2019 Toyota Corolla hybrid due in August

Toyota has confirmed its frugal Corolla hatch hybrid will reach Aussie showrooms from August.

Joining a regular Corolla hatch range that is set to re-shuffle perceptions around the Toyota brand in Australia, the hybrid combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors that can operate the vehicle under either electric power or a combination of electric and internal combustion power.

The hybrid system produces a combined 90kW of power while offering a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.2L/100km and CO2 emissions of 97g/km.

As with the regular Corolla, the hybrid makes use of a new CVT transmission that has been tuned for greater low-down response - purportedly doing away with the elasticity of previous units.

“For the new generation Corolla hatch, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system features a substantially upgraded petrol engine, two new motor generators, new e-CVT transaxle, a new power control unit and new hybrid system battery,” Toyota says.

“The upgrades to the petrol engine have resulted in a 40 per cent thermal efficiency - a world's best for a mass-produced petrol unit - that ensures it maintains similar outputs as the previous engine despite being smaller and more compact.”

A similar hybrid layout has helped the larger Camry hybrid account for 40 per cent of overall Camry sales in Australia. Toyota Australia stakeholders envisage a similar effect with the new Corolla hybrid.

"It is no longer a marginal powertrain option, but rather, as we have experienced with Camry, a favoured option for customers who appreciate its responsive, economical and low-emission performance for all driving environments," said Toyota Australia marketing boss Wayne Gabriel.

Pricing and specification details for the Corolla hybrid are due to be revealed in the coming weeks.