Toyota has responded to feedback from potential customers who want more power when driving a hybrid car, moving to offer its core models with a choice of two hybrid powertrains. One has all the established strengths of Toyota’s fourth generation system, including improved responsiveness, more linear acceleration, fuel efficiency and a relaxing drive; the other builds on these qualities with more power on demand, effortless acceleration and more dynamic, “fun to drive” characteristics.

Both the Hatchback and Touring Sports will be available with a single conventional engine option – a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit. The hybrid choices will be 120bhp 1.8 litre or 178bhp 2.0-litre systems.

The 1.8 delivers everything customers have come to expect from a self-charging Toyota hybrid electric powertrain: quiet, intuitive and responsive performance with low cost of ownership and greater reliability than any conventional car engine. The system provides outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and doesn’t require connection to a power source for recharging.

The 2.0-litre system rewards customers with all the benefits above while also offering a more “energised” drive, with more power and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts. It allows Corolla to fully exploit the comfort, stability and handling qualities inherent in its new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform.