We headed to Jo’burg to sample the updated Corolla sedan and Hatch hybrids and a RAV4 PHEV Toyota brought in for testing. APEX contributor Kumbi reports back…
Words: Kumbirai Mtshakazi Twitter: IamKumbi
In recent years, there has been an aggressive trend toward fully electric vehicles. Despite that, Toyota believes hybrids are essential to ease consumers’ transition to battery-electric cars. Recently, the local arm of the Japanese automaker invited us to join them on a hybrid activation.
Although the firm’s Corolla Sedan and Hatch, and RAV4 line-ups have been handed several updates, cosmetically and in terms of features, the biggest news is the powertrains. Toyota will no longer offer the 1.2-litre engine in the Corolla Hatch. Instead, the 1.8-litre hybrid engine found in its tall-riding, Cross-badged sibling and the Sedan, and 2.0-litre petrol motor with ‘Dynamic Force’ will be offered. The new-generation hybrid arrangement provides a 14 per cent increase in total system output, while the 2.0-litre petrol engine has gained 1 kW and 3 Nm of torque.
Over recent years, hybrid powertrains have become a favourite. Upon sampling the petrol-electric Corolla around urban Johannesburg, we were impressed by its fuel efficiency and how seamlessly the CVT functioned. Even though the claimed fuel consumption figure is rated at 3.5 L/100 km, our 4.4 L/100 km was satisfactory. Also impressive is the range of more than 900 km on one tank.
However, arguably the most important news announced at the activation was that Toyota brought a plug-in hybrid RAV4 to SA for testing, another model in which we had a brief stint. To assess how these models perform in real-world conditions, media and Toyota staff members will drive them to see how they fare in the real world.
This model features a 2.5-litre engine, a higher capacity battery, and two electric motors (one on each axle), giving it a total output of 136 kW and 227 nm. According to the manufacturer, it will also sprint to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds while barely sipping any fuel. Fuel consumption is claimed at 1.15 L/100 km.
It is equipped with a high-output dual oil-cooling system that is combined with air and water cooling, directly transmitting force to all four wheels, and delivers a class-leading combination of power and efficiency. The RAV4 PHEV offers four driving modes:
- EV mode — You can drive in pure electric form for 65 km.
- HEV – This mode kicks in once the electric range has been depleted.
- Auto HEV/EV mode — This will choose the most effective setting to drive in according to the driver.
- Charging mode — in this mode, the internal combustion engine runs power to charge the battery up to 80 per cent.
The model will come equipped with a Toyota Mode 2 charger cable for home use and a Mode 3 charger for public charging.
Taking a slow approach to introducing the electrified world to consumers by bringing in hybrids and a plug-in hybrid is an appreciated approach. These models will help prepare many customers for the fully electric future that is ever so coming.
