Test Toyota Corolla hybrid 125H and 180H

Test Toyota Corolla

If we were to talk about the compact models with the greatest global significance throughout the history of the automobile, the main and most prominent would be the Toyota Corolla. Since its origin, back in 1966, no less than 11 generations have been marketed. Not all have been sold in Europe and, in addition, the last two have under the Toyota Auris name in the Old Continent, but on a global level it has always been active.

now comes one new generation, the 12th. The brand has invited us to its European presentation, held in Mallorca, to introduce us to this totally new product, which also receives the TNGA platform. Will it be a noticeably better car than its predecessor? We have tested the new Toyota Corolla in bodies hatchback (5 doors) and Sports Tourer (family), as well as with the two hybrid engines available, which yield 122 and 180 CV.

The first point I would like to highlight is that, due to its status as self-charging hybrid, there are not many rivals in the European market. Now, in addition, the Toyota Corolla is available with three bodies, which are hatchback, Sports Tourer and Sedan. The Spanish subsidiary of the brand expects to sell some 12.000 units of the 5-door annually, about 4.500 of the family and only 2.000 of the sedan. The goal is to reach those 18.500 units per year.

One of the and advantages what it has now is that it is the first car marketed here that offers, within the same hybridization system, two different mechanics. And it is that the new Corolla is available with two hybrid mechanics, leaving no option for diesel or gasoline, yielding 122 and 180 hp. Those of us who previously thought that the less powerful variant was fair, we no longer have an excuse. But hey, I will talk about all this several paragraphs below in detail.

Technological and different, but quite nice

Test Toyota Corolla 180 CV front profile

One of the things that is most liked about the Japanese brand at a general level in the latest products is that they use unusual designs. They are not similar to the rest of the cars that we see on the streets. This has its pros and cons, since they are usually cars that you like or don't like, there is no middle ground or the typical "neither fu, nor fa". The Prius is complicated -to put it finely- but the C-HR has been able to show that, although they risked, they were totally right.

I think that with the Toyota Corolla something similar happens with the crossover. As you can see in the different images, he brings with him a technological design and perhaps a bit futuristic, but without going. In addition, its multiple very marked curves provide a very youthful and urban touch, with a certain sporty character on a visual level; something that contributes bicolor body present in both hatchback units tested.

The 5-door and family bodies share the same design front, while the sedan, more designed for other markets outside Europe, changes a lot compared to them. For its part, the Touring Sports and Sedan have a longer wheelbase, which improves ride comfort for rear occupants. Since we are here, I leave you right here a table with the exterior measurements of each body.

Hatchback touringsports Sedan
Hatchback touringsports Sedan
Long Jump 4.370 mm 4.650 mm 4.630 mm
Width 1.790 mm 1.790 mm 1.780 mm
High jump 1.435 mm 1.435 mm 1.435 mm
Battle 2.640 mm 2.700 mm 2.700 mm

Test Toyota Corolla hatchback side

As I said above, a particularity of the 5-door is that it can have the bodywork in two colors, one base for the middle and lower part, and black on the upper part (from the lower edge of the windows upwards). In total there are four two-tone options and eleven in a single color.

These versions with a black roof gain a lot of visual appeal, but I did not like that there is so much step in the bodywork when going from one color to another. Passing the hand, we clearly notice the greater layer when going from the base color to black; especially on the rear pillar. Although it may seem like a minor detail, I think they should have taken care of it a little more.

My favorite exterior part of the new Corolla is the back corner, with fairly fine boomerang-shaped pilots and quite marked shapes. As a curiosity, in the hatchback we will never see real exhaust outlets, they will be hidden inside the bumper and, depending on the version, there will be simulated outlets or not; while in the Touring Sports we can find a real double exhaust outlet and circular well marked on the right side.

Toyota Corolla rear

Inside, infotainment remains the pending issue

If we go inside, the Toyota Corolla welcomes us with a correct interior in terms of the level of finish, finishes and functionality that is required of a car of its style, a compact generalist. The chosen materials are fine and are pleasant to the touch on almost all surfaces, especially in the upper and middle areas of the dashboard, as well as in the door trims. The lower parts, as usual, are not very elaborate. They are not luxurious qualities, but they are quite acceptable.

Toyota Corolla dashboard design

El instrument panel is brand new, something that the brand already needed. From the Active Tech finish (intermediate), it has a 7 inch TFT screen to display different travel information, battery charge status or vehicle operation. On the left side of it is a rev counter that did not appear before in the hybrid Auris, while on the right we have the fuel gauge and coolant temperature.

As a curiosity, Toyota Spain has decided not to bring the Head-Up Display system to our country; although in other markets it is offered. In fact, some units of this presentation had him.

