Toyota has improved the efficiency and performance of its Corolla Commercial with the addition of the fifth-generation petrol hybrid system.
The car-derived van has now received the upgraded 1.8-litre powertrain, which has been redesigned to save weight, reduce energy losses and improve performance, aided by the introduction of a more powerful lithium-ion battery.
The van’s existing load-carrying qualities are undiminished, with 1,326 litres of loadspace, the ability to carry a 425kg payload, and a towing limit of up to 750kg. The conversion from the Corolla Touring Sports car to a commercial vehicle includes a rubber load space lining, full bulkhead, interior light and 12v power outlet. All of the work in making the Commercial version is carried out by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at its Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire.
Hybrid Powertrain
Alongside the boosted lithium-ion battery, the Corolla Commercial powertrain also benefits from a new power control unit, transaxle designs, and calibration, which promises to deliver a more rewarding driving experience.
These changes mean that power from the 1.8-litre system has been increased to 138bhp, reducing 0-62mph to 9.4 seconds, which shaves 1.7 seconds off the time with the previous powertrain. WLTP testing shows that CO2 emissions are reduced too, and the Corolla Commercial can now achieve fuel economy figures of around 64.2mpg.
To help maintain these improvements, the system stores information about regular journeys, logging where the driver usually brakes or decelerates. It can then provide the driver with recommendations, such as showing where to back off the accelerator in the eco-driving guidance in the multi-information display.
The system then increases engine braking to maximise energy regeneration and ultimately gain the most economy possible from the hybrid unit.
Toyota has used more lightweight components in this fifth-generation hybrid system. The new lithium-ion hybrid battery is 14% smaller and lighter than that used in the previous iteration but can deliver 14% more power than its predecessor.
Cooling of the battery has been optimised, too, to help prevent deterioration caused by temperature fluctuations and preserve battery life.
The remapped throttle response has improved driveability, producing a more consistent, predictable and controllable performance from the Corolla Commercial. Acceleration is more adaptable, synchronising engine speed with driver input to give a more natural, even feel during up or downhill driving, which makes driving easier and more relaxing.
The hybrid system is also quieter when running at lower rpm, making motorway speeds more comfortable.
Tech Updates
The updates don’t stop at the hybrid system. The Corolla Commercial also gains a host of other new technology, including the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense features, a digital driver’s instrument display, and a vastly improved infotainment centre.
The 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 either, 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. It’s clear and sharp and enables the driver to adjust its content, including the number of dials and the information in each section of the central multi-information display. Drivers can also switch between Casual, Smart, and Sporty themes.
There are a few external updates with the Corolla Commercial seeing changes to the front grille mesh pattern and fog light bezels.
Upgraded Safety Systems
Toyota has added its Safety Sense package of advanced safety and driver assistance systems to the Corolla Commercial, giving the vehicle more functions and increased hazard detection capabilities.
A new front camera covers a much wider field ahead of the car, doubling the forward detection distance compared to the previous hardware. The front radar has been boosted too, which extends coverage to detect obstacles closer to the front of the van 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.
One Model Choice
Only one derivation of the Corolla Commercial is available, with a comprehensive standard equipment list.
In common with every new Toyota, the Corolla Commercial is eligible for Toyota’s Relax warranty protection, covering the van for as long as 10 years or 100,000 miles, although with some requirements and restrictions. Those leasing their van for three years will benefit from the standard warranty package, running for up to 60,000 miles. All customers will be covered by five years of roadside assistance.
The new Corolla Commercial is on sale now with a CV on-the-road price of £24,503 plus VAT, with upgraded vehicles already rolling out of the Burnaston factory.
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