At £30,000, Can The Toyota Corolla Hybrid Be Worth Your Money?

[@nagylevi3827]

Now here's a hybrid that actually works. Weight is alright, fuel economy is great and there's no massive battery pack to go wrong down the road. Very sensible, very smart. Good review as well. Despite the difficulty of the task, I felt reasonably entertained and well informed.

[@supraJZA80s]

Agreed. Even as a car enthusiast, having driven these, they are great cars (for commuting)

[@qasimmir7117]

The Toyota hybrids have been working brilliantly for years.

[@Roy-pk4xd]

@@qasimmir7117 for 25 years

[@chrissalt7991]

Having been the owner of a 2.0 GR Sport for the past four months, I can safely say the car is utterly brilliant. Refined, comfortable, economical (55 mpg plus, daily driving) and not a slouch. The acceleration is truly invigorating at times. For a family, I would say get the Touring Sport Estate, but for me the boot space is adequate and not at the top of my agenda. One thing Jay didn't mention is that electric mode can be achieved up to 70mph (and I presume, more), given the right conditions. The e-CVT box is not the "elephant in the room" as I imagined. It sounds like a normal automatic for the majority of the time; only when you put your foot firmly on the pedal do you get a short "whine". I presume that that the 1.8 would need a heavier foot to get the same results, hence more noise. Toyota, thanks for producing a sublime car and Jay - great video. You got it spot on!

[@tawermeister99]

I think this Corolla is a winner. I don’t care about the gadgets. Just want a reliable good looking car with some poke that’s also a Toyota. Wish it was a manual though. The Honda crz was available as a manual hybrid.

[@klappars]

Can confirm that, the swift sport hybrid and fiesta/puma hybrid. Also Fiat 500 hybrid. All manual gearboxes.

[@owenhughes2653]

The gearbox is a big part of the efficiency of it and the hybrid system. It's not really separable.

[@armink9686]

@@klappars They are absolutely not the same kind of hybrid as this

[@tawermeister99]

@@owenhughes2653 yeah I get that. Obviously fuel economy is the thing being sacrificed. But for a manual in this car. I’d make that trade.

[@tawermeister99]

@@klappars didn’t know the swift had that option. I’ve always liked Suzuki. If I wasn’t such a Toyota fan I’d probably go with Suzuki. Interesting fact. Suzuki is the only independent car manufacturer left. They aren’t part of a group like VW group for example and they aren’t owned by another car manufacturer, incredible that they are still around and doing well.

[@mattt3302]

I have just changed my 10 year old BMW 320i Touring for a brand new Corolla Sport Touring 2.0l Excel with Pan roof in Red… Why? Because it is a great all rounder with low running costs, economical and superbly reliable. Once you look past the badge, and the fact the infotainment isn’t as modern as other makes it really is a great daily driver in my opinion. What I like, is the fact that Toyota use what they know works, not what is the most modern, which is why in general they are so reliable. The Warranties that Toyota offer are great too. Great review! Keep it up James!!

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

Matt, I've swapped my Audi A3 for the same model Toyota car as you (in sterling silver). I was interested in the VW Golf GTE, but went for the Toyota instead for the reasons that you stated. I'm not bothered about 'badge' snobbery and what others want to drive, that's their choice; I'm happy that Toyota cars are very well made and reliable, my top of the range Corolla Touring Sports 2L Excel model is certainly not a cheap looking car, it looks good, and it's great to drive. :)

[@mattt3302]

@@yvonnewalesuk8035 Agreed. I must say, it is a great car. I went Excel purely because I wanted the Pan roof and Leather seats. I did a lot of research into similar vehicles and couldn't ignore the Corolla. I am getting around 56mpg, which is nearly double my old BMW. I had a couple of people at work comment on how shocked they were at how good the quality of the build and interior is for a Toyota. I certainly don't have any regrets.

[@graemewhitehead6233]

I went from a Golf R 2015 to a Corolla TS hybrid 2.0. It’s a great family car, and decent to drive. Nice knowing it won’t shit a turbo, melt a coil pack or crack its thermostat housing

[@mattt3302]

@@graemewhitehead6233 Agreed! Great cars!!

[@rogerbarrett9920]

@@graemewhitehead6233 - Completely agree- Super build quality and reliability goes a long way with me too.

[@frankluxobzor7393]

This Corolla offers 1 very good looks 2 reliability 3 comfort 4 economy. I prefer estate.

[@stephenfrost2272]

At least they offer an estate. Not many others bother - they'll sell you an SUV instead, perhaps.

[@ChuckFickens1972]

These haven't got a CVT in them, it's what Toyota call an e-CVT which is a planetary gear type gearbox with two electric motors, no "rubber bands" in sight... the way the hybrid works it would be impossible to make it a manual gearbox.

[@riccccccardo]

Ahh yes I always forget that I have this in my Lexus 450h f sport to hard to remember as so technical.

[@t2p]

Honda made a 1.3 hybrid manual civic In 2007…IMA or something

[@drd6416]

@@t2p yup, and the crz, which is a super future classic....

