Toyota has revealed a new take on the Corolla, turning the family estate car into a full-hybrid commercial van that will be available in summer 2022.
The car-derived van will be the first full hybrid vehicle in its class, taking the same self-charging hybrid technology that is currently fitted to the Corolla passenger vehicle, as well as the likes of the Prius and C-HR.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Hybrid Powertrain
The Corolla Commercial van shares the same powertrain as the regular Corolla passenger car, which means there’s a 1.8-litre petrol engine at the front, paired with an electric motor and a compact battery pack.
Computers work out which is the best combination of power, so sometimes it’ll be all petrol, sometimes pure electric, and mostly a combination of both. Experience with the Corolla Touring Sports suggests that around half of any given journey will be carried out with the engine switched off, saving fuel and lowering emissions.
The effect is impressive, with diesel levels of fuel economy and the refinement of a petrol engine. The frequent hush of an electric car makes it a relaxing vehicle to drive, too.
Performance should be broadly similar to the passenger car, which means a 0-62mph dash will take 11.1 seconds. That’s not earth-shattering, but the 122hp on offer should be enough to carry you and your cargo around comfortably. The electric surge provided at low speeds by the 76hp motor makes the Corolla feel surprisingly zesty, although the effect lessens as speed builds.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Hybrid Economy
While each user’s experience will differ, the hybrid power plant tends to favour running in pure-electric modes, with our own anecdotal experience suggesting that the petrol engine will be switched off for around half of any journey.
This has a direct impact on economy, of course, with the Corolla Commercial’s passenger-carrying twin promising up to 56.4mpg. Our testing of the Corolla Touring Sports saw an average economy figure well into the 50mpg range, so this is a realistic target.
City driving will be similarly frugal, with the electric motor doing much of the heavy lifting, recharging the battery as it goes by capturing energy under braking.
By eschewing diesel power, the Corolla Commercial will avoid any current ULEZ or CAZ fees, and will also negate the need to fill up with AdBlue supplements, helping to reduce running costs significantly, especially for those venturing into crowded cities.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Payload and Towing
Corolla Commercial is based on the Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Hybrid
model, with the rear seats removed and replaced with a spacious and easily accessible load area.
The design of the multilink rear suspension means the space isn’t compromised by intruding components.
Load-carrying capacity specifications are yet to be homologated, but the estate car offers 1,591 litres of cargo-carrying capacity with the rear seats folded down. It would be reasonable to expect the Corolla Commercial to exceed this, but not by much. Towing capacity will max out at 750kg, subject to homologation.
Toyota Corolla Commercial: Pricing and Availability
The new model is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2022, with the UK being its first market. Initially, a single version will be offered, with specifications to be announced nearer the time – although we would expect the initial offering to be broadly similar to the Icon specification currently available on the Corolla and across Toyota’s LCV range.
Prices are expected to start at a little over £22,000, plus VAT. The tow bar, roof bars and chevrons pictured won’t be part of the standard package.
Built at the Burnaston plant near Derby, the Corolla has an enviable record for reliability. That’s further backed by Toyota’s Relax warranty package that could see the car-derived van backed by Toyota for up to 10 years.
“With its full hybrid powertrain, Corolla Commercial will give customers an exceptionally versatile vehicle that can be driven with zero emissions and fuel consumption during short urban runs while also giving the freedom to make longer journeys without the need for battery recharging,” explains Mark Roden, Toyota operations director. “Toyota’s hybrid technology has well-proven reliability and delivers day-to-day savings on running costs with its fuel efficiency. It’s a unique addition to the Toyota Professional range and the wider LCV market and we’re confident will attract strong interest.”
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