2018 Toyota Auris

Updated 2023 Toyota Corolla is more powerful and efficient

Popular hatchback receives the latest generation of Toyota's hybrid hardware, alongside styling tweaks

Toyota has updated the Corolla, three years on from its launch, with a raft of specification, design and mechanical improvements - most notably ushering in the latest generation of its petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Toyota Corolla has sold more than 50 million units worldwide since its 1966 introduction and is currently in its 12th generation. It is available in both hatchback and estate forms in the UK, the saloon having bowed out several months ago. A closely related SUV model, the new Toyota Corolla Cross, will join it in dealerships later this year.

The Vauxhall Astra rival's design has been left largely untouched – tweaks are limited to a new mesh pattern for the front grille, reshaped foglights and new alloy wheel designs – but Toyota draws attention to the changes underneath the surface, which it says make it "equipped to strengthen its role as a core volume model for Toyota in Europe".

It continues to be available with a choice of 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrid powertrains, but both are claimed to bring improved power, performance and drivability - alongside reduced emissions.

The lithium ion EV battery, for example, now weighs 18kg less and is more compact, and recalibrated EV motors give a more 'intuitive', rather than linear, throttle response.

The 1.8-litre powertrain now produces a combined 138bhp and shaves 1.7sec of the 0-62mph time, at 9.2sec. The 2.0-litre car brings 193bhp and covers the same sprint in 7.5sec. CO2 emissions are pegged at 102g/km and 107g/km, respectively - a slight reduction over the outgoing car's figures.

Inside, the latest Corolla plays host to a new infotainment system running through a larger, 10.5in central touchscreen, and from mid-rung trim upwards, the hatch comes equipped as standard with a 12.3in digital gauge cluster.


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Toyota Corolla Gets Updated for 2023

The ever-popular Toyota Corolla has been updated! Take a look at what’s changed!

The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla arrived in South Africa back in 2020 and the Japenese firm has given the Corolla a styling and equipment update, but more importantly, the Corolla’s hybrid powertrain has also been enhanced.

What’s Changed?

You’d be hard-pressed to spot the exterior styling changes but Toyota has updated the grille mesh design, tweaked the fog light bezels and bi-LED headlights with adaptive high beam are now fitted to range-topping Corollas while new alloy wheel designs will be offered too along with some new body colors to choose from such as Metallic Grey, Juniper Blue and Midnight Teal.

In markets where its offered, the Corolla GR Sport will gain new 18-inch alloy wheels, revised rear bumper and under-guard while the interior gets updated upholstery and a GR logo on the push-button start.

Interior changes include revised trim and upholstery with newly embossed patterns that give a 3-D effect while new Dark and Light Harmony upholstery combinations further enhance the cabin ambience. A larger 10.25 inch infotainment display also makes its way into the Corolla as well as a new 12.3-inch, customisable combimeter instrument cluster and a new voice assistance system.

The big news for this particular update, however, has taken place under the bonnet where Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid-electric system now produces better performance!

For both the 1.8 and 2.0 Corolla Hybrid, Toyota has redesigned the power control unit (PCU) and transaxle motor while also fitting a more powerful and lighter lithium-ion battery resulting in up to 18 kg in weight savings.

 
Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback takes all the reliable hardware from the Corolla Sedan and mixes it with a bit of mischievous fun to make a stylish yet practical sporty machine. For 2023, the Corolla Hatchback shares all the safety and multimedia upgrades from the Sedan and adds a few of its own.

Starting with the look, Corolla Hatch's striking design is revved up for 2023 with an updated front grill and rear bumper with available silver accents. The new premium large daytime running light (DRL) headlights and taillights are borrowed from the new GR Corolla super hatch. The SE model features new-design 10-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels, while the XSE gets new 18-inch graphite-colored aluminum wheels.

All 2023 Corolla models upgrade to new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with new Proactive Driving Assist, including Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist. The SE grade joins the XSE in featuring standard Smart Key, while both grades add enhanced Sport driving mode tuning and red interior accents replacing blue.