[@riccccccardo]

Also is that why it responds so instantly from stand still compared to a normal automatic vehicle cvt?

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

@@riccccccardo Because Toyota uses an actual gear for first gear in the E-CVT it makes the transmission more durable (and peppy) because first gear provides more torque and let’s the band take over once up to speed

[@kipp4805]

Having sat (and "moved") quite a few Toyotas back when I worked at a dealer, I think the Corolla hatch is one of my favorite new car offerings. The hatch is a really good looking car imo and we have the option to get a 6 speed manual (non hybrid). Toyota interiors have gotten a lot nicer to sit in over the past couple years but, are still simplistic enough that in 10 years you wont think it looks dated. I'd still take a Honda fit (although we aren't getting any new ones in the US) over the Corolla hatch as a daily driver/canyon carver, but, as far as new cars go I think the Corolla hatch is a fantastic option. It looks nice, it's comfortable, it should have Toyota reliability, it has a hatchback (and ofc more rear space without hybrid), it's economical, it's compact enough to be a city car, and they offer a manual transmission. I think it meets a lot of use cases. The price tag is a bit steep for occupying what used to be the economy car segment but, I think Toyotas have always kinda had a bit of a markup because you know you're getting a quality product from a brand that has made it's reputation producing reliable cars.

[@stephenfrost2272]

Sadly, the manual option doesn't exist in the UK, hybrids only.

[@AntoniEmanuel7328]

Got myself a 1.8 corolla touring Design and I love it. Thought I would miss the torque from my previous 2.0 diesel Audi but in sport mode the 1.8 has a bit of pulling power. Sold my six year old Audi 2.0 because every moving part was begging to be replaced and bleeding me dry (Audi had great looks but a pile of trash)

[@arsensarkissian7927]

That’s how I felt with my last BMW! Break My Wallet as I call them now.

[@sdry1688]

I drive the 2.0 Touring Sport ( mid range) Design Trim - 6 months in i still enjoy driving it, very relaxing and great on B roads - only gripe - not enough cubby holes -e.g for Sunglasses. And some pointless extras like Flappy paddles (never been used ) but no digital reading for speedo? - you need the top trim for that. Been a VW owner for 20 years and so far happy with my Toyota and its 5 year warranty - thanks for another great review

[@McColm2K8]

My dad just got the same a few months ago really enjoying it for just driving it for work

[@Banacek26]

Considering a 2.0 myself - what fuel economy are you getting please?

[@georgemorley1029]

Shift over to S and downshift on a downhill stretch, pop it on cruise control and the battery will recharge very quickly. Energy recovery from the braking effect. I did that today coming down a hill in a 30mph zone, feet off brakes and throttle, cruise on at 30, battery almost full at the bottom of the hill and no brake wear or fade. Stayed plumb on 30 all the way down by itself. Then back to D for normal driving at the bottom.

[@harryspeakup8452]

40,000 miles into my 70-plate 2.0 Sports Tourer now and it's been completely faultless, totally practical, quiet, comfortable and really perfect everyday transport. Having a couple of other cars for fun and games helps, but every time I get out of it I think, yep, that was a good thing to buy. The standard tyres were not good. I quickly put mine on Michelin CrossClimate 2 (I'm on 17" wheels which are I think the best compromise on this car) and that's a much better tyre which copes year round with ease. It's no sports car but it does everything I need from this kind of car

[@colinlow1167]

Just bought the 2l Touring Sport (ie estate model) in GR trim and it really is the sweet spot - large boot, room for a space-saver tyre, adaptive cruise control, HUD, big black wheels etc. I'm coming from a 2001 Bugeye Prodrive WRX Impreza (which is a go-kart by comparison) and the smoothness and quietness are wonderful. Now where's me pipe and slippers :-)

[@johang7498]

My car is one of the corolla's main rivals, a Mazda 3. Its design appealed to me more, but besides that, the reasons I bought one are probably the same ones as why most people buy a corolla. It's nimble enough in city traffic, but also big enough to travel a longer distance comfortably with, while offering a certain level of refinement you don't find in cars like a Mazda 2 or a yaris. With Toyota, you also pay for the guarantee of great reliability.

[@s0m3cunt91]

The design of the Mazda 3 seems to posses more of a European influence, while this Toyota seems something closer to a Korean Hyundai or Kia.

[@ProfessorPesca]

I drive a Mazda 3 too but when I was buying the Toyota competition was the Auris = easy decision. If this Corolla had been out I would have been a bit more torn.

[@clonmore819]

I have a 2 litre Hybrid. I have the XL - R Sport doesn't get a Sunroof. Best car I have ever owned and I have had £50k cars every 2-3 years for the past 30 years.

[@teemuvirolainen4551]

Unfortunately you can't have Toyota style hybrid with a manual gearbox. It's because the electric motors actually are the gearbox. So there is no need for an actual gearbox, hence the surprisingly low weight addition. It's just the way they're connected to eachother that allows it to have infinitely variable rate. Which, for good and bad, makes it feel exactly like a traditional CVT. However this is a great boon for reliability. It's just electric motors and fixed gears. There are no gears that engage or disengage. There are no clutches. These things are bombproof and could go on for ages. Unfortunately the battery doesn't go for ages and has a lifespan similar to a normal car.

