A hot hatch version of the Toyota Corolla with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain could be in the works, according to a report by Australian website Drive. The Japanese automaker is considering the expansion of the Corolla line-up in the direction of electrified performance, said chief engineer Yasushi Ueda.
Where rival companies have predominantly employed purely internal combustion for their hot hatch models, a petrol-electric interpretation of the genre ‘sounds very good’, Ueda said. Any potential performance hybrid version of the Corolla will be built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) which underpins the base car, as well as other current models such as the Prius, C-HR and Camry.
Should the high-performance Corolla come to light, it will most likely use a layout where the petrol engine drives the front wheels, and the rear wheels will be driven by the battery-electric motor, as in other all-wheel drive hybrids from the Japanese brand. “That is the basic structure within Toyota,” Ueda notes.
Currently, the most potent Corolla hatchback is powered by a 2.0 litre M20A Dynamic Force naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 168 hp and 200 Nm of torque. This is paired with a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT) which includes automatic rev-matching, or a less “hot hatch friendly” Direct Shift-CVT. A hybrid variant meanwhile, employs a 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with dual electric motors, producing 134 hp.
What’s your take on electrified hot hatch models, dear readers?
GALLERY: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (US market)
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Currently, the most potent Corolla hatchback is powered by a 2.0 litre M20A Dynamic Force naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 168 hp and 200 Nm of torque.
That’s the most potent? really? civic turbo with 500cc less also can deliver more horsepower and torque.
That 1.5L turbo Civic? Really?! A lot of turbo lag comes in the package. Do you know that? Or do you don’t know that at all?
I drive a civic turbo. want to drag with your corolla? let’s see if the turbo lag can still smoke you.
Drag race? Hahahaha!!! You may continue to play your Need For Speed.
Dear oh dear Ben, this article is about a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain la. I won’t be surprised that this Hot Hatch Corolla will smoke your Civic 1.5 turbo.
But…but.. civic turBocor brahh
The Corolla name doesn’t evoke schoolboys dreaming of hot hatches. Even Unkers don’t associate Corolla with anything sporty.
I wasn’t a Toyota fans as well… until I saw this Corolla.
Toyota salesman detected
How aptly your moniker – “Not Toyota Fan”. It fits to the ‘T’
First see, not good, second see, ugly, third see, junk
make it heavy, uninspired , expensive , unexciting to drive , you know , like the CT200H
forget electrification
lose some weight and plonk a turbo and a 6 speed manual
Turbo turbo turbo… Tired of all these comments that only want turbo engine. Please read up a little bit about naturally aspirated engine, and why Toyota and Mazda insist to stay with NA.
because turbo lowers their profit margin.