Toyota Corolla Hatch
The new iconic Toyota Corolla now has a hybrid and petrol variety of options to choose from. I had opportunity to take their range of options for a spin and was impressed by the safety, size, comfort and features of this new improved range.
One thing I always have been taught about Toyota is - if you want a reliable car you buy a Toyota, they'll go the distance. Having spent the day driving around in their fleet, it occurred to me that this is the kind of car that is great for me as a mum zipping around from playdates to coffee groups but also one that as my kids learnt to drive (in the future!) I'd be pretty happy with it being in this new Corolla. The car feels safe, the safety features in the car (which I'll detail below from their website for you) are intelligent and designed for passenger protection, the performance is there, ease of driving and driver comfort is great and the price makes it an easy decision - especially for the hybrid versions when hybrid has in the past meant a lot more cost. This is a car that is better for our environment as well which we are all very aware of and keen to play a part in for our future and our children's future.
My favourite out of the range that we drove was the hybrid Zr, it was so quiet and so sturdy, it felt like my little european car run about I currently have. Strong, sturdy, stable on the road, great on corners and also great off the mark. My intention in future car purchases is to choose cars that are good for the environment (well better) so this is definitely a great contender and it's a great looking car with a great price! The model now comes in GZX, SX, GX Hybrid, ZR and ZR hybrid with pricing ranging from $29,990 - $38,990 TDP.
The 'of interest to mums' factors:
Yes I can fit the groceries in and a buggy in the boot.
Yes they have isofix for car seats.
Yes safety is great (see below).
Yes there is plenty of room in the back for kiddo's and car seats.
It's fuel efficient and looks fab and comes in great colours.
Yes it has bluetooth connectivity for my music and phone
Yes there is sat nav maps for getting around town.
THE TECHNICAL FACTORS
Corolla hatch offers improved comfort, greater refinement and a premium feel with an all-new interior design that reflects the bold styling of the exterior. The premium feel is carried throughout the cabin with a variety of materials and finishes including silver metallic and piano black trim highlights, exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces.
INTERIOR
The Corolla hatch has a new roomier and 'tech-forward' interior with features that include a longer and wider centre console, a multi-media touchscreen for audio controls, satellite navigation, SUNA traffic channel and vehicle settings, with the climate controls immediately below it. The new Mobile Assistant feature uses Siri or Google Assistant voice commands to perform simple tasks like sending a text message, setting a reminder, or to check the weather at your destination.
WORLD-LEADING HYBRID ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY
The upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the Corolla complements the car’s new found dynamic capability while providing the optimal balance between fuel economy, low emissions and performance.
The all new Corolla Hybrid features the latest self-charging petrol hybrid electric powertrain from Prius. The 1.8 litre petrol engine has a combined system output of 90 kW, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100 kms, yet efficiencies are gained with a change from the required 95 octane fuel to 91 octane in the new generation.
TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
Toyota Safety Sense is a package of active safety systems designed to keep you and your passengers protected in all types of traffic. These features include:
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE AND POWER
A new dynamic shift CVT is used in conjunction with the 2.0 litre petrol engine featuring a gear and belt drive system to facilitate improved transmission efficiency in lower gear ratios where belt efficiency is often poor. The transmission system utilises gear drive when starting from a full stop, resulting in powerful acceleration. Both smooth and comfortable launch performance are realised.
Both smooth and comfortable launch performance are realised. When switching from gear drive to belt drive, the transmission system uses highly responsive gear change control technologies cultivated from automatic transmission technology.
SUNA NAVIGATION
The all-new Corolla hatch comes with satellite navigation with SUNA* traffic channel also standard, providing traffic information and the ability to avoid congested roads, this information is viewed on an eight-inch touchscreen display.
Overall, if I'm in the market for a small run about car when I replace my current one, this is a Super high contender especially the hybrid ZR it was my favourite out of the full fleet and I felt it was the better one to drive as well.
