Toyota has updated its Corolla Commercial car-derived van, improving its efficiency and performance thanks to its new fifth-generation petrol hybrid system.
The upgraded 1.8-litre powertrain has been redesigned to save weight, reduce energy losses and improve performance, aided by introducing a more powerful lithium-ion battery.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: More Hybrid Power
Changes to the Corolla Commercial’s powertrain include a new power control unit and transaxle designs, a more powerful lithium-ion battery and calibration that promises to achieve a more rewarding driving experience.
Power from the 1.8-litre system has increased to 138bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 9.4 seconds — a drop of 1.7 seconds. CO2 emissions are from 100g/km, with fuel economy from 64.2mpg, according to WLTP testing.
This is boosted by a system that registers and stores information on regular journeys, recording where the driver always brakes. As the car approaches a point where data has been obtained, it recommends that the driver come off the accelerator and then increase engine braking to maximise energy regeneration.
Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system includes components that weigh less and are more compact than previous efforts. A new lithium-ion hybrid battery is smaller and lighter than the previous model — by 14% — but offers an output that’s 14% higher than before. Toyota has also optimised the battery’s cooling to help prevent deterioration caused by temperature fluctuations and preserve battery life.
Driveability has been improved by remapping the throttle response to produce more consistent, predictable and controllable performance. The acceleration also adapts to up and downhill driving, synchronising the engine speed with the driver’s inputs to give a more natural feel and easier drive. Running at lower rpm also makes the system quieter when driving at highway speeds.
The system registers and stores information on points in regular journeys where the driver always decelerates. As the car approaches a point where data has been obtained, it will recommend that the driver come off the accelerator (shown in the eco-driving guidance in the multi-information display) and then increases engine braking to maximise energy regeneration.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Cabin Updates
The updated Corolla Commercial gains new technology, including the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense features, a digital driver’s instrument display, and a vastly improved infotainment centre.
A new 10.5-inch infotainment screen includes cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic updates, voice control, and smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Ergonomics haven’t been forgotten, with the Corolla retaining conventional dial controls for the heating and ventilation and push buttons for frequently used and essential controls.
A single 12.3-inch digital screen replaces the instrument panel. Clear and sharp, the new panel enables the driver to adjust the content shown, including the number of dials and the information in each section of the central multi-information display. It can also be switched between Casual, Smart, and Sporty themes.
On the outside, the Corolla Commercial sees changes to the front grille mesh pattern and fog light bezels.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Improved Safety
The Corolla Commercial gains Toyota’s latest Safety Sense package of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, with more functions and increased hazard detection capabilities.
A new front camera covers a much wider field ahead of the car, with the distance of forward detection doubled compared to the previous hardware. The front radar has been boosted, extending coverage to detect obstacles closer to the front of the car than before. Motion 3D and Deep Neural Network tools have allowed for a broader range of potential hazards to be picked out, including motorcycles and roadside objects such as walls, guard rails, kerbs and utility poles.
There are also updates to the automatic emergency braking system, emergency steering assist, accidental acceleration suppression, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition system.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Payload and Towing
The van’s load-carrying qualities are undiminished, with 1,326 litres of loadspace, and the ability to carry a 425kg payload and tow up to 750kg.
The conversion from Corolla Touring Sports to Commercial includes a rubber load space lining, full bulkhead grille, interior light and 12v power outlet – work carried out by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in its Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Price and Availability
There’s just one grade of Corolla Commercial, which is broadly similar to the Icon grade of the family estate version. There’s a standard equipment roster that includes essentials such as the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a reversing camera, climate control, and heated seats.
The Toyota Corolla Commercial comes with an on-the-road price tag of £24,503 plus VAT and is available now
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As with every other Toyota, the Corolla Commercial can be covered by a 10-year warranty package, limited to 100,000, that’s activated with annual servicing at a Toyota Professional outlet. The Toyota Relax package has some fine print but offers reassuring backup, especially for owner-operators and small businesses.
A standard three-year warranty is also included, as is five years of roadside breakdown assistance.
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