For its part, the center console touch screen can be up to 8 inches. Unfortunately, it is still not up to the standards used by the vast majority of its rivals, with not very fluid handling, somewhat outdated and not always clear spelling, as well as a speed that could also be improved. It has direct access buttons to certain menus, it is in a high position and it does not integrate the air conditioning management, which are positive points, but even so should have evolved much more.

Test Toyota Corolla touch screen

I don't want to forget to mention that the Corolla recovers a traditional gear lever for the automatic transmission, instead of the small knob used by its predecessor. For me it is a success, and not because of size, but because now we know at all times with a slight gesture if we are in P, R, N, D, B or S; Well, before, even if we selected any position, a “rest” position would always return. It is also very important that in the 180H versions, the most powerful, we have a Sport transmission mode and paddles behind the wheel.

The seats have seemed quite comfortable and pleasant for a car like this, which focuses on comfort. The steering wheel, also with a pleasant touch, has a good depth and height adjustment, which guarantees a good driving position. Otherwise, the most important controls and buttons are quite close at hand for the driver. The only thing, maybe larger hole to leave objects in the central area would not hurt. By the way, in the superior finishes we have a wireless charging surface for mobile phones.

Fair of habitability

Toyota Corolla front seats

during this presentation we have tested hatchback and Touring Sports bodies, that is, the 5-door and the family. The front seats are spacious enough for two "normal" sized adults. Maybe an ACB player or a sumo wrestler are not very comfortable... Jokes aside, let's go to the rear seats, there's a lot to talk about here. And it is that the Toyota Corolla It is not one of the compact with more habitability of the market, is not exactly its strong point.

In the hatchback rear seatsThe knee room is just right. With the driver's seat at my height (I'm 1,76), sitting right behind it didn't touch my knees, but I didn't have too much room to spare. If a driver of 1,80 meters or something more traveled in front of us, we would surely begin to feel a bit overwhelmed. Headroom isn't outstanding, but it's acceptable. I have not taken measurements, but the impression is that it is not one of the widest in the segment.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports rear seats

the bodywork touringsports enjoys a few extra centimeters in its wheelbase, which are noticeable in the knee room gaining comfort and practicality. However, the shape of the body negatively affects space and head space. Inside, in the part of the door closest to the rear of the car, we find a kind of pillar which is quite well padded and lined, but which sits very close to the head and, honestly, it can be annoying because it is a bit intrusive.

In short, if you want a very spacious car inside, the Toyota Corolla will not be the best option in the category.

Trunk depending on the bodywork, but also on the engine

And now It's time to talk about the trunk, its capacity and practicality. I prefer to start by leaving you a table so that you can see the different volumes depending on the bodywork and yes, also on the engine. Behold:

1.8 Hybrid 125H 2.0 Hybrid 180H
1.8 Hybrid 125H 2.0 Hybrid 180H
5 doors 361 liters 313 liters
touringsports 598 liters 581 liters
Sedan 471 liters version not available

The 122 and 180 hp versions use different thermal engines, being a 1.8-liter in the first and a 2.0 in the second. Due to lack of space in the engine compartment, it forces the versions of the large engine take the traditional battery to the trunk, staying under the front hood in less powerful variants.

Toyota Corolla 180H battery in trunk

Toyota Corolla 5 door 180H battery under the trunk floor

In the case of the Touring Sports, the battery is located next to the right wheel arch, having very little impact on the available space, since it only loses 17 liters of capacity. The problem is in the five-door model. As the overhang is shorter, they cannot locate this battery in the wheel arch, so they have no choice but to place it under the boot floor. This forces them to raise the height several centimeters, losing almost 50 liters and leaving it in normal capacity figures for a model in the utility segment, but very low for a compact.

It's not all snags in the cargo space. The family body, the Touring SportsIt has a double height floor with a good volume. But what we liked the most is that, in addition to that double height, under it there is a huge hidden hole where the spare wheel should go -replaced by a repair kit-, and in this space we have been able to store a medium-sized cabin suitcase without problems and leaving room for some more bags. Finally, we have shooters to knock down the seats from behind and reach 1.606 liters.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports trunk

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports trunk

Mechanical offer and benefits

Well, as I have already mentioned above, the new Toyota Corolla only arrives in Spain with two hybrid engines, which use a thermal engine and an electric one. In other markets, a gasoline version with a 1.2 Turbo is also offered, but Toyota Spain's strategy remains very clear and focused on hybridization. As expected, the transmission is carried out by means of a planetary gear system, the famous e-CVT.

Test Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

El 1.8 Hybrid engine, known as the 125H version, is basically the same powertrain as used in the Prius and C-HR; although from the company they affirm that they have carried out some slight variations to optimize it even more. The electric motor is powered by lithium ion batteries. As a whole, this variant of the Corolla develops 122 CV at 5.200 rpm.

