2023 Toyota Corolla tested: Updated with more power and driving refinement for the benchmark compact hybrid

Slight update on the outside

The new Corolla gets a slight  update  in terms of exterior design, so light that in many cases they either explain the news to you or they can go unnoticed.

So let's review them one by one. In 5p (Hatchback), wagon (Touring Sports) and sedan (Sedan) versions, they sport a more streamlined and contemporary look. How do they get it? With the application of a  new mesh on the grille , with beveled fog lamps and new alloy wheels.

If we go specifically to the five-door and Touring Sports versions, they have  new Bi-LED headlights .

There are three new colors. Florida  Blue  for Corolla and Corolla Touring Sports,  Mediterranean Blue for Corolla Sedan and  Graphite  Grey , available for all body styles.

Inside, the novelties are even more discreet, and stick mainly to  new graphics  on the interior screens.

The new multimedia screen measures  10.5 inches  and features high definition graphics. To prevent light reflections, it has an anti-glare mechanism, which guarantees excellent visibility in almost all lighting conditions.

The mid-to-higher trims feature a  12.3-inch digital instrument cluster , which can be customized to driver preference in four distinct modes:  Casual ,  Smart ,  Sport  and  Tough .

Renewed engines: more power and refinement

The Toyota Corolla continues to have  three bodies  : Corolla Electric Hybrid, Corolla Touring Sports Electric Hybrid and Corolla Sedan Electric Hybrid.

All incorporate the  fifth generation  of the hybrid system, much more adjusted and refined to better suit the tastes of European drivers.

Two engines are maintained with the  1.8 and 2.0 liters . In both cases, significant changes have been made to the combustion engines and electric propulsion to improve the experience of the driver, who will have more power, which will translate into better performance.

In addition, driving pleasure is greater, because the system  is smoother  and this also results in an equal or lower level of CO2 emissions.

Innovations include the power control unit (PCU) and redesigned transaxle, as well as the now  more powerful but smaller and lighter lithium-ion battery , so much so that the weight drops to 18 kg, according to the versions.

The 1.8  -litre  Corolla  boosts power to 140 bhp , which cuts 0-60 mph by 1.7 seconds, stopping the clock in 9.2 seconds.

If we opt for the  2.0-liter Corolla , the power reaches a considerable  196 hp . Thanks to this increased power, the time required to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h has been reduced by almost half a second. For the chrono in 7.5 seconds.

Although fuel consumption and emissions figures are  pending final homologation , a reduction of 3 g/km is expected in the combined cycle CO2 figure compared to current data for the Corolla with the fourth generation hybrid electric system .

At the wheel, smoother and less vibration

During the presentation of the renewed model, I had the opportunity to drive a  Corolla Sedan Electric Hybrid  with a level of finish that will not be sold in Spain: the Corolla Sedan Electric Hybrid GR will not be seen on our streets.

Yes, the GR trim will continue to be offered on the Corolla Electric Hybrid, as well as the Corolla Touring Sports Electric Hybrid. Thus, customers who wish to combine the practicality of a compact family with the sporty finish,  will be able to do so .

The success of these versions of appearance and equipment more oriented towards sportsmanship is remarkable. More than 20,000 Corolla GR Sport units have already been sold across Europe, of which more than  1,800 , or almost 10% of European volume, have been sold in Spain.

Driving the new model, the first thing that stands out is how it  gains speed , demonstrating a level of smoothness that its predecessors lacked. The recalibration of the hybrid system makes it possible to accelerate with less vibration than before and in less time.

It does it noticeably faster, thanks to the power boost we were talking about earlier, and oddly enough , the engine has to go up fewer revs  to deliver that power we demand, which also translates into less vibration and noise. mechanical.

Despite the fact that the sedan body versions are only offered with the  140 hp H140 engine , the truth is that the car does well in traffic. In the city, in conditions of low demand, it is common to move only using the electric system.

The switch from electric to hybrid when starting the petrol engine is discreet and barely perceptible, which makes the car very pleasant to handle in urban environments.

Off the road,  refinement  to climb turns and gain speed is its main trademark. I dare say it is now much better prepared for long rides.

Toyota Corolla 2023 price in Spain

According to Toyota officials in Spain, despite the superior equipment and power, beyond the innovations in terms of design,  the prices of the Corolla remain unchanged  compared to the previous generation.

Thus, the Corolla Electric Hybrid range is available with prices starting  at €24,200  for the hatchback body,  €25,800  for the Corolla Touring Sports Electric Hybrid and  €25,650  for the Corolla Sedan Electric Hybrid.

 Equipment  levels vary depending on the bodywork chosen, reaching a new level called GR Sport Premium for sedans and Touring Sport.

So the  Toyota Corolla , after this major update, is better prepared to remain the favorite of those looking for a compact hybrid. And keep adding millions.