Test Drive Report Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Livelier without the Rubber Band Effect

The twelfth generation of the Toyota Corolla, which came to market in 2019, has received a subtle upgrade with the fifth generation of the hybrid drive. While the now digital cockpit with three selectable main views may be considered a gimmick, newly included driver assistance systems in the standard equipment could prove useful in taxis or rental cars. These are the most important results of the test drive on February 14, 2023, where both engine variants could be driven on winding and hilly roads in the countryside of Malaga.

Toyota promises the greatest efficiency increase with the 1.8-liter engine, where the system output has increased by 15 percent to 103 kW/140 hp, while the combined consumption according to the current WLTP test procedure is said to have dropped to 5.1 to 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers. As an engineer explained, the focus was initially on the electric motor, and the CVT transmission was made lighter. Through the software, they ensured a more direct response of the drive to accelerator commands.

This was noticeable while driving. The 1.8-liter engine still sounds strained when accelerating despite its good insulation, but due to the preprogrammed artificial gear steps in the otherwise continuously variable transmission, the previously bothersome rubber band effect is almost gone. When merging onto the highway, you can now accelerate a bit more quickly, but on winding mountain roads higher revs are required to make progress in Normal mode. The Eco mode is only suitable for flatlands and very balanced personalities. The Sport mode is completely off-limits for taxis or rental cars.

In the also revised hybrid drive with the 2-liter engine, the system performance has increased by only 8 percent to 144 kW/196 hp. According to WLTP, it is supposed to consume just between 4.7 and 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers combined. It did not feel much more spirited than the 1.8-liter engine and it also sounds slightly strained when accelerating.

The 1.8-liter hybrid offers a "B" position via the gear lever for stronger recuperation, which you might only need when driving downhill. The 2.0-liter hybrid doesn't have this but instead features shift paddles on the steering wheel. Noticeable in both is that the engine control is now linked with the navigation system, recognizing inclines, declines, roundabouts, and curves. It noticeably and audibly increases engine braking power on declines and sometimes reduces throttle or begins recuperation when approaching curves or roundabouts, which aims to enhance the efficiency of the new lithium-ion battery in both engine variants. It performs this function quite reliably, but not perfectly enough to be fully trusted. It does not brake to a complete stop.

It is commendable that all Corolla models come standard with the driver assistance package, previously called Safety Sense and now named "T-Mate." A new front camera now looks twice as far ahead, and the radar system of the forward collision warning has increased its operational range immediately in front of the vehicle. This is intended to identify even more obstacles in a timely manner. You can read more about the changes in the "assistants" in the detailed driving report in issue 3-4/2023 of our sister magazine taxi heute.