In 2020, Toyota came up with a hybrid version of its high-selling sedan, and this year, the second generation of the car has been launched.
According to various car blogs, this year, the Corolla Hybrid has gained standard Android Auto compatibility along with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, in addition to the old features.
The new model has recently been spotted on the M2 motorway, as can be seen on the video on Youtube uploaded by Farrukh Nisar Cars.
Thus, it is only fair that we discuss the car.
Engine
The Corolla Hybrid comes with a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and two electric motors connected to a 1.3 kWh battery that combine to make 121 horsepower  105 lb-ft of torque, similar to Prius. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is also standard.
Motortrend reports that the acceleration to 60 mph is 0.1 seconds behind the standard 1.8-liter Corolla, but the hybrid shines with frugal fuel-sipping. The Corolla Hybrid is EPA-rated at an exceptional 53/52 mpg city/highway, making it an efficient vehicle. USnews commented on this average saying, “Few rivals in the hybrid and electric car class eclipse those figures”.
Exterior
Compared to other next-generation tech-fitted cars, the new hybrid looks pretty basic. The US-based blog Carbuzz went forward to say,” the 2021 Corolla Hybrid looks like something you’d park at the airport and never think about again. Even in photos, it looks basic.” However, for the Pakistani market, where people are all buzzed up about the recent launch of 6th-Gen Honda City, it is okay. 2
The overall height of the new Corolla Hybrid is 56.5 inches, while the dimensions for length and width are 182.3 inches and 70.1 inches, respectively. The hybrid Corolla rolls on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a ground clearance of 5.3 inches.
The Corolla Hybrid is 15.2 feet long, and its curb weight is 2,850 pounds. The other features reportedly include high-grade LED headlights, color-keyed outside door handles, small 15-inch alloy wheels, a black front grille with sport mesh insert, and color-keyed heated power exterior mirrors.
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Interior
On the inside, the car is fitted with a very apt infotainment system known as Entune system. According to CNet’s review, it is not competitive in responsiveness or attractiveness, but its functionality is good. The 8-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard.
Other mentioned features include Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, two USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
Like in the past, according to various reviews, the interior features comfortable fabric seats and the material has been claimed to be durable for a “people’s car”, like it will put up with years of abuse.
Carbuzz reported some features for the LE hybrid variant including a single-zone automatic climate control system, auto engine shut-off, an integrated backup camera, and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat covered in premium fabric.
Safety
Safety is something that is highly lacking in the local industry in Pakistan, however, let’s see what the new sedan offers its international users.
According to Carbuzz, the new Corolla gets ten airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and rear-seat side airbags, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rearview camera, lane tracing assist, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview camera.
Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert for $500 (in the American market)
Price
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021 starts at $24,595 in the US.
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Note: These features are for the US market only, and as of yet, no details have been divulged on its launch in Pakistan.