Greener future for Toyota
Way back in the distant past, Toyota introduced the world to hybrid technology with the Prius. Whether you liked it or hated it, one cannot deny the impact the Prius and its futuristic drive train had on the world. Jump forward two decades and hybrid technology can be found it just about every automotive manufacturers products, usually in the upper offerings. This is where we find ourselves now, hybrid technology has trickled down far enough that we are going to be seeing the tech in mid-range vehicles in South Africa.
Toyota has set about including hybrid models of all their current product offerings over the next few years, starting with the RAV4 and Corolla Hybrid with the forthcoming Corolla Cross to follow in close succession. Toyota themselves have committed to being carbon-neutral by 2050 with not only their vehicles but the entire production process emitting zero emissions.
Let's take a closer look at the first two offerings that are now available.
RAV4 Hybrid
The new hybrid RAV4 is based off of a sightly tweaked version of the GX model derivative. This specification will include LED lighting, Keyless entry, Cruise control and an infotainment system including Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There will also be an array of colors to choose from as well as a bevy of driver Assistant Systems such as PDC, Hill Assist, Traction Control and Toyota's Drive Mode select.
The RAV4 Hybrid will be fitted with the well known 2.5l petrol engine that is found in many a Toyota and Lexus and will be mated to a CVT transmission with the accompanying electric motor and drive systems.
The drive package will deliver 160kW and 220Nm with 88kW of that coming from the electrical system alone. This mean that you are going to be saving exponentially on fuel as expected consumption figures sit at 4.7l per 100km.
Models and Pricing
| RAV4 2.5 VX AT AWD | R 669 400 |
| RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD | R 586 500 |
| RAV4 2.0 VX CVT | R 586 200 |
| RAV4 2.5 GX CVT Hybrid | R 555 300 |
| RAV4 2.0 GX CVT 2WD | R 495 200 |
| RAV4 2.0 GX 2WD Manual | R 482 400 |
* Pricing correct at time of publication subject to Government NEV incentive support
Corolla Hybrid
Based off of the 1.8 XS CVT sedan model, the new hybrid model comes with all the fitment you'd find in the standard derivative such as Keyless Entry, cruise control, climate control, reverse camera and a multi information display. The XS model comes in an assortment of colors, but cabin trim is kept modest.
The full power figure of 90kW and 163Nm is achieved by mating the stock 1.8 petrol engine and CVT transmission and incorporating the hybrid drive system. This results in a minimal fuel consumption figure of 3.5l per 100km with a top speed of 180km/h. Although the standard engine does emit higher torque and power figures these figures can be attributed mostly to transmission losses.
Models and Pricing
| Corolla 2.0 XR CVT | R 481 800 |
| Corolla 2.0 XR Manual | R 447 800 |
| Corolla 1.8 XS CVT Hybrid | R 419 900 |
| Corolla 1.8 XS CVT | R 403 500 |
* Pricing correct at time of publication subject to Government NEV incentive support
Towards Zero
With these initial steps Toyota has shown that the future of motoring is going to be green. With many bemoaning the imminent death of internal combustion there is a certain comfort knowing that Toyota will still be keeping engines around for a time still while full electric vehicles are in development. This will enable consumers to acclimate to an electric future locally.