Meanwhile, 2.0 Hybrid, or 180HIt is a new engine that has a capacity of 1.987 cubic centimeters. The electric motor is somewhat more powerful and has more torque than in the other version, but the difference that most strikes us is that it is powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries, instead of ion ones. The maximum power of this hybrid version is 180 CV at 6.000 rpm of the heat engine.

The Toyota Corolla Sedan can only be associated with the less powerful hybrid system.

Benefits

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

125H 180H
125H 180H
Maximum speed 180 km/h 180 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h 10.9 s. 7.9 s.
mixed consumption 3.3 l / 100 km 3.7 l / 100 km

Toyota Corolla Sport Touring

125H 180H
125H 180H
Maximum speed 180 km/h 180km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h 11.1 s. 8.1 s.
mixed consumption 3.3 l / 100 km 3.7 l / 100 km

Toyota Corolla Sedan

125H
125H
Maximum speed 180 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h 11 s.
mixed consumption 3.4 l / 100 km

At the wheel: Focused on comfort and smooth running

Test Toyota Corolla 125H

Now yes, having seen all the theory once, it is time to press the start button and start driving. We have tested the Toyota Corolla in the two most important bodies for Spain, that is, hatchback and family. We have also been able to test the two engines and see if it is really worth going to 180 hp instead of acquiring the 122 version.

First of all, I wanted to remind you that it is a product presentation and not a weekly test, so we cannot do as many kilometers as we would like and we do not have the time necessary to be able to evaluate consumption or behavior in all kinds of situations. Despite this, in this event we have been able to shoot for quite some time.

I begin by talking about the sensations obtained with the Compact Toyota Corolla and the 122 hp engine. As we have mentioned above, the engine is practically traced to the Prius and C-HR. The truth is that the smooth at low speed is maintained, with a very comfortable roll and the possibility of driving around town for several minutes with the heat engine off. Driving through traffic without hearing noise or feeling vibrations from the engine is quite pleasant.

I expected that they would have polished the feel of the braking a little more, since it does not have a progressive path due to the greater or lesser incidence of regenerative braking depending on what the brake is pressed and the speed at which we circulate. The hybrid Honda CR-V we tested months ago, for example, had a much better feel.

toyota corolla rear

When leaving the city, the combustion engine can turn off in certain driving conditions if the speed is not very high, if the energy demand is not high and if the battery has a sufficient charge; but it doesn't last too long and soon has to start up again unless we conscientiously look for low consumption. At medium speeds the engine does not over-rev and the power delivery is sufficient.

However, when we face fast lane additions, we accelerate hard to cover an overtaking or climb a steep slope, the well-being inside it disappears because the e-CVT change revolutionizes the heat engine a lot and sounds a lot in the passenger compartment. Also, that slippery feeling doesn't make it too nice. The recoveries are not too brilliant, giving the feeling of developing less power than declared.

Meanwhile, with the 2.0 Hybrid something similar happens, but less pronounced. The behavior in the city is also very good, although a little more torque is noticeable at low revs and when only the electric motor works. Outside the city, on normally uneven secondary roads, this 180H variant is noted to be much more solvent and it doesn't force as much to extract a good acceleration.

Test Toyota Corolla front profile 180 hp

When it comes to maintaining stabilized speed there are not too many differences compared to the 125H, but the greater energy of the set is noticeable when accelerating or going up a slope. The engine revs less to accelerate the same and then, of course, the practically 60 more horses are noticeable.

Nor is it that the version of 180 CV seems to have that much power, the sensation is that they are quite a few, but we already have that more powerful and solvent option that, in addition, is also less noisy when we step on the accelerator between 50 and 75% of its travel.

Leaving aside the engines and focusing on the rest, the Toyota Corolla has a clear focus on comfort. I quite liked the setting of the suspension, because it filters the irregularities that we can find on the road quite well and then, thanks to the good work of the TNGA platform and its chassis, the body tilts just enough when we decide to draw a curve at high speed. Pretty good in that sense, and very logical for the regular Toyota hybrid customer.

In other markets, an adaptive suspension can be ordered that stiffens the shock absorbers depending on the driving mode. In Spain there are several driving modes that vary the response of the engine and the direction, but do not act on the suspension.

As to whether there are clear differencesas of behavior between the hatchback and station wagon bodies, the answer is no. It is true that the five-door body feels somewhat more agile in slow curves or at a high rate due to the shorter wheelbase, but it is not a very noticeable difference. At legal speeds on the motorway we have not seen changes in behavior.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Dynamics

Less convinced Acoustic. At least on the tested units, perceived certain aerodynamic and rolling noises at slightly higher than normal levels. In the 180 hp versions and high trim level, the aerodynamic noise is somewhat lower because it has thicker front windows, but the rolling noise is still present. They are not very, very big noises, but I think that Toyota should have paid a little more attention to this.