The new 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system offers more versatility than ever, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Both model grades also gain two rear-seat USB-C ports, bringing the total in the car to four. The XSE piles on the value by making Qi-compatible wireless device charging standard, along with the sonically stunning JBL Premium Audio with an 800-watt 8-speaker System. What's more, all 2023 Corolla models deliver added value with Safety Connect and Service Connect with up to a 10-year trial subscription.


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Toyota Corolla (2023) Specs & Price

The Toyota Corolla has been updated for 2023. Here’s how much you can expect to pay and what’s changed.

You can spot the new Corollas only if you look really carefully. The hatch gains a wider foglamp bezel. The sedan grille has received the smallest of changes. Both vehicles gain Bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights. There are also some small cosmetic additions at the rear, with the hatch gaining some chrome, while the sedan gets a gloss-black piece on the bumper.

The hatch runs on 16-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare (XS grade), while the XR has 18-inch units plus a space-saver. The sedan XS/XR HEV has 16-inch alloys and a full-size spare, while the XR has 18-inch wheels with a space-saver.

Sadly, the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been discontinued globally. South Africa will be receiving two engines, all running a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The 1.8-litre hybrid petrol engine delivers 103 kW, which is a 14% increase over the outgoing motor.

The new 5th-generation hybrid system makes its debut on the Corolla and Toyota reckons a better driving experience with improved economy is on offer. A new 18.1 kWh battery is standard, which weighs 14% less than the 4th-gen hybrid setup.

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine has also seen an increase in outputs, with 126 kW and 203 Nm.

Customers will have 8 colours to choose from for the Corolla hatch, while the Corolla sedan has 7 shades on offer.

How much does the updated Toyota Corolla cost in South Africa?

Corolla Hatchback

1.8 XS Hybrid R481 300
2.0 XR R508 400
1.8 XR Hybrid R518 000
2.0 XR Bitone R518 600
1.8 XR Hybrid Bitone R528 200

Corolla Sedan

1.8 XS Hybrid R492 700
2.0 XR R507 000
1.8 XR Hybrid R511 600


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Toyota Corolla gets a refresh: turbo gone, hybrid line-up expanded

While the locally-built Toyota Corolla Cross has become the new mainstream player, the imported hatch and sedan models remain an interesting option, with somewhat striking looks to boot.

And now Toyota has sharpened them up for 2023, with a number of subtle design tweaks, but the big news is that the engine line-up has been rejigged.

For starters, the 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine that previously powered the entire hatchback range is no longer available as Toyota discontinued it abroad due to European emissions regulations.

As a result, the hatch is now offered with improved versions of the 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain as well as the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol, which were already offered in the sedan model. These changes also reflect in the revised four-door Corolla.

The new-generation hybrid drivetrain produces 103kW, which is 13kW more than its predecessor, and Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.5 litres per 100km. The 2.0-litre non-hybrid engine is now good for 126kW and 203Nm, which is 1kW and 3Nm more than before, and for this one Toyota claims a drinking figure of 6.0 l/100km.

All models are sold with a six-service, 90 000km service plan, and while petrol models have the standard three-year/100 000km warranty, the hybrids get an eight-year/195 000km warranty plan.

Toyota Corolla Prices (November 2022)

Hatch


1.8 Xs Hybrid – R490 000

1.8 Xr Hybrid – R528 400

1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone – R538 800

2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

2.0 Xr CVT Bi-tone – R529 000

Sedan

1.8 Xs Hybrid – R502 600

1.8 Xr Hybrid – R521 800

2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

 
Toyota Corolla gets a refresh: turbo gone, hybrid line-up expanded

While the locally-built Toyota Corolla Cross has become the new mainstream player, the imported hatch and sedan models remain an interesting option, with somewhat striking looks to boot.

And now Toyota has sharpened them up for 2023, with a number of subtle design tweaks, but the big news is that the engine line-up has been rejigged.

For starters, the 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine that previously powered the entire hatchback range is no longer available as Toyota discontinued it abroad due to European emissions regulations.