[@clonmore819]

A 100% accurate assessment of this car. And I am on my second one ! Love it. Pop it into Sport and really moves (for £31k)

[@LboroWick]

These things are absolute cockroaches. Change engine oil every 10,000 miles and transmission oil every 50,000 miles. Use genuine Toyota parts. You have a easy 500,000 mile car. The hybrid battery can easily get past 200,000 miles and can be rebuilt for the price of a full brake job.

[@sierraecho884]

They even insure the battery for 150k miles. You should change your oil sooner though, probably 10k km not 10k miles to be honest.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

​@@sierraecho884Car Care Nut who's a Toyota master technician recommends changing it every 5000 miles.

[@sierraecho884]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe You do you bro, hey you can change it every 1k miles if you want, it won´t harm anything. It will be hell of a lot more expensive but it won´t damage the car. I am a vehicle design engineer btw. Titels don´t mean much, it´s just a first indicator that´s all. I know his videos btw, great guy. 5k is also okay. 10k km is about 7k ish miles btw. As I have said, you do whatever you want with your vehicle.

[@alanwells3734]

I have the Corolla 1.2 turbo 6 speed manual also in scarlett flare . £10000 less but a 370 litre boot and rev matching in sports mode , One of the last built before the engine was dropped in the UK

[@Adam2050]

Here driving a 2000 Corolla, think the right thing is reliability. Less stuff going on upfront is a good thing, less things to go wrong.

[@Rich.Aardvark]

Just realised how much I appreciate the production quality. The blend of B roll with the to camera is subconsciously satisfying.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks rich

[@nassirabdilahi4237]

I’ve had this car for a year. Design trim. Great running costs, fun to drive and looks great

[@trouble1871]

They may be £30k+ but with a little discount, respectable residuals and 0% finance they become a lot cheaper to run than many of the rivals.. still enjoying my 2.0 GR Sport Estate 6 months on..

[@AbuZak14]

Nice would love one of those!

[@leonardmills5003]

The best objective review of a car I have seen in a while. You mentioned SUVs; I hate SUVs - but then I’m not a dad with three kids. You laid out to me what each car is built for. My current car is an old model Toyota Corolla. Large boot, Full size alloy spare wheel etc. But it cannot match the new model for economy and performance. The new Corolla is an excellent car and as you said ‘a good all rounder’. If I bought one, all my friends would respect my decision as the sensible guy that I have always been. Time for me to buy something else other than a Corolla I think. Something less practical … 😒

[@aaronb6390]

The paddle shift is a joke, but the 2.0 engine is really good. It warms up very quickly and performs really well. There is some seriously clever tech going on with the engine, it warms up so fast, even in cold temperatures. It pulls well too.

[@kevinupton900]

Have a 2020 le Corolla Sadan and it’s great! Paid 18 out the door. 20k mikes 0 problems. Tires cost like 60 bucks. Guilt free driving for sure. And handles great!

[@leedorey1490]

I have been running a 1.8 2024 now for five months as a company car. Came from a BEV Kia EV6. I have averaged 68 mpg and £40 gets me 512 miles. I so wanted to hate it, but it's grown on me.

[@__-fm5qv]

Unexciting but "you'd kind of miss it if it was gone" exactly what I feel about my dads old 2004 Honda Jazz, he had it for well over a decade. Was unexciting in every way imaginable, but I do still miss that car from time to time, shame the CVT gave up on it.

[@paulgilliatt7829]

Get an estate. The remit is simple. 70mpg huge luggage capacity, reliability. not a lot of unnecessary tech. Made in Japan. Drive sensibly. The road is not a racetrack for petrolheads

[@ResevoirGod]

Only downside is people think you’re a taxi driver

[@fishfinners]

I’ve had mine for 5 month’s now and on the motorway it really good . All my passages have said the seats are really nice . Only issue I have the JBl sound system is shit

[@aaronsmith3281]

The real plus on Toyota is reliability. The Toyota will still be running long after it’s competitors have died. Later today I’m taking my 20yr old Toyota wagon out for a long drive, it’s engine & gearbox are well strong. Plus parts are readily available & every mechanic understands how to work on it.

