Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2016 first drive
Hybrids have become a mainstream technology when more than a decade ago they were very much a motoring oddity.
Hybrid vehicles are an interesting conundrum, even though undoubtedly they present an interim measure to full vehicle electrification, there is no doubt they have become a mainstream technology when more than a decade ago they were very much a motoring oddity.
Some folks like being noticed and want their car to scream out "look at me, I'm clean and green," such as the new Gen-Four Prius hatchback that has more than a touch of design from the Mirai Fuel Cell Hydrogen Vehicle, which has to be the wackiest looking Toyota produced in ages.
The first-gen Prius sedan and Honda Insight also stood out like the proverbial dogs you-know-whats, but this was a wholly intentional strategy which appealed to the greenies "look at me, look at me" psyche.
Today, however, there is another type of hybrid customer who is inclined to prefer their environmentally-conscious credentials to have a more subtle vehicular form in the shape of a Corolla.
Realising that petrol-electric hybrid technology has become more and more accepted by the mainstream; Toyota has cottoned onto the fact it is now perfectly acceptable to deliver such tech in it's biggest selling global model.
Toyota New Zealand expects to sell more than 6000 Corollas in 2016, and of those, it's counting on 400 Corolla Hybrid registrations, which is a relatively high percentage.
Unlike the abysmal uptake locally of the 1.4 and 2-litre manual turbodiesel Corolla models a generation ago where the distributor misread the market, this time, we think the Hybrid version has much better legs to stand.
Upgrade to Hybrid class
Sensibly the Corolla Hybrid has a similar specification to the middle of the range GLX variant, albeit with a different powertrain, and a few spec upgrades for greater comfort and safety.
The most noticeable difference is the Blue-ringed Toyota badge proudly placed front and centre of the front grille and rear tailgate, as well as the Hybrid badges on the flank of each front wheel guard, and another on the lower right of the tailgate underneath the right rear indicator lamp.
The Corolla GLX with CVT transmission retails for $35,490, and the Corolla Hybrid is a merely three-grand step up, with a retail of $38,490.
As well as the 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine that runs on 95 octane petroleum or higher, coupled to a nickel-metal hydride battery and electric motor, and an electronically controlled CVT with ECO, power, and EV drive modes.
The Hybrid also has a few other nice little goodies that differentiate it from the GLX grade Corolla.
These goodies include: keyless entry and start with touch sensors on the driver's front passenger door and boot button.
Toyota is using noise-reducing acoustic glass with UV protection in the windscreen and fitting Michelin energy saver tyres to the alloy wheels.
The Corolla Hybrid also receives Bi-LED front headlamps with automatic levelling, LED daytime running lights, as well as integrated LED clearance lamps and headlamp wash system.
Other nice upgrades from the GLX include dual-zone climate air conditioning with toggle switches, a 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-information display, as well as a 3D Multi-information display featuring the Hybrid Synergy Drive indicator, and the speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges.
Rocking ‘Rolla
On the road, the other significant changes to the Corolla Hybrid from the Corolla GLX is the switch to a double wishbone rear suspension with rear stabiliser, larger ventilated front disc brakes (296mm) and the electronically controlled brakes with regeneration facility.
Regular 'Rolla drivers might not take much notice of the badges on the outside of the vehicle, but hopping into the driver's seat will they immediately find themselves in territory more familiar to a Prius.
The very dinky Prius-style Hybrid Synergy Drive gear selector almost looks a bit lost in the Corolla's transmission tunnel console. It offers the usual R for reverse, N for neutral, D for drive, as well as B for engine braking, while P for the park function is a separate push button adjacent on the transmission console. Thankfully the Corolla Hybrid still retains ye-olde-fashioned handbrake!
Everything else in the cabin of the Corolla Hybrid will be familiar to regular 'Rolla drivers, but the on-road driving sensation will be more familiar to Prius drivers.
Just like the Prius vehicle family and also the Camry Hybrid, pressing the Stop/Start button brings pristine silence from under the bonnet, only the "ready" light tells you the 'Rolla is "live" and you can select D and go.
The driving dynamics are a blend of the 'Rollas excellent, comfortable and driver-friendly road holding and handling, with the usual genteel whirr, but occasional high pitched whine from the CVT transmission and Hybrid Synergy Drive system when the driver wants full-throttle acceleration.
In reality, Hybrids are designed for congested cities where stop/start traffic is the norm, and this is where they are best suited, so most don't take kindly to being driven in the manner of a hot hatchback, but at least this 'Rolla does offer a decent level of ability when needed.
Conclusion
While it won't be every new 'Rolla driver's cup of tea, the new Hybrid version will appeal to those fleet and private buyers who want similar fuel efficiency of the new Prius hatch but aren't fussed on its futuristic Star Trek appearance or the use of white plastics in the cabin.
In the Corolla Hybrids favour is a very reasonable retail price, coupled with excellent specification and all the positive attributes which have consistently see it become New Zealand's favourite new passenger car.
Note: this was reviewed as a new vehicle.
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Kyle Cassidy 
Peter Louisson 