Toyota launches Corolla Hybrid hatch

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Toyota will bring the added appeal of hybrid technology to Australia’s best-selling passenger car with the mid-year launch of a Corolla Hybrid hatch.

The new Corolla Hybrid hatch is said to use around one-third less fuel while producing similar power to the petrol-only Corolla hatch with its Multidrive S automatic transmission.

Joining the range as a “well-specified” single grade model, the Corolla Hybrid hatch is the fifth petrol-electric model to join Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive offerings following Prius, Prius c, Prius v and Camry.

Standard features will include satellite navigation, Toyota Link connected mobility, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and bi-LED headlamps.

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Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the company’s full hybrid technology is established as a mainstream powertrain choice.

“The combination of Toyota’s hybrid technology and Australia’s best-selling car gives us a unique opportunity to broaden the market appeal of both,” Mr Cramb said.

“Corolla hybrid hatch will offer all the advantages of Australia’s favourite car, coupled with the hybrid system’s established performance, reliability, durability and exceptionally low running costs.

“This addition to the Corolla range will be fun to drive – and fun to own with fuel economy and emissions that are superior to its direct competitors, especially diesel.

“There is enormous potential for the hybrid Corolla as shown by its success in western Europe where hybrid versions account for more than 50 per cent of all Auris (Corolla hatch) sales. In fact, it attracts more sales than any other hybrid in that market.”

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The Corolla Hybrid hatch will be fitted with a Euro 5 compliant 73kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 60kW electric motor and driven through a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Combined system output of 100kW is achieved with almost Prius-like fuel economy while generating low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and virtually zero particulate matter emissions.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode will enable the Corolla hybrid hatch to be driven for up to two kilometres at speeds of up to around 45km/h with zero tailpipe emissions, depending on the level of battery charge and driving conditions.

Corolla, which is now in its 50th year in the Australian market, has been the best-selling car for each of the past three years with a 103kW petrol engine available in sedan and hatch body styles.

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