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An essential part of being the market leader is ensuring that you have a product that will cater for every possible need, requirement or customer taste. Looking at the extensive range offered by Toyota SA, I'm certain that this plays a significant part in their sales success.
The Corolla Hatch is somewhat of a niche product in the line-up. B/C segment hatchbacks do not enjoy the popularity that they did in the 1980's and 90's when they ruled the sales figures. Today Crossover/ SUV's have taken that place and the success of the Corolla Cross proves that.
So, what if you don't need the extra space, don't want to drive a "mommy wagon" and like to stand out from the crowd by driving something a bit different with the added bonus of edgy styling to add to the picture. That's where the Corolla hatch could just work for you.
After a recent facelift, the styling is even more "EDGY" than before. Sharp and dynamic, bold and stylish on the outside. Modern, comfortable and very familiar on the inside. Then add in the fact that the facelift introduced the "Gen 5" powertrain in the Hybrid model. There is also a standard 2L version available, but like the Cross, we believe that the Hybrid is a no-brainer.
The new generation hybrid increases the power figures from 90kW and 142Nm in the Cross version (Gen 4) to 103kW and 142Nm in the new. It makes a world of difference on the road , the more aerodynamic body and extra power are immediately felt and just makes the car feel sporty compared to the bigger version. According to Toyota SA, The Cross platform cannot accept the newer powertrain.
The hatch Hybrid is available in either Xs or Xr spec levels, we had the Xr on test. I was somewhat surprised that the car did not have electric adjustment for the driver's seat but maybe I'm just spoiled!!! All other luxury and safety spec is there as expected.
Average fuel consumption of 5.5l/100km for our test period proves the efficiency of this powertrain. I doubt that it could get much higher, no matter how you drive the car with the added fact that the Hybrid is even more economical in urban use.
Interestingly, the smaller hatch is approximately R60 000 more expensive than the equivalent Cross model. You have to pay a price for the extra power, snazzy looks and the fact that the Hatch is not locally assembled.
The current price as tested is R528 400 including a 6 service/ 90 000km service plan and 8 year battery warranty.
#Footnote: we mentioned the "need" for a true sports version of the Corolla Hatch. Just after this test, Toyota SA confirmed that the GR Corolla is actually here and about to be launched. How does a 220kW 1.6l 3 cylinder turbo version of this snazzy looker sound to you?
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