[@szebasztianpolyakovity4301]

I got the estate version 2021 . Use it as a family car and I love it. Definitely worth the money

[@tomaszbudnik521]

Again like I see journalists are not understanding what they are receiving from Toyota. 2:48 but it will work as well when warranty will expire 4:39 are you sure you are comparing same spec cars? cause VAG is asking additionally for each single extra and Toyota is offering them frequently as standard 8:00 is it MILD hybrid?! So how would you call those with starter generator setup without any EV range? This is HEV not PHEV so EV range is limited but in daily use car is able to make a lot of km/miles just on electricity. This is full hybrid - not a mild one. 10:43 eCVT is not a CVT gearbox with cones and belt. Using manual gear changes you can use regenerative braking when going downhill. eCVT will adjust then how much energy should be recuperated into battery. 10:50 no idea how big difference is in Toyota. In Lexus you can clearly feel difference between ECO/NORMAL/SPORT in acceleration and in car behavior. Those modes are not only how car accelerate. There is as well visible difference in fuel consumption specially in city traffic. In Lexus seems like ECO is using as much EV as possible and ICE is just assisting when in SPORT car is using much more ICE and EV is used like "boost". 12:59 this car have sensors detecting if someone is sitting without seat belt. So if there is something heavy enough to trigger sensor should have seat belt :) 13:43 for petrol heads is GR Yaris :) 16:28 because Toyota is offering tested and reliable solutions - and current EV due to batteries are problematic Toyota is investing big money in solid state batteries - when this will work Toyota will offer EV. Then it will be proper EV worth of Toyota badge. 17:38 that's the point. Hybrid Toyota is using eCVT as there whole "magic" is happening. Do you know that there is no CVT gearbox and some electric motor under bonnet? Inside of gearbox is containing 2 electric motors and simple planetary gearbox. That's all. Simple, reliable, efficient.

[@stuartchristie654]

It is a full hybrid, sport mode doesn’t do much to the performance. It does have a cvt gearbox with the expanding drive belt but you are correct in the fact it has two electric motors. It also doesn’t have a reverse gear, it’s done with the electric motor. Also Toyota have launched relax, which means so long as you service it at a main dealer you can get 100,000 miles or 10 years warranty for piece of mind.

[@MerciaAnglii-x6u]

@@stuartchristie654 this car doesn't have a drive belt or expanding cones to constantly vary the gear ratio. It has an epicyclic gear train consisting of sun gear, planet gears and an annulus. Also known as a planetary gear set. The petrol engine drives the sun gear. One electric motor drives the planet gears, rotating them at varying speeds around the planet gear. Which in turn continuously varies the gear ratio. The other electric motor indirectly drives the ring gear on the differential.

[@johnroberts2905]

@@stuartchristie654 No drive belt, or cones or whatever else Nissan used in your Nana's Micra. Hybrid Synergy drive has used a planetary gear set since the Mk2 Prius.

[@stuartchristie654]

@@johnroberts2905 well I have no idea what expanding belt they showed me in the Toyota training facility in Burnaston with a stripped out Prius

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

I consider myself something of a petrolhead, certainly a car enthusiast at least and these caught my eye as a good looking, very competent, not going to set your trousers on fire kind of car. Does all you need, nothing more, nothing less. Not exciting, but not dull either and the sort of car that doesn’t get noticed. Sometimes that’s just perfect. As someone who thought the economy on the M340i was pretty good by the way, I totally take your point re a mild hybrid should have been perhaps more of an improvement, but then, sadly, BM’s are much bigger and heavier than they used to be and that’s most likely the issue at play. A very fair review, James, s as always. It would be easy to dismiss a car like this as simply boring, but you gave it a chance to shine. Fair play to you.

[@r7coo]

One thing to mention, provided you get you car serviced at a Toyota's dealer they will give you another years warranty up to 10 years. They truly have confidence in their product.

[@Steven-qi4gm]

I’ve just gone from manual a bmw 130i to an 1.8 auris hybrid. No regrets, I love the Toyota far more than the bmw.

[@riccccccardo]

I like that car. 👏🏾

[@t2p]

130i has an epic engine … how can you not miss that 😯

[@Steven-qi4gm]

@@t2p if you ring its neck it’s great, but from the roads we have in the uk, if you are law abiding then the auris is all you need.

[@Rjhs001]

This is interesting James. I have a 9 year old CT200H and it will stay in ev mode up to about 45mph. Also, I average 58mpg overall and in summer I can average 67mpg over a single tank...the best I have managed on a single journey is 77mpg. I would have imagined that a newer Toyota with a similar drive train would better those figures.

[@KarlkEst]

To my surprise the Corolla has quite good handling. It was much better than expected and Golf felt busier, noisier and less stable.

[@aib0160]

So if it were a 2 litre turbo diesel it would be cheaper, quicker, have more boot space, be less complex and deliver the same MPG? I just don't get it.

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Please can you review the estate version with 200 hp motor. Thought you would have hated this....nice unbiased opinion

[@charlieb9688]

The 2.0 will do upto 70 mph on the battery 🔋. I regularly see that on my touring sports

[@Maxwaehrens]

I have the 1.8 Hatch and I can probably reach about 45-50 mph (with a slow and steady acceleration) on the battery. But as much as I love running just on battery in the city, it's such a joy when the engine kicks in when accelerating

[@mikij1018]

Good review as ever Jay! I doubt the average Corolla customer is looking at a Civic Type R, beyond the purchase price the running costs/consumables on a hot hatch are much higher. If I was in the market for something like this, the boot space (or lack thereof) and the CVT box would put me off. My money would be on a new Mazda 3. They’re often on display at our local Costco and I was surprised at just how smart they look, inside and out!

