8 features that set the Toyota Corolla hatch 1.8 Hybrid XR apart from its competitors
Anyone whose been anywhere near a fuel filling station in the past year is seriously considering every alternative they can when looking at their next vehicle. Battery-electric vehicles may still scare some off, so the next best option is a hybrid. We have 8 reasons why we think the Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatch is the best option at the moment.
8 features that set the Toyota Corolla hatch 1.8 Hybrid XR apart from its competitors
We recently spent a few days with the Toyota Corolla Hatch in hybrid drive trim and found that this cracking motor vehicle is more than just the sum of its parts. It is in fact the standout features that make it so desirable.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Toyota Corolla Hatch
After some deliberation, we wanted to highlight some of the features that we think set the Hybrid hatch head and shoulders above anything in its class and segment. If you think we've missed anything let us know through our social media channels what you think is the best feature of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatch.
1. CVT
All the new Corolla Hybrids are equipped with a fantastic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). We have may no secret of our disdain for CVTs fitted to new-generation vehicles but in the Corolla, it just works seamlessly. There is no noise and the speed steps are flawless.
2. Revised 8" touchscreen
Taking pride of place in the middle of the dashboard is a new infotainment screen with soft-touch functionality, 3 new display modes, voice recognition, integrated navigation, and wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
3. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0
The Corolla Hybrid hatchback is equipped as standard with a driver assistance suite which now benefits from enhanced radars with better detection capability as well as improved cameras with higher resolution and a wider field of view. Other new features include Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) which makes maneuvering in tight parking spaces safer by automatically applying the brakes if an imminent collision is detected. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is now also complemented with a Safe Exit Assist feature that detects approaching cyclists or vehicles when a passenger is opening a door.
4. Powerplant
The new-generation Corolla Hybrid has an Atkinson-Cycle 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor to offer a 14 percent bump in power from the 90 kW available in the previous model to 103 kW and 142 Nm of torque. A lighter, recently created 18.1 kW lithium-ion battery supports the hybrid system in addition to the drive, resulting in a broad power band.
5. 7-inch combination instrument cluster
Drivers now get a centrally mounted multi-information display (XS grade) while the range-topping Corolla XR hatch gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which returns all the information a driver will need in a crisp and clear format that is easy to read in any light condition and is especially neat at night.
6. Fuel Economy
Toyota claims 3.5l / 100 km for the Corolla Hybrid hatchback and this is very achievable. Our testing returned 4.8l, but we were not attempting to save fuel at all. If you consider that low-speed driving is very common in rush hour traffic and city streets, you’re likely to save a substantial amount of fuel over the lifespan of the vehicle.
7. Ride Comfort
At low speeds, such as when navigating a parking area, driving is done in EV mode, and only when throttle input and speed increase over 25 km/h, does the 1.8 litre petrol engine kick in to deliver drive. When you give it a bit more wellie, acceleration is both smooth and progressive. The Corolla hatchback rides on Toyota’s TGNA platform and from a handling perspective, it certainly feels agile.
8. The Price
Being one of the few current hybrid motor vehicles available in South Africa, the Corolla hybrid hatchback is worth its weight in gold and has almost no current competitors in the value for money and fuel savings stakes.
| Model | Price |
| Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xs Hybrid | R 490 900 |
| Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid | R 528 400 |
| Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone | R 538 800 |
Verdict
Taking all of these features into account, the Corolla Hybrid is simply fantastic and has no measure in its class. We highly recommend taking one on a test drive, so you can see for yourself what an absolutely fantastic vehicle it is and how much it's going to save you over its lifespan. If you are wanting to buy one of these gems you can browse here for your perfect color and if you need to sell your current car first, you can do that with AutoTrader Instant offer here.
