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Hybrid cars are annoying droning creepers? That hasn't been the case for a long time. Toyota's Corolla could convince the last skeptics in the top engine.
With the Corolla Toyota ties back to old successes after the end of the Auris interlude. The visual appearance is much more dynamic than before, the hybrid drive is no longer just economical, but finally also sovereign and even a little driving fun is now possible in the traditionally more rational model. In the station wagon "Touring Sports" there is more than a decent amount of space. However, one notorious vulnerability still needs to be fixed.
Great job
The most convincing reason to buy a Toyota sedan remains the hybrid drive, now the only drive option in the compact model. In the current generation, dual engine technology has learned to effectively conceal its design-related weaknesses. And to emphasize their strengths even more. The most important: the low consumption. If you drive calmly and not too fast, you can easily get through car life with around five liters of fuel. In the city, braking energy regeneration and the electric motor push the figure down to around 4,5 liters. And even on the highway you have to stay above the recommended speed to get to seven liters.
Unlike the previous generations, the dual drive no longer completely excludes a fast driving style. The dreaded rubber band effect is much less pronounced than it used to be, and the engine power in the more powerful 2,0 liter model also offers enough reserves to keep the Corolla outside of the booming acceleration range. Only during the more committed intermediate sprint can the typical, strained soundscape of the continuously variable transmission still be heard after a second of commemoration. Most of the time, however, the electric motor and four-cylinder work hand in hand, the latter surprisingly often allows itself a break, for example when rolling at a constant speed. The electric drive is also pleasant when starting off, where it ensures a quick start.
More agile and compact
However, the hybrid will never be an extremely dynamic drive, at least according to the Toyota recipe. However, Toyota has tightened the chassis and missed a tight touch of sportiness. Compared to its predecessors, the compact now appears noticeably more agile. Toyota doesn't overdo it, so the bottom line is that the Corolla is a well-balanced car for city, country road and highway.
When it comes to the interior, Toyota also finds a good compromise for the compact station wagon. In front of everyone in the first row and in the luggage compartment it is spacious. The fact that it gets tight in the rear for tall people is due to the overall manageable length of 4,65 meters. The same applies to the somewhat narrow door opening, which makes it difficult to get in and out and makes installing a baby seat fiddly. Material selection and workmanship in the interior are okay without setting any special standards in the compact class.
The real minus points, however, are caught by the infotainment system, which is slow and awkward to use and also looks a bit dusty in terms of graphics. Anyone who values state-of-the-art technology in this regard should wait until the turn of the year, when a more contemporary system will probably move into the Corolla cockpit as part of the facelift. Experience has shown that the prices then also rise.
Less of everything
The current model starts with the more powerful hybrid drive at just under 33.000 euros. The equipment then definitely includes air conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels. The weaker variant with 99 kW/122 hp is available for around 4.000 euros less, but then with a reduced range of extras.
Anyone who has previously shied away from buying a hybrid model could be cured by the Toyota Corolla. The weaknesses of the technology have weakened, the strengths have become stronger. Especially with a high proportion of city traffic, the purchase should also be financially worthwhile compared to a petrol engine.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seater compact station wagon, length: 4,65 meters, width: 1,79 meters (without mirrors), height: 1,44 meters, wheelbase: 2,70 meters, trunk volume: 598-1.606 liters, braked towing capacity: 750 kg.
2,0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine: 112 kW/153 hp, maximum torque: 190 Nm at 4.400-5.200 rpm, electric motor: 80 kW/109 hp, torque: 202 Nm, system output: 132 kW/180 PS, continuously variable transmission, 0-100 km/h: 8,1 s, Vmax: 180 km/h, WLTP consumption: 4,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions: 106 g/km, test consumption: 5,1 l /100 km, Price: from 33.000 euros.
In brief
Why: low consumption, harmonious handling
Why not: old-fashioned infotainment, comparatively narrow rear
What else: VW Golf Variant, Opel Astra Sports Tourer, Ford Focus Tournament