[@tavirosu25]

That's why you go to the 35k priced Renault Megane RS/Trophy. Cheap to run, since it's still a Renault. Petrol 280/300hp and more space! ps: And it has a good DCT gearbox, no stupid CVT!

[@Barbarapape]

I have a Mazda 3 Automatic and thankfully it is a conventional one not the dreadful CVT that Toyota have opted for. I tried one of these new corrola's and it didn't say "Buy Me" the way the Mazda did.

[@Roy-pk4xd]

@@Barbarapape CVT or eCVT latter is more like a conventional auto

[@ConquerDriving]

17:34 A Toyota hybrid is a CVT by design so you couldn't have it with a torque convertor or dual clutch gearbox. It's not a traditional belt CVT, instead it has two electric motor generators and a planetary gearset. The electric motors and planetary gearset work together to create the continuously variable transmission. If the batteries fail you essentially lose your transmission and the car becomes almost impossible to use. The upside is that whenever the engine is on, it's running with a high thermal efficiency even when round town. It's much more than simply an electric assist and is why it is so efficient in the real world.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

What is interesting is that the new RX actually features a hybrid system paired with a torque converter auto - not sure of the specifics yet

[@ConquerDriving]

@@JayEmmOnCars I don't know anything about that one, it must be a different system and probably a plug in.

[@smilepermile8165]

Very intrigued to find out your impressions on the upcoming GR 86. I don't know why it took Toyota of Europe/GB such a long time to do the press launch for that car, as the journalists/race drivers in Japan and America have done their reviews a few months ago now. Maybe chip shortage? I remember they did a very subtle PR hillclimb on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but that was it.

[@richardheath3923]

God I love this channel. There is seemingly no car, no matter how random it may, that I can fall down a rabbit hole of man maths researching that hasn’t been thoroughly reviewed!!

[@polopowered]

My 2.0 Hybrid Touring Sports is amazing.

[@MerciaAnglii-x6u]

3:10 I think he means to say that the HV battery pack is actually under the back seat on both the 1.8 and 2.0 engines. The only thing that's been moved to the rear luggage area is the lead acid 12v battery. The 1.8 has the 12v battery under the bonnet on the left. The 2.0 has it at the rear on the right. The only thing under the rear luggage deck board is the spare tyre, if it was ordered with one. If you have a Corolla without a spare tyre the owner can place the deck board to a lower position for more space. And of cause you can fold the rear seats down. Car manufactures provide owners manuals for a reason.

[@stephenfrost2272]

Just for the record, my Mazda 2 mild hybrid gets 58 mpg. No batteries required, no turbo, no silly little 3 cylinder engine. Nice interior, but the ride is very firm.

[@DH39943]

Isn’t wind/road noise awful in those Mazda 2s?

[@stephenfrost2272]

No worse than most cars on the road and yes, there's a little wind noise around the mirrors but I can live with that!@@DH39943

[@adifferentangle7064]

We just bought a ZR 2.0 version in the same colour. Not particularly impressed with the boot space, and is missing a couple of things I tend to take for granted (like a parking brake and a sunglass holder) But it is a comically good car, if you want something to drive the kids to school and don't like regular car maintenance. My biggest surprise so far was that when you turn the car off it literally rates your driving skills and gives you advice to be more economical next time. Biggest issue for me so far is the complete and utter disconnect between the steering wheel and the tyres. You get literally zero road feel and it feel a like you're driving a racing sim, to the point where I've noticed it artificially resists motion on the side that is closest to the lane markers, especially when you have cruise control on. But it is all interesting, and I have three other old cars keeping my car interests going, and this one means one less car going into garages for maintenance.

[@erricoanag5043]

Hello, can I ask what specific red is that you have? Thank you

[@adifferentangle7064]

@@erricoanag5043 I think here it's called Feverish Red. The newer one is Jasper, but I think it's basically exactly the same colour.

[@TNThomas]

Very nice review! Could you please review the current generation Suzuki Sift Sport (hybrid or non-hybrid)?

[@numbereightyseven]

I've got a "Corolla". It's not very "hybrid", though. It's 2007, 206kW from a 3.5-litre V6 in the Corolla body of the time. It's called the "Toyota Blade Master". JDM.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I remember those! They are very cool

[@andysim232]

Got the 1.6 estate as a company car. 8000 painless miles so far. Comfortable and capable. Seems a bit more road noise than I would like and gets a bit droney on motorways but not terrible

[@baronvonjo1929]

I would sell my 2016 Runner in the USA for a Toyota built wagon!

[@AndreiGrozea]

Toyota just announced these will be available in AWD hybrid on demand, which will be super interesting given how nice this generation Corolla handles. I had a 2019 1.8l for about a year now and I absolutely love it, knowing that it was the Prius drivetrain in it actually played a great part of how I picked it because I was very impressed with the reliability and fuel economy of the Prius. Part of me wishes I picked the 2.0l estate, but could not afford it at the time anyway. Boot space can be an issue for the hatchback version, and the facelift models now have 140hp in the 1.8 configuration due to upgraded electric motors. For the lower trim the seat materials are pretty bad, and I do not like that you have to pay about 500 quid for a software upgrade to get android auto on the early models. The sound system is also pretty mediocre, but other than that I cannot complain much about it. This car has saved me a lot of money I would otherwise spend on fuel or taxes just to go to work and back, and I have been very happy with it. I also drove a 2024 1.8 wagon model and the software was getting a bit annoying, the car would start beeping at you every chance it had and the analogue indicators in the dash are gone, but it feels a bit more refined than earlier models otherwise.

