Toyota unveiled the facelifted range of the EU-spec Corolla, following the facelift of the US-spec model. The European model benefits from Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, while gaining new tech inside the cabin and mild visual tweaks to keep it fresh, four years after the debut of the 12th generation. Despite the fact that more automakers joined the electrification trend, the Corolla remains the only full hybrid in the C-Segment alongside the Honda Civic e:HEV since most rivals are offered with mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The previously available petrol-only options are discontinued from the Corolla range, resulting in a hybrid-only lineup since the hardcore GR Corolla hot hatch is not available in Europe.
The new self-charging hybrid systems
improve on the same recipe with more power and improved performance. The
facelifted model remains available with 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines,
exclusively available in FWD flavour. The redesigned power control unit (PCU)
and transaxle electric motor, in combination with the smaller and more powerful
lithium-ion battery, have reduced the mass of the hybrid powertrain by up to 18
kg (40 pounds) depending on the variant.
In terms of power, the 1.8-liter hybrid produces
138 hp which represents an increase of 18 hp compared to the outgoing model. Thus, the facelifted entry-level Corolla can
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, slashing 1.7 seconds over
its predecessor, while retaining the same 102 g/km average CO2 emissions. The
2.0-liter hybrid produces 193 hp, which is 15 hp more than before. Here, the 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 7.5
seconds, with slightly reduced average C02 emissions of 107 g/km
(-2 g/km). Besides the improved specs, Toyota engineers recalibrated the hybrid
control unit for more natural and linear acceleration in line with the driver’s
intentions. The reduction of engine speed during acceleration has resulted in a
quieter powertrain.
The facelifted Corolla appears to be
virtually unchanged to the untrained eye. However, there are a few tweaks on
the grille mesh pattern and fog light bezels, alongside three new color options
(Juniper Blue for the hatchback and Touring Sports, Midlight Teal for the
sedan, and Metallic Grey for all three) and new alloy wheels. Additionally, the
high-end trims of the hatchback and Touring Sports gain bi-LED headlights with
Adaptive High-beam System (AHS). As for the GR Sport, it benefits from a new
set of 18-inch machined alloy wheels, a sportier rear bumper, and refreshed
seats.
Inside, Toyota is offering new trim and
upholstery options for a more contemporary ambience. On the tech front, there
is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is standard from the mid-level
trims, offering four modes – Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough. It is combined
with the larger 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen from the Corolla Cross,
which integrates cloud-based navigation and a new voice agent. The latter can
recognize natural conversational requests, and even open or close the windows.
Furthermore, the Toyota T-Mate package
includes the latest Toyota Safety Sense with new and improved ADAS, prone to
over-the-air software updates. Finally, drivers have access to remote services
through the MyT app. The facelifted Toyota Corolla range (hatchback, sedan,
Touring Sports) will be available in Europe in the first quarter of 2023.
Toyota will announce pricing closer to the market launch of the model.
