimedia display screen

Toyota smart connect navigation

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and wired android auto

Colour multi information display with 3D

12.3" multi information screen

Toyota smart connect multimedia system

Gear position indicator with meter

Driving Mirrors

Manual folding door mirrors

Body coloured door mirrors

Power adjustable heated door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Manual day/night rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Satin chrome dashboard inserts

Soft touch texture on upper dashboard

Stitching on lower dashboard

Engine

Catalytic converter

Gasoline particulate filter

Electric accelerator pedal

Entertainment

6 speakers

DAB Digital radio

USB connector

Smart voice assist/ Voice recognition

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Tailgate release handle

Front bumper

Body colour rear roof spoiler

Single exhaust tailpipe

Shark fin antenna

Black door moulding

Body coloured outside door handles

Gloss black diffuser

Body coloured front spoiler

Body coloured rear bumpers

Unique lower skirt

Black toyota logo in front

Gloss black upper front grille

Rear side wing doors

New grille pattern

Body coloured rear under guard

Black meshed front grille

Satin chrome inserts on rear passenger air vents

Satin chrome insert on front door assist grips

Front and rear fender high liner

Fuel caution label

Paint protective wrap guard

Black surround on lower front grill

A - Pillar garnish

B - Pillar in Black

Lower back and back door plated garnish

Black side air vents

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

Auto headlights

LED rear combi lights with LED lightguide

Light remind warning with auto cut off

LED High mounted stop light

Manual headlight levelling system

LED multi reflector headlights

Adaptive automatic high beam system (AHS)

RHD aimed headlight levelling system

LED headlights low

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Clean air filter

Rear air vents

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with ECO mode switch

PTC heater

Remote air conditioning

Heated rear duct

Refrigerant correspondent hf01234f

Interior Features

Front and rear door pockets

Front console box

Heated steering wheel

Front and rear bottle holders

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Fabric upholstery

12v power outlet - front

12v power outlet - luggage side

Center console cover

Voice recognition switch on steering wheel

Rear overhead assist grips

Front overhead assist grips

Rear passenger coat hooks (2)

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) switch on steering wheel

Front cup holders

Adjustable speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Satin chrome inside door handles

Boot underfloor storage

Leather gear shift with satin chrome on gear shift console

Power window switches with satin chrome inserts

Slow opening glovebox with lights

Retractable tonneau cover with luggage partition net

Side storage in boot

Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Gear knob

Fabric door armrest

Front sliding fabric armrest

Black armrest on centre console box

Satin chrome surround on speedometer

Satin chrome surround on heater control panel

4 tie down hooks in luggage compartment

2 Shopping bag hooks in luggage compartment

USB charger front

Dual mike in roof

Aluminium door scuff plates with corolla batch

Black out with door sash and wheel house

Matt black front door assist grip

Satin chrome inserts on centre air vents

Gloss black gear shift console

Regulation compliancy wvta label +

Soft touch front and rear door trim

Satin chrome surround on multimedia

Audio, multi-info and telephone switches on steering wheel

Dual sided boot floor

Dual level deckboard

3 spoke steering wheel with satin insert

Interior Lights

Boot light

Automatic light control system

Illuminated entry system in room lamp

Driver and front passenger personal light

Rear passenger personal lights

Packs

Toyota safety sense 3 pack - Corolla

Safety

Seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters

Child locks on rear doors

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Front seatbelt reminder

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Rear seat belt reminder

Tyre pressure warning system

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

Occupant detection

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

Rear seat reminder alert

Seats

Heated front seats

Passenger seat back pocket

Front head restraints

3 rear height adjustable headrests

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

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

Manual height adjustable for driver and front passenger seat

Power adjustable lumbar support on driver seat

Manually sliding driver seat

Manually sliding front passenger seat

ISOFIX child restraint system

Electric lumbar support for passenger

Front passenger seat

Remote controlled Toyota easy flat system

Forward tilting 2nd row seats

Security

Remote central locking + deadlocks

Power door locks

Digital key

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Alarm with motion sensor and immobilizer

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

16" 5 double spoke silver metallic alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.8

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: 0.096

HC: 0.015

NOx: 0.004

HC+NOx: 0.013

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 89

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 80

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 90

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 128

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 101

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 89

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 80

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 90

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 128

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

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 101

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

CC: 1798

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 13.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: 2ZR-FXE

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 78.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 67.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 78.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 73.1

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 65.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 45

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 57.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 3.9

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.6

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.7

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.5

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

General

Coin Series: Icon

Coin Description: Hybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 140

Badge Engine CC: 1.8

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 11

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.4

Top Speed: 111

Engine Power - BHP: 140

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 103

Engine Power - RPM: 5200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 105

Engine Torque - NM: 142

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Engine Torque - MKG: 14.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/55 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 205/55 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4650

Width: 1790

Wheelbase: 2700

Height: 1460

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1400

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1885

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 450

Max. Loading Weight: 485

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 596

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 55

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1606

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Metallic paint

Packs

Protection plus pack with steel bumper plate - Corolla

Style Pack - Red - Corolla

Style Pack - Black - Corolla

Protection plus pack - Corolla

Essential Protection pack - Corolla

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Decuma Grey

Metallic - Juniper blue

Metallic - Eclipse Black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Scarlet flare

Premium paint - Platinum white pearl

Premium paint - Sterling silver

Towing

Detachable towbar - Horizontal 13 pin

Detachable towbar - Vertical 13 pin

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Black