[@aliln5365]

On the subject of compact hatches, do a review on the Mazda 3 hatch

[@wolfhorsky]

As an owner of this model I disagree with some of the statements. In Sport mode the car is more responsive and dynamic than in normal and eco modes. "Sport/manual" mode of gearbox sometimes is not bad. Nice feature is that even in "Drive" mode You can "down-shift" to have better acceleration during overtaking.

[@clonmore819]

You should have seen Toyota Dealership when 2 years ago I took in my 1 yr old 435d with every extra and said - yours! Get rid. Now what can I buy? Toyota's problem? They just know they sell, they know they don't go wrong. A bit tinny, a bit plasticky, not very big. To Steven Eagell , you guys are brilliant. You put the BM boys in the shade although I miss the Audi showroom......

[@Emaratilfy]

I'm really torn between this 2.0 Hybrid Hatchback and the Tesla Model 3. Fully loaded, the Corolla is as expensive as the Model 3 here in Denmark. The thing that is steering me away from Model 3 (and any other EV), is that we live in an apartment building in Copenhagen with no option to charge at home - we must rely on Superchargers or general public chargers (which are slow). The thing that is steering me towards the Corolla, is Toyota's reliability, build quality, quality control, warranty policy and its hybrid tech. The choice difficult.

[@michlep258]

what did you end up getting

[@ba5ti77]

I have the toyota corolla hybrid 2.0. Sommer 4,5-5,4 l/100km. Winter 4,7-5,6 l/100km. It's the 2019 Model with the Android Auto update. I changed the rims. Orginal 17',225 to 16',205. Orginal rims 11kg the new rims 7,8kg. The Orginal tires are terrible. I bought goodyear all season gen 3. Now I can drive way longer in ev mode and it feels I have more hp😂 plus 0,5 l/100km less

[@sk4tec]

After running a 15 year old 3 Series and an 15 year old Lexus. I’d choose a Corolla next. A high mileage one so I could afford it.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Not sure I'd take this over say a Civic or i30, but like those it's a car that is absolutely fine. Interior could be nicer, exterior is really nice and the drivetrain is very competent. Not a car I'd recommend to a petrolhead, but for anyone else it's the sort of car that they could buy and my reaction would be "oh, that's nice". Can't think of a reason why I'd criticise anyone for having one.

[@lollypop9580]

Great review. As a very reliable daily car I would buy an Auris hybride, bang for buck IS brilliant.

[@ControlAroundRockLines]

I absolutely love mine. Key with it is smooth driving. The 1 mile range on Electric power is non sense. It's much more than that. More than 60% of my journey is in electric mode only. My engine hardly kicks in. It charges back up again so quickly too. I've been in electric only mode at over 60mph. I have also achieved nearly 70 mpg. And mine is the 2 ltr excel sports touring. It all comes down to how you drive it. You don't have to drive like miss daisy. You just have to be smooth. Gentle braking. And smooth gentle acceleration. I love the way this car drives. And handling is amazing considering it's not really a sports car despite its looks. You do just have to adjust your driving style. When I first test drove it I tried all the modes and thought I'd leave it in sport most of the time. But actually I'm nearly always in eco. Driven properly it's fine. Using eco is also a good way to learn to drive the car properly as if you do have a bit of a lead foot it softens the throttle response and forces you to drive smoothly. As you get used to how it should be driven then you can be just as economical in the other modes as well. It does take getting used to though. On my first test drive I was annoyed at how much eco modes saps the power. Now I hardly notice it. Though I do spend much of my time in traffic or A and B roads. Rarely do motorway.

[@ControlAroundRockLines]

Best way I find to drive it is used the engine to get up to the speed limit. Once at the speed limit ease off the throttle and it goes into ev mode and you can maintain that speed in ev only mode

[@cheetaih]

Toyota said they don't rush on EVs because Japan power grid could not handle a surging number of charging EVs. However, they are ready to launch the EV version of Rav4.

[@deenoc3622]

Enjoyed this review, like the fact that JayEmm keeps you on your toes in regards to what car will appear next.

[@SPC22]

James, mild hybrids have CVT's for a reason...they need that 'slack' in the drivetrain to smooth out the EV/ICE transition...you won't find any with a manual box...

[@pieterdelint6562]

1st gen Honda Civic hybrid and Honda Insight…..

[@TOMLINBISH]

The Corolla doesn't have a 'belt & pulley' CVT transmission!

[@yvonnewalesuk8035]

The Corolla isn't a mild hybrid.

[@RadekPogoda]

Tires are the major flaw of those hybrid Toyotas. I replaced those on my hybrid Lexus immediately after the first rain and never looked back...