As a result, the hatch is now offered with improved versions of the 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain as well as the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol, which were already offered in the sedan model. These changes also reflect in the revised four-door Corolla.

The new-generation hybrid drivetrain produces 103kW, which is 13kW more than its predecessor, and Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.5 litres per 100km. The 2.0-litre non-hybrid engine is now good for 126kW and 203Nm, which is 1kW and 3Nm more than before, and for this one Toyota claims a drinking figure of 6.0 l/100km.

All models are sold with a six-service, 90 000km service plan, and while petrol models have the standard three-year/100 000km warranty, the hybrids get an eight-year/195 000km warranty plan.

Toyota Corolla Prices (November 2022)

Hatch


1.8 Xs Hybrid – R490 000

1.8 Xr Hybrid – R528 400

1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone – R538 800

2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

2.0 Xr CVT Bi-tone – R529 000

Sedan

1.8 Xs Hybrid – R502 600

1.8 Xr Hybrid – R521 800

2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

 
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback in SA (2022) Launch Review

Is a Corolla Hybrid worthwhile?

We are hoping to spend more time with the new Corolla Hybrid hatchback in the near future and only then will we be able to make a clear-cut verdict on whether it’s worth considering as an alternative to a conventional ICE-powered vehicle.

Even so, it’s evident that you can claw back fuel costs by opting for a Corolla Hybrid but the gains will only be fully realised if you own the vehicle for a longer period of time. It’s also worth noting that hybrid vehicles are generally more expensive to purchase than conventional ICE vehicles.

Below is a basic fuel consumption versus cost comparison between the Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback and the similarly-priced Volkswagen Polo 85kW 1.0TSI R-Line. Note that the calculations are based on projected real-world fuel consumption figures and not the manufacturer’s claimed consumption figures.

Also, note that the table below is by no means definitive but rather serves to illustrate and demonstrate basic fuel consumption versus cost over a period of time at current fuel prices. Obviously, future fuel prices are likely to be much higher. The table also doesn’t account for the Corolla Hybrid’s fuel-saving over time when driven in EV mode in low-speed situations.

Based on the table below and at current fuel prices, it will take roughly 5 years of ownership of the base Toyota Corolla Hybrid to reclaim the price difference between the Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI R-Line.

Some food for thought…


How much does the Toyota Corolla hatchback and sedan cost in South Africa?

Corolla Hatch

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R490 900

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R528 400

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone – R538 800

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT Bi-tone – R529 000

Corolla Sedan

Corolla 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R 502 600

Corolla 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R 521 800

Corolla 2.0 Xr CVT – R 517 100

The Toyota Corolla is sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km). Petrol models carry a 3-year/100 000km warranty, while hybrid models hold an 8-year/195 000 km warranty plan.


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Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid 2023 first drive

It’s easy to see why Toyota believes this 1.8-litre will be the bigger-selling engine. Toyota integrity is present in spades, but also the Corolla is more of a driver’s car than before. Now, as perhaps not before, it goes as well as it looks.

 
REVIEW: Toyota Corolla hybrid hatch combines sharp looks with impressive economy

Unfortunately, like the high petrol price, potholed roads are here to stay, given local municipalities and national government’s less than enthusiastic response to maintenance and repairs, and on its 18-inch rims potholes are a bit jarring but on the highway it’s an incredibly smooth drive.

Fitted with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 the Toyota Corolla 1.8 Xr hybrid hatch should be a welcome addition to a garage. Not only is it good-looking, it’s frugal too and you have the legendary Corolla reliability to boot.

FACTS: Toyota Corolla 1.8 Xr hybrid

Price: R539 000

Engine: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid

Gearbox: Continuously variable (CVT)

Power: 103kW

Torque: 142Nm (+163Nm electric)

Fuel use: 5.2 l/100km (tested, mixed use)

Fuel tank capacity: 43 litres

Boot volume: 305 litres

Warranty: 6-service/90 000km

Service plan: 6-service/90 000k

 
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