Toyota Corolla goes hybrid-only for 2020
Toyota has updated the Corolla by discontinuing its 1.2-litre petrol engine and adding a pair of new special edition models
Toyota has revised the Corolla range for 2020, removing its sole conventional engine from sale and making the hatchback hybrid only. Two new special edition models have also been added to the lineup.
With the 114bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine being axed from it leaves buyers with a choice of a 120bhp 1.8-litre or 177bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid drivetrains. It makes the Corolla the sole hybrid only hatch in its class.
Both powertrains will be mated to a CVT automatic gearbox. The lower-powered unit offers a 0–62mph sprint of 10.9 seconds and claimed economy figures of 57.7mpg. The 2.0-litre hybrid gives the Corolla hatch a 0–62mph time of 7.9 seconds and claimed economy figures of 54.3mpg.
Toyota’s first special edition model is called the GR Sport, which features a range of sports-inspired upgrades to the hatchback and estate variants. The second special edition model, called the Corolla Trek, outfits the estate with a handful of rugged, crossover-esque add-ons.
The Corolla GR Sport comes with black 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, privacy glass, front fog lamps and a reworked body kit with a new front bumper, deeper side skirts and a more aggressive rear diffuser. Buyers also get a pair of sports seats, a reupholstered interior and an exclusive two-tone paint finish.
The Corolla Trek is the result of an agreement between Toyota and the American bicycle manufacturer Trek, with the Japanese car firm providing a fleet of Corolla Trek estates as support vehicles for the teams competing in the Trek-Segafredo World Tour bicycle race.
It receives a 20mm increase in ride-height, front and rear skid plates, 17-inch alloy wheels, black plastic wheel arch mouldings, rear privacy glass, LED headlights, front fog lamps and an optional roof-mounted bike-rack. Inside, the new model gets a seven-inch infotainment system, two-tone cloth upholstery and matching wood trim.
Prices for the Corolla GR Sport start from £28,025 for the lesser-powered hatchback variant, climbing to £31,020 for the 2.0-litre-engined estate. The Corolla Trek starts at £29,160 and rises to £30,885. Deliveries for both special editions are due to arrive in January 2020.
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