Test car: Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid 140 PS

In 1966, Toyota introduced a model whose name would become synonymous with the best-selling car. After 50+ years of history and more than 50 million sales worldwide – which would be more obvious without the “Auris model”, we hope we have arrived at a refreshed version of the 12th generation Corolla, with a fifth generation hybrid system and host. of change and new technology.

We will start with them, since the fifth generation of the hybrid system is the one that shows the most interest. The petrol engine is 1.8 lt, but the electric motor has been improved and now produces 95 hp, 24 more than the previous version.

With rich equipment, an improved hybrid system, low consumption and a price from €28,470, the updated Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid 140 PS is one of the best options in the segment.

This means an additional 18 horsepower of combined power which now reaches 140 PS. At the same time, the control unit (PCU) is completely new, with a small, light, powerful and durable battery.

Both the differential and the gearbox have been redesigned. The latter still features progressive ratio gearboxes, which for some are annoying especially during acceleration.

But in this case, a powerful electric motor means faster acceleration, thus reducing the time of “disturbance” (see especially noise). For reference, 0-100 km/h now takes 9.1″ compared to the previous version’s 10.9″. The driving programs remain, with the Sport option providing better responses to precise pedal commands.

The main advantages of hybrid systems reveal themselves especially in the city. Having said that, the Corolla during the urban trip proves to be attractively economical but also “velvety” in its operation. The electric power from the self-charging hybrid system provides a pure electric vehicle in continuous start, but also at a speed of up to 40 km/h.

Somehow, a large percentage of the daily journey is made by electricity, which reduces the average consumption to even less than 5 lt/100 km. The main situation is not to be… violent with the gas and see the EV indicator light up on the dashboard.

Of course, on the open road, whether it’s a highway or a country road, the hot engine is one that has a leading role, however, here also the consumption we saw was a little more than 6 lt/100 km. Somehow the average consumption we measured was 5.6 lt/100 km.

It should be noted that in addition to the “B” option in the gearbox that increases engine speed and energy recovery to charge the battery, there is also a system to help slow down. This automatically acts as an energy recovery system as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, while also helping to slow down when approaching a bend or the vehicle in front.

On the road, it can be seen from the first kilometers that Toyota has placed the suspension precisely with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-links at the rear. Irregularities – the irregularities of the Greek roads are properly and civilly filtered despite the profile of the 45 gauge tires on the 17 wheels of the GR Sport equipment version. If you want to keep pace, a strong frame will help you, while a valuable assistant in any situation is a fully optimized suite of driver assistance systems.

This is the third generation of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes improved systems that have been there so far, as well as some new ones. For example, there is a new camera and a more “powerful” radar with larger viewing angles and twice the detection distance.

This improved the collision avoidance performance and that of the adaptive cruise control. There’s also a new emergency stop system, traffic avoidance, rear seat check reminder and more.

In the age of digital world and connectivity, Corolla has improved to this level as well. So there is a new 12.3-inch digital panel, whose configuration the driver can choose from four profiles (Normal, Smart, Sport and Tough) and three different settings that will show two round instruments, or one in the middle or just some information Basic.

The Smart Connect multimedia system has a 10.5-inch color touchscreen and can accept voice commands. Graphics have been improved, while a range of remote services are available through the MyT app. So the driver can access driving data, can lock or unlock the car with a smartphone as well as operate the air conditioner, and even turn on the hazard lights to find the car. Of course, there is also the possibility of system updates over the air, without the need to visit the workshop.

In the design there are no major changes, since as we predicted the emphasis was on the improvement of the hybrid system and the digital image of the cabin. In fact, maybe few will understand that we are talking about a new model.

Space is good for the driver-passenger, however tall rear passengers will look for more headroom. The luggage compartment can hold 361 liters or 1,052 liters with the rear seats folded, so it’s neither big nor small.

For those who want more carrying capacity, there are other versions in the “Corolla” family, without the “charm” of the hatchback version. In any case, the driver will find a position that suits him, that is, one that ensures good visibility and unrestricted access to controls.

With a starting price of € 28,470, the updated Corolla may be more expensive than the previous one, but it is much cheaper than its competition, if we are talking about proposals with the same level of equipment. If the above is considered peak consumption – especially in urban areasrival but also everything that the Toyota name means in terms of warranty and after sales, then we are talking about the best option in the class, and the only drawback is the space for rear passengers and luggage.

Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid 140 PS
What DRIVE says	With a more powerful and even more efficient hybrid system, the updated Corolla is well-rounded and has a very attractive price/equipment ratio. Definitely one of the best
Price	From €28,470
measurements
Technology	1,798 cc petrol engine, i4, 16v, 2 EEK, variable timing, 98 PS/5,200 rpm, 142 Nm/3,600 rpm, electric motor 95 PS, 185 Nm, front drive, automatic transmission continuously
Joint performance	140 PS
Measurements	4,370 x 1,790 x 1,460 mm
Cargo area	361 – 1,052 lt
Weight	1,420 kg
PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h	9.1″
High speed	180 km / h
Average consumption*	5.6 liters per 100 kilometers
CO2 emissions	104g/km
DRIVE utility tests
Photo	Thanasis Koutsoyiannis