Driving Experience of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Introduction
Did you know that Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car? Since its debut in 1966, Toyota has sold over 45 million units of the Corolla. Today, we will experience the twelfth generation of the Corolla, and to make it even more special, I will be driving the first hybrid version. Let me introduce you to this remarkable vehicle.
Exterior Design
There is no doubt that the exterior design of the Toyota Corolla has been significantly improved over the previous generation, especially at the front, which features a lower profile and more pronounced lines on the hood. The design incorporates sleeker chrome accents and elements from Toyota's new design language that we have also seen on the new Camry, giving it a sportier character.
The hybrid version is accentuated by the blue Toyota emblem, LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights, fog lights, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the Corolla is equipped with LED taillights connected by a noticeable chrome strip. The hybrid version maintains the same trunk space as its gasoline counterpart, offering 371 liters, which is just 2 liters less than the Mazda 3 but significantly lower than the Honda Civic's 416 liters.
Interior Design
Inside, there are substantial improvements in design and materials compared to the previous generation, resulting in a much cleaner aesthetic. All essential buttons are now centrally located between the controls for the infotainment system, which has been raised for easier access. Below, there are climate control buttons, though I wish they had integrated the bottom of the screen more seamlessly into the design rather than making it appear as if it were just placed on top of the dashboard. The interior color scheme features beige and black in the model we have today.
The quality of materials is commendable, with synthetic leather covering the dashboard in front of the passenger and on the steering wheel, as well as soft-touch materials replacing the hard plastics on the upper dashboard and doors. Chrome accents can be found on the doors, extending across the dashboard and surrounding the air vents, with additional chrome detailing on the gear stick in the center console.
Technological Features
Before diving into the features we received with the Corolla Hybrid, let me highlight some expected features that are missing in a vehicle priced at 95,500 AED:
- We did not receive leather seats or power adjustments; the seats are fabric-covered and come with manual adjustments.
- No automatic headlights were available; during the five days I drove the car, I repeatedly forgot to turn the headlights on at night.
- The infotainment system lacks built-in navigation and does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- There is no automatic brake hold feature since the parking brake is manual, not electric.
- No blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control; the cruise control is traditional.
So, what features does the Corolla Hybrid offer for 95,000 AED?
- Keyless entry and ignition.
- A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for audio control and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Single-zone climate control, which at least includes air vents for rear passengers.
- A designated space for wireless phone charging in the front of the center console, along with one USB port and a 12V power outlet in the console box.
- The instrument panel features an energy consumption gauge on the left, along with a customizable 7-inch information display accessible via buttons on the steering wheel.
- Controls for cruise control, phone calls, and audio are located on the steering wheel.
- The version we tested today includes a sunroof.
Driving Performance
Before discussing the driving experience of the Corolla Hybrid, let me set certain expectations for a vehicle like this.
The Corolla has never been known for dynamic or thrilling driving experiences, and its competitors, such as the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, undoubtedly offer a more enjoyable ride. However, the Corolla has successfully provided its owners with peace of mind over the years with its reliable transport.
This generation of the Corolla comes with three engine options: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, a 2-liter 4-cylinder, and the hybrid model we have today, which features a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor.
The combined power output from the two engines is 167.5 horsepower, equivalent to that of a 2-liter engine, while the total torque reaches 305 Nm, which is 105 Nm higher than the 2-liter engine.
This power level is adequate for the vehicle, delivered to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both the hybrid system and this transmission provide a remarkably smooth and quiet driving experience, especially when starting the car and driving in the city.
The system automatically determines whether to use the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or both, based on driving conditions, and features a regeneration mode that recharges the battery using energy generated during deceleration and braking. You can monitor all this information on the display screen.
The Corolla Hybrid offers three driving modes: Normal, Power, and Eco, which primarily adjust the hybrid system and the CVT. As with any CVT, you may notice that during acceleration, the tachometer holds the gear for an extended period, resulting in a noticeable engine noise; however, in Normal and Eco modes, this noise is minimal.
One of the key advantages of utilizing a hybrid system with a CVT is fuel efficiency. To give you an idea of fuel economy, I’ll share a quick note on my experience with any car I test. When I receive a car from the dealer, the fuel tank is typically filled to the brim, and the first thing I check is the expected mileage on a full tank. I have never seen this number exceed 600 km, but with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the reading was 756 km with its 43-liter fuel tank.
After driving the vehicle for 259 km, the fuel consumption displayed on the screen was 5.4 liters per 100 km, which is one of the most impressive aspects of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Conclusion
This generation represents a significant update for one of Toyota's most successful cars, and the addition of a hybrid option for the first time will certainly enhance its appeal. However, would I recommend purchasing the fully loaded hybrid version at 95,900 AED? The price does give me pause, but for individuals seeking a vehicle in this category where fuel efficiency is crucial, the standard Toyota Hybrid at 83,900 AED, with its exceptional fuel consumption figures, is definitely a strong recommendation.
