It’s the top-selling vehicle globally and now the Toyota Corolla is having a major overhaul with a hybrid model and an SUV version to be launched.

The Corolla first appeared in 1966 with a world-first debut in a mass-produced vehicle with a  curved windscreen and MacPherson struts. Since then 50 million Corolla cars were sold globally and remain a class leader.

By the end of his year, all new Corollas sold in New Zealand will only have Toyota’s hybrid-electric powertrain, including the wagon model.  

Later in 2022, the brand will add the new Corolla Cross, a new entrant for Toyota into the increasingly popular SUV segment. 

Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales, Steve Prangnell says the decision to no longer offer a petrol-only engine in the Corolla is driven by a strong consumer preference for hybrid-electric powertrains and Toyota’s objective to reduce the carbon footprint of their new vehicle sales in New Zealand. 

“For some time now, Toyota’s hybrid-electric powertrain has been the most popular choice across not just the Corolla range, but passenger cars generally,” said Prangnell.

“We have reached the tipping point of customer sentiment towards hybrid-electric options, and Toyota’s customer focus is reflected by this change. We are also committed to reducing the carbon emissions of our new vehicle product range. We are on track to exceed the Government’s 2023 Clean Car Standard target for Toyota and  Lexus. 

“For buyers of electrified Toyota’s, there is a very small premium to recover the  development and additional materials costs, however, the Clean Car rebate is helpful  in reducing that premium, especially for our hybrid-electric vehicles.” 

The Corolla Cross is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the compact SUV on the TNGA-C platform and a 2-litre Dynamic Force Engine matched to a fifth-generation hybrid-electric system. 

Similar in format to the larger RAV4 hybrid-electric, the Corolla Cross FWD hybrid electric features a petrol engine assisted by an electric motor. The AWD is assisted by two electric motors for increased capability. The second motor sits on the rear axle without affecting the space available in the rear.  

Prangnell says further details on the powertrain specifications and features will be provided closer to the launch of the new vehicle here in the latter part of 2022.