The new Corolla Commercial unveiled
Toyota is introducing the benefits of its wider Corolla range updates to the UK-exclusive Corolla Commercial – the market’s first self-charging full hybrid electric van.
The updated 2023 model matches its Hatchback and Touring Sports passenger car counterparts in adopting Toyota’s new fifth generation hybrid technology. The upgraded 1.8-litre powertrain delivers more power, faster acceleration and a more rewarding drive while maintaining the van’s high fuel and emissions efficiency. The system’s principal components have been comprehensively redesigned to save weight, reduce losses and improve performance – changes that include the introduction of a more powerful lithium-ion battery.
Corolla Commercial further gains the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, with more functions and increased hazard detection capabilities.
The van’s useful load-carrying qualities are undiminished, with 1,326 litres of loadspace, 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 that is carried out by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in the Business Revenue Centre at its Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire. Corolla’s “home grown” quality also includes an engine supplied by the TMUK Deeside factory in North Wales.
Corolla Commercial offers customers a perfect solution for meeting the need to reduce carbon emissions without compromising the flexibility and reliability businesses – in particular small enterprises and sole traders – require. Toyota’s full hybrid electric system gives a generous all-electric driving capability that’s ideal for urban deliveries, while ensuring there’s always the freedom to make longer trips whenever required, with no need to schedule down-time for recharging.
Fifth generation hybrid electric system
The fifth generation of Toyota’s self-charging full hybrid electric technology is the heart of the new Corolla Commercial. Detailed engineering and design changes deliver a better driving experience, higher performance and improved efficiency. The changes include new power control unit and transaxle designs, a more powerful lithium-ion battery and calibration to achieve a more rewarding driving experience with a closer relationship between the driver’s use of the accelerator and the drive force delivery.