Toyota extends local hybrid portfolio to Corolla and RAV4

With hybrid motivation set to feature on all of its models by 2025, Toyota has upped its electrified offerings in South Africa to three with the addition of dual engine versions of the Corolla Sedan and RAV4.

Joining the Prius, the “h” UX, IS and EX versions of upscale sister brand Lexus, and soon the locally build Corolla Cross, both models, surprisingly, are offered in mid-range trim levels rather than serving as flagship variants as a way of making hybrid access more affordable.

Corolla Hybrid

Based on the conventional Xs model, the Corolla Hybrid, bar the inclusion of Hybrid badges and blue accents, differs comparatively little from its petrol sibling externally as most of the changes have taken place underneath.

Riding as standard on specifically optimised low rolling resistance wheels wrapped around model bespoke 15-inch alloy wheels, the Hybrid uses the same 1.8-litre petrol engine as the Prius, combined with an electric motor for a total system output of 90 kW.

Paired to a CVT with drive going to the front wheels as usual, the Corolla Hybrid has a claimed top speed of 180 km/h and will according to Toyota, will consume 3.5 L/100 km with the added claim of a combined range of 1 200 km.

ALSO READ: Petrol and hybrid motivation confirmed for Toyota Corolla Cross

In terms of features, the Hybrid, like the normal Corolla Xs, come as standard with auto on/off LED headlights, heated electric mirrors, LED daytime running diodes and cruise control in addition to the following:

• six-speaker sound system
• all around electric windows
• multi-function leather wrapped steering wheel
• reverse camera
• touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• keyless entry
• push-button start
• automatic air-conditioning
• auto lock/unlock doors
• leather wrapped gear lever
• seven airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist

Available colour options span six hues and comprises of Glacier White, Celestite Grey, Satin Silver, Platinum White Pearl, Moonlight Ocean Metallic and Dark Blue Metallic.

RAV4

For the RAV4, Toyota has opted for the GX derivative that sits below the mid-ship GX-R and the top-spec VX.

Like the Corolla, the RAV4’s exterior hybrid transformation is limited to hybrid badges and blue detailing with power coming from the same 2.5-litre petrol engine as the latter, albeit boosted by an electric motor for a combined output of 160 kW.

Considerably down on the 221 kW plug-in hybrid Prime offered in the United States and Europe, but 28 kW better off than the conventional VX, the hybrid swaps the latter’s eight-speed automatic gearbox for a CVT with drive going to the front wheels instead of all four. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.7 L/100 km with Toyota claiming a top speed of 200 km/h.

Specification-wise, the RAV4 Hybrid comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system and roof rails as well as the following:

• keyless entry
• dual-zone climate control
• rain sense wipers
• cruise control
• touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• rear parking sensors
• auto-levelling on/off LED headlights
• push-button start
• heated electric mirrors
• leather gear lever and multi-function steering wheel
• auto lock/unlock doors
• front and rear parking sensors
• seven airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Trailer Sway Control
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist

Compared to the Corolla, the RAV4 Hybrid’s colour chart comprises eight hues; Chromium Silver, Glacier White, Graphite Grey, Pearl White, Urban Khaki, Cinnabar Red, Caribbean Blue and Moonlight Ocean Metallic.

Pricing

Standard on both models is a three year/100 000 km warranty, a six service/90 000 km service plan and an eight year/195 000 km warranty on the battery. For more information, click here.

• Corolla Hybrid 1.8 Xs CVT – R419 900
• RAV4 Hybrid 2.5 GX CVT – R555 300