Toyota Corolla – First Driving Test: This is how the updated version drives for 2023

The Corolla has had an update. Calling it a ‘facelift’ initially seems a bit too much honour, but secretly something has changed. Not only the new grille and LED headlights distinguish it from its predecessor, there is also a new multimedia system (a good upgrade) and a new digital screen in front of you.

Hybrid powertrain delivers more power

Much more impressive, however, is the extra power of the drivetrain. Both the 1.8 and 2.0 are more powerful: 140 hp for the 1.8 (+ 18 hp) and 196 hp for the 2.0 (+ 12 hp). This is purely due to a stronger electric motor. This in turn delivers more power due to the larger battery capacity, while the battery itself is smaller and lighter. The peak power may not have increased extremely, but over the entire bandwidth we notice the extra power extremely well when we are on the road with a pre-series copy of the facelift model.

New instrumentation for the Toyota Corolla coming in 2023.

More frequent and longer electric driving

Especially at low speeds you have much more electrical power, which makes the Corolla much smoother. In addition, you can drive electrically for much longer and more often, which benefits consumption. Yes, of course all power is actually generated by the petrol engine, whether you regenerate under braking or the engine is charging the battery itself. However, this will almost always be done more efficiently than if the petrol power goes directly to the wheels. It only pays off on long stretches of highway. Everything that involves accelerating and braking is best done electrically. The transitions between petrol and electric are still completely shock-free due to the planetary gear system, although you can hear that the petrol engine starts. On the screen, as always, you can see how the forces are distributed.

Equally economical despite more power

Striking feature: with the help of the radar of the automatic cruise control, the car will brake a little harder than usual on the electric motor if you drive towards another car that is stationary or drives slower than you do, even if the cruise control is off. It are small things that ensure that the consumption of the Corolla remains the same, despite the increased power in the 1.8. With the 2.0, the emissions have even decreased slightly. The extra power makes the 1.8 even more the obvious choice; you don’t necessarily need the extra power of the 2.0. A few things depend on the price difference, but it will take a while before we know what the new Corolla will cost. He will not come to the Netherlands until the first quarter of 2023.

Always hybrid

The Corolla 1.2-turbo without electric power will then no longer return on the price list. So starting next year, the Corolla will always be a hybrid. However, the GR-Sport remains. This one has different features in the grille, gets bigger 18-inch wheels and quite a few GR logos everywhere. The chassis has not been addressed, but due to the large wheels, this version is still on the stiff side. The road holding is still fine, especially compared to its predecessors, although the good chest is never really dynamic. As an all-rounder, the revised Corolla is also a good candidate for many shortlists, especially given the current petrol price climate. In fact, it never disappoints.