Toyota Corolla goes full hybrid in the UK – 1.8L, 2.0L hybrid powertrains only; new GR Sport & Trek models

The Toyota Corolla range in the UK has gone exclusively hybrid, with the 1.2 litre turbocharged engine now effectively removed from the line-up. UK customers can only choose between the 1.8 litre hybrid or new 2.0 litre hybrid (debuted with the C-HR facelift), which forms the automaker’s new dual hybrid strategy.

Besides the powertrain revisions, there are improvements made to the equipment list across the board, but most importantly are the additions of the Corolla GR Sport and Corolla Trek models. The GR Sport features a more aggressive exterior styling, giving the car a wider, more planted look.

This comes courtesy of a massive radiator grille with honeycomb pattern and piano black surrounds up front, rounded fog lamps, black rocker panels, 18-inch machined-finish dual-tone alloys with red GR caps, and a rear diffuser with silver inserts and twin tailpipes. It gets official GR badging, and the optional Ash Grey exterior paint.

Inside, it gets fabric-upholstered front sports seats with pinstripe pattern, and Toyota’s latest infotainment package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (standard for all Corolla models on sale in the UK). Other features include a seven-inch colour TFT info display, colour head-up display, Toyota Safety Sense, LED headlights, smart entry, and rear privacy glass.

Now, the Corolla line-up in the UK is now comprised of the GR Sport, Trek, Excel, and Saloon. The Excel now gets black leather seats with red accents, while the Excel Touring Sports gets a hands-free power tailgate that functions with a kick sensor. Meanwhile, the Corolla Saloon gets a new Scarlet Flare paint.

As for the engine, the 2ZR-FXE 1.8 litre unit is the familiar but improved version of the Prius‘ 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with twin electric motors. The engine alone makes 97 hp and 142 Nm, and it’s augmented with two electric motors, each making 71 hp and 163 Nm of torque. The hybrid’s total system output is 121 hp, and the car comes with a 6.5 Ah nickel metal hydride battery.

More interestingly is the new 2.0 litre Hybrid Dynamic Force engine, which makes 184 hp. On its own, the engine has a maximum output of 169 hp at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,800, following a 13:1 compression ratio. In hybrid applications, the compression ratio goes up to 14:1, with output being rated at 143 hp at 6,000 rpm and 180 Nm at 4,400 Nm.

The 2.0L hybrid unit boasts a maximum thermal efficiency of 41%, and it features electric VVT-iE on the intakes for better response, and a D-4S port- and direct-injection system. The piston’s sliding surface has been polished to reduce friction, and there’s a variable cooling system with an electronic thermostat and water pump to facilitate cooling.

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