Toyota unveils next-gen Corolla hybrid

Toyota has stepped up the roll-out of hybrid models with its next-generation Corolla sedan.

The sleek new four-door hybrid sedan, unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show, will adopt the latest petrol-electric system from the fourth-generation Prius when it arrives in Australia late next year.

Refined technology

Sharing many of the features and technology of the popular Corolla hatch (due locally early 2019), Corolla sedan will also be available with an all-new 2.0-litre petrol engine that incorporates both direct and port fuel injection.

READ: Toyota unveils next-gen SA-bound Corolla sedan

Handling agility and ride comfort for the hybrid and petrol Corolla sedans benefit from a highly rigid new Toyota New Global Architecture platform, low centre of gravity and new multi-link rear suspension.

Hybrid variants of Corolla sedan will be powered by the combination of a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two motor/generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission.

Overall contribution

The engine has been designed specifically for a hybrid application, employing the Atkinson cycle that uses a very high compression ratio along with a shorter intake stroke and longer expansion stroke than the Otto cycle.

                                                                    Image: Motorpress

A nickel-metal hydride battery pack, located under the rear seat for optimum cargo capacity, contributes to the vehicle's low centre of gravity and therefore its on-road agility.

The hybrid Corolla sedan also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows it to be operated solely on electric power for short distances, depending upon certain conditions, such as battery charge level.

In addition to the expected 'Normal' and 'Eco' drive modes, a 'Sport' mode allows for an increase in power for stronger acceleration response when desired.

                                                                       Image: Motorpress

Advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies will also be available on the new Corolla and include Toyota's latest pre-collision system, active cruise control, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beam, seven airbags and a reverse camera.

Toyota remains committed to Hybrid technology, with a plan to offer Hybrid derivatives across the majority of our model ranges. The latest generation Hybrid models benefit from higher-efficiency petrol engines, improved EV-mode operation and revised CVT-transmission performance.

Model line-up and specification detail for South Africa is still under study.