[@Herbertti3]

I'll clear out what what c-segment buyer is looking for: reliability, comfort and fuel economy.

[@mark_u]

This latest Corolla hatch looks gorgeous. Disappointing that cargo practicality was sacrificed in lieu of style. Would like to note that Toyota's hybrids are indeed FULL not mild hybrids. I think mild hybrids involve even smaller batteries and don't deliver significant fuel economy improvements, compared with Toyota's system :)

[@theranjithjay]

I own one in Australia but it’s a bit overrated ! The top of the range ZR model Corolla Hybrid 2021with 18 inch wheels is a bit bumpy over potholes but still a good car. Does it speed well and has enough power to speed is something I am yet to test it.

[@kevinwheatley1097]

Let’s face it manual gear boxes are as extinct as CDs 😂 These days I’m more impressed by its fuel economy than how fast it goes. Just traded my Skoda Yeti Outdoor 1.2 TSi DSG. That was a lovely car but E10 fuel reduced mpg to about 36-38 around town. Collecting my fully loaded Corolla Hybrid GR Sport on Monday. Looks great tick ✅ plenty of toys ✅ amazing fuel economy ✅

[@kevinwheatley1097]

@@Smokeysbandit very sporty compared to the Yeti. 18” alloys and sports seats don’t help but I’m getting used to this lovely car. MPG is about 53. (UK) Not as good as my wife’s brand new Yaris 68MPG 😳 but it’s lovely drive, I love the hold button, Apple CarPlay is great, lane assistant is weird, adaptive cruise I use all the time even in town as there are so many speed cameras. Self parking I haven’t got on with but I’ll watch the KZbin videos again 😂 Should I have waited 6 months for a Yaris Cross? Not sure. Maybe next time I’ll trade both in for one car.

[@themanipulator1]

Impressed at the professionalism in this review. Great content.

[@paulcoles9163]

nice but just not at all practicle , so cramped in the back and i am only 5 foot 8 ,ok if you want a two seater , I am well used to small hatchbacks never had one this bad for legroom in back seat

[@ryanjones5594]

For £4k more you could get the new Cupra Leon 245bhp hybrid...whilst I personally would never buy that car (and have in fact ordered the 300hp petrol), it seems decent value for something more powerful and more upmarket

[@manygatos885]

wagon version I would love in America ! i really dislike the truck world i want WAGONS :D

[@geoffwalker7530]

Toyotas are all about reliability and long life, bells and whistles don't matter. A lot of reliability comes from the lack of gear ratios, clutch, belts, alternator etc. I wouldn't touch a hybrid with a normal gearbox

[@peterwood3108]

The Toyota vehicles sell because, there very reliable, dont rust for a very long time and keep a smile on your face. Beat that.

[@andies9817]

yep, you are correct best selling car and best selling model name is diffrent thing.

[@danielmiller9419]

I've ordered the sport tourer Icon Tech 2.0 hybrid. Disappointed the economy is quiet a bit down on the 1.8 and the boot space is not going to be anything like my old Skoda Superb estate though that 1.6D only produced 116 BHP so its swings and roundabouts. Having a tow bar so will be using a cycle carrier and a tow bar box if necessary. The Icon Tech has a parking assist for full auto parking a first for me :-). My current Skoda Scala 69 113 BHP is averaging 43 mpg and like my previous car before Fiesta 67 99 BHP 33 mpg!!!, the S/S on both was/is mostly inactive for the driving I do so a hybrid makes absolute sense. Another 20% efficiency to 50 mph hopefully.

[@sdry1688]

I have the same car with the detachable towbar - you'll get 50MPG in the summer - about 47 mpg in the winter - only used the auto-park twice and both times I panicked cos it shot back too quick, I hit the brake which switches the system off - apart from that great car - some useless features like flappy paddles and not enough cubby holes but a great drive on country B roads - enjoy

[@ivanfairweather6049]

I just looked at the Hybrid version of The Saloon on the American website pretty much fully loaded it would cost about GBP 22,000 NYS tax included!! Why such a huge price difference? I've been ubering about quite a bit in them and they seem very nice. I at 6'4" easily fit in the back.

[@jamesstanley7263]

Why do you keep mentionng the civic type R as a comparison?! Apart from being from Japan, they are errrrrr, quite different!

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Civic and Corolla are direct rivals, this costs almost as much as the Type R and he drove one recently so can compare easily. I think it's the first and last parts that are most important- the fact it was a Type R probably isn't really relevant to the comparison since yeah, I can't imagine many people being in the market for one and looking at the other. I test drove the CTR last year when looking for my current car, definitely didn't consider one of these!

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

I have considered and looked into an EV and I’d say these were my main considerations / desires to have. The most important one was price the monthly cost had to be the same as or less than my monthly fuel and road tax bill £438 Second it had to be of a decent quality my last brand new car being a 2019 octavia so something similar Thirdly it must get at least 250 miles real world range And lastly it must be at least entertaining to drive. After all that there was the whole charging issues and that’s what put me off in the end however I couldn’t find one to tick all my boxes anyway.

