We have been driving a few new energy vehicles (NEVs) of late here at Double Apex. Straight from two EVs we find ourselves behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla Hatch 1,8 Xr Hybrid.

We drove the latest Toyota Corolla Hatch when the model was first launched here in 2019. The newcomer to our market left a positive impression. A few years into the car’s lifespan Toyota South Africa has decided to refresh the model’s appearance and to rejig the range.

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New Appearance

The most obvious changes have taken place on the outside, most notably in the facade of the Corolla. Look carefully and you will note a widened front air dam as well as C-shaped fog lamp bezels at the outer edges. There are also revised headlamp clusters that feature bi-LED lighting elements.

The changes at the rear are a bit more subtle. The lower part of the bumper has a black diffuser. Chrome accents on each corner are a nod to the similar design trait on the face of the Corolla. 

There are a number of new shades to choose from on the Corolla Hatch. The most striking of these is the bi-tone option as seen on our black and white test car. The car’s appearance was lifted even further by the fitment of snazzy 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/40 rubber. 

The overall appearance is quite sporty, particularly with the two-tone colour scheme and hunkered down appearance. One onlooker asked if it was the RSi version of this new range, such is the strength of that badge. We have to say, even with the low profile tyres, the Corolla Hatch 1,8 Xr Hybrid rides commendably. It isn’t set up too stiff (read: sporty) therefore occupant comfort is not compromised.

Click here to read about the performance variant of the range, called the Toyota GR Corolla.

Interior Upgrades

Our test unit was the higher-spec Xr variety. As a result it receives an all-new 12,3-inch digital display ahead of the driver. This instrument cluster can be set as the driver desires, displaying various pieces of info at the same time. 

A touchscreen infotainment interface, with a full suite of connectivity including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sits atop the facia. The system also features satellite navigation. This Xr grade test car was also fitted with a wireless mobile phone charger and additional Type-C USB chargers. 

The Xr-specific seats feel quite sporty with a combination leather and suede covering. The front chairs are supportive and offer a good range of adjustment. We noted enough legroom in the rear for all but the tallest. The boot volume, however, has been severely compromised by the battery pack that sits under the rear seat, as well as the space-saver spare tyre under the board. 

Click here to read our twin review of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-EQ EQB350.

Hybrid Power

Least notable of the changes, at least to the eye, is the fact that Toyota has introduced a new engine into the line-up. A hybrid powertrain replaces the 1,2-litre turbocharged petrol in the local range. 

The 1,8-litre powertrain consists of a 1,8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine allied with an electric motor. Total system power is rated as 103 kW. Although there isn’t a peak torque value quoted by Toyota. Power is sent to the tar through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Toyota quotes an optimistic 3,5-litres/100 km. One would really need to have a feather-light foot to achieve that figure.

The hybrid powertrain works seamlessly as it switches between the two sources of power, or combines them when max torque is called upon. The benefit of such a powertrain is really experienced in heavy traffic conditions. We mistimed the running of an errand one afternoon. As a result we sat in more rush-hour traffic than we would have liked to. When we returned home the on-screen display showed that more than 50 per cent of our journey was conducted purely on battery power.      

Summary

Hybrid vehicles have been on offer locally for some time. Despite that, these part electric, part ICE vehicles are quite misunderstood. When we silently rolled into one friend’s yard his family wanted to know if the Corolla Hatch 1,8 Xr Hybrid is an electric car, and would it need charging…

While infrastructure and a regularly interrupted power supply plague EV ownership, hybrids offer a solution for those who wish to lower the CO2 output when out on the road. Models such as the Corolla Hatch 1,8 Xr Hybrid provide a good entry point into hybrid ownership.

Model: Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid bi-tone
Price: R 538 800
Engine: 1,8-litre inline four
Transmission: CVT, FWD
Max power: 103 kW
Max torque: n/a
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 3,5 L/100 km