Conclusions

The Toyota Corolla, the successor to the Auris, launches a new generation with a very important evolution, which is to offer two possibilities self-recharging hybrid mechanical in the same product. In addition, as has been the case with the C-HR since its arrival, in Spain it will only be sold with hybrid technology, completely forgetting about diesel and gasoline.

All versions of the new Corolla will receive the -in these days so precious- DGT ECO label.

Being a hybrid vehicle that does not need cables to recharge and the design are its main arguments. The brand estimates that 70% of sales will go to the 125H engine and only 30% remaining to the new variant of greater power.

Toyota Corolla 180H hybrid engine

From my point of view, I think that Toyota should have taken advantage of the opportunity to develop a double-clutch type transmission, because although they are somewhat less efficient, I consider that it compensates a lot for a better driving experience; with a much more pleasant operation on the road.

Another theme is that of trunk and battery location. The 313-litre capacity of the 5-door version with the 180H engine is scarce, so many customers are forced to give up this variant and opt for the familiar bodywork or choose the small engine. Now there is not much chance that they will go to another product, but what if in the near future a similar rival arrives with power close to those 180 and more trunk? Also keep in mind that habitability is below the segment average.

And finally, the 122 or the 180 hp? The 180 hp version leaves a new door open, but paying just over 2.000 euros compared to the access engine. Worth? Well, it depends on the type of use. If you are almost always going to use the car in the city, I think it is better to stay with the 125H. If, on the other hand, you are going to drive many times loaded and outside the city, perhaps it is worth saving that difference in price with equal equipment, but remember that with the 5-door you will have much less trunk...

Featured equipment of the Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla LED headlights detail

Business

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • LED Lighting
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Front 12 volt socket
  • Electric heated mirrors
  • Dual zone air conditioning
  • Adjustable driver's seat height
  • keyless start
  • Lane departure warning
  • pre-collision system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • automatic high beams
  • E-call emergency call
  • 4,2-inch instrument panel display
  • Radio CD with 4 speakers
  • USB, AUX and Bluetooth

Business Plus (adds to Business)

  • 16-inch wheels
  • Leather multifunction steering wheel

Active (adds to Business Plus)

  • Front grille with gloss black trim
  • Boot tray with double bottom
  • Gear lever in leather
  • Height adjustable front seats
  • Black cloth upholstery
  • Front and rear cup holders
  • Reversing camera
  • Toyota Touch 2 with 8-inch screen
  • Go Browser

Active Tech (adds to Active)

  • Rain Sensor
  • Wireless charger
  • Electrochromic interior mirror
  • Electrically folding exterior mirrors
  • TFT color screen for the 7-inch box

Feel! (adds to Active Tech)

  • darkened glasses
  • 17-inch wheels (18-inch on 180 hp)
  • Full LED lighting
  • Leather steering wheel with multifunction controls (180 hp paddle shifters)

Advance (adds to Feel!)

  • Front grill with chrome trim
  • 18-inch two-tone wheels
  • Multi-LED headlights with dynamic adjustment
  • Driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment
  • Heated Sport Front Seats
  • Partial leather and fabric upholstery
  • keyless entry system
  • smart parking system
  • Dual zone air conditioning and rear air vents
  • Blind spot detector with rear cross traffic
  • Warning of involuntary change of lane with correction in direction
  • 8-speaker radio with JBL system

Toyota Corolla Prices

Test Toyota Corolla Touring Sports front profile

The prices in the following table are without discounts, although the brand currently offers from 3.000 to 5.550 euros in different discounts for this new Toyota Corolla.

Bodywork Version Motor Finished Price
Bodywork Version Motor Finished Price
5 doors 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp BusinessPlus 24.850 €
5 doors 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active 25.450 €
5 doors 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active Tech 25.950 €
5 doors 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Feel! 27.200 €
5 doors 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Feel! 29.450 €
5 doors 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Advance 32.700 €
5 doors 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Advance Luxury 35.200 €
touringsports 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp BusinessPlus 26.350 €
touringsports 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active 26.950 €
touringsports 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active Tech 27.450 €
touringsports 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Feel! 28.700 €
touringsports 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Feel! 30.950 €
touringsports 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Advance 34.500 €
touringsports 180H 2.0 hybrid 180 hp Advance Luxury 37.300 €
Sedan 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp BusinessPlus 25.500 €
Sedan 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active 25.950 €
Sedan 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Active Tech 26.550 €
Sedan 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Feel! 27.750 €
Sedan 125H 1.8 hybrid 122 hp Advance 30.750 €

Gallery Toyota Corolla


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      David said

    Exhaustive and very elaborate examination and comparison of the range. Very useful for the purchase of my vehicle. I am very grateful.