[@SirMrShanks]

Not look into hybrid?

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

@@SirMrShanks thought about it then looked at my 330d and thought what savings ? 😂 hybrids have a purpose I totally agree with that but they just wouldn’t make sense for me. The fuel saving was going to pay for the car with an EV but with a hybrid it wouldn’t work the same

[@riccccccardo]

The thing is this car not made to compete with the type r’s of this world it’s for middle class middle or old age people that just want to get from a to b in comfort and decent fuel economy.

[@chrisblandford8971]

i Bought the yaris 21 plate whenever i reset my mpg whenever i fuel up shows always between 87-93mpg on avarage. Hybrid system is incredible.

[@simonburleigh1872]

James, I know what you mean about the CVT, I test drove the Insight in 2010 and it did not want to be held in gear whatever you did with the paddles.

[@katiecannon8186]

America doesn’t get the hybrid 😢 You guys get soooooo many more car choices than we do. It’s ridiculous

[@sorinmiliescu]

Please check the definition of the "mild hybrid" term, and then rethink if it applies to the Corolla hybrid system, dear JayEmm

[@eddiejones.redvees]

I am staying with my 66 mpg diesel Astra and it’s not road tax to pay

[@bronxrevivalproject]

It's a "full hybrid", not a "mild" one, even though it's not a PHEV. Mild hybrids do not have a full EV mode.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Correct. My error.

[@colinw1591]

They're certainly taking over from the Octavia as the taxi cab of choice. A very sensible and reliable urban machine, but not that economical if motorway journeys are your norm..

[@TsLeng]

That was true for the first and second gen Toyoda hybrids. This is 4th gen and it delivers good economy all round.

[@brianiswrong]

They are all over nottm as taxi's in estate form.

[@trouble1871]

They are actually still very economical on the motorway and A/B roads, it’s not just battery or ICE, you get ICE with battery assistance too..

[@arnoldtabor3767]

I hate the city focused type of living where I live diesels are the best option kinda rural ... Diesel electric hybrids probably would be a good way to reduce things but ... Hm

[@greathey1234]

"There's a sloon and no one buys these" Yeah, right.

[@maarten8959]

Europe = Hatchback/Estate/5 door cars.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Last yeah the sedan version sold over a million units. The hatchback version I believe was maybe 200k? A little less.

[@michaelwilkinson5097]

He's talking from a uk perspective

[@retrorewind6042]

I have the non hybrid SE version in saloon form. The car is great for what it is, my only complaints are the awful touchscreen stereo sysgem, thats slow and extremely buggy, and the CVT transmission. Having driven the manual version, i can say that is the one to buy

[@Roy-pk4xd]

Get the Hybrid

[@retrorewind6042]

@@Roy-pk4xd hybrid still has the trash transmission

[@Roy-pk4xd]

@@retrorewind6042 Nissan did a goog job of that Toyota eCVT still the best.

[@jameschick3551]

Yeah me & the missis are getting one,, Keep up the good work

[@leepower2717]

The 2022 updates coming to the UK Corolla models bring the new bang up to date Toyota Smart Connect touch screen infotainment navigation system with live traffic info & Toyota voice assistance etc ( unless you pick poverty spec Icon ) The only thing the UK Corolla still cant have is blind spot monitoring & rear cross traffic alert.

[@iantownsend500]

I quite like Toyota Corolla XSE 2 litre N/A you can get that with a manual but we don’t get that. I’d also like a Mazda 3 Turbo 250 bhp & awd but we don’t get that either

[@K1ZZA]

Always enjoy your reviews, even if the car in question is nothing I'd consider. I too hate cvt gearboxes and wish Toyota would give an option for a proper auto AND manual in all their lineups.

[@jacobhooson7655]

Unfortunately the ecvt is the only way to properly integrate the toyota hybrid system

[@aaryeshg.6526]

Lol where I live, we only get cvt versions of these (and only the sedan, which is preferred here). But tbh if it had no cvt, they would have put a 4 speed auto instead....

[@MrUPSman]

Boot space is a fatal flaw with this car. Smaller than a Vauxhall Corsa, and really inadequate for something as straightforward as a weekly shop for a family of 4. Waiting on the new Civic to come to the UK - looks like a much more compelling proposition than this.

[@ShelbybossV8]

The Saloon is a huge seller in Ireland

[@morgman43]

James, I would love to see your take on the Mazda 3 with the new compression ignition naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol engine. A very different take on that class of car.

[@sakitavidurupola7504]

Had this as a rental car during a holiday in Madeira and didn’t want to give it back

[@anthonydeas2173]

Really enjoyed this video... I really like the style of the corolla and the 2.0 would be my choice...

[@Keats.Garage]

I love how these cars look, but being a home mechanic, the hybrid system puts me off - the 1.2l turbo petrol also doesn't excite me. I was looking for a new daily recently, and with prices all over the place, I bought a 1998 civic due to it's low price, being different/rare and easy to maintain myself :)

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I would have the Mazda 3 over this.