Corolla hybrid to head Down Under

A hybrid version of the Toyota Corolla -- similar to the one unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this week -- is being planned for sale in Australia.

In its effort to bring hybrid technology into the mainstream, Toyota is planning on having a petrol-electric version of every model in its line-up by 2020. The Camry hybrid is preparing to go into production in Melbourne ahead of its release next year, but an imported Corolla hybrid could follow in 2011.

The first Corolla hybrid is due to go into production at Toyota's UK factory, badged as an Auris, in the second half of next year. However, Australia would not necessarily source its Corolla hybrid from the UK, according to a Toyota insider at the Frankfurt motor show, even though it will be made in right-hand-drive.

Toyota has at least seven Corolla factories around the world, many of which would be closer and cheaper to source the vehicle. The Carsales Network understands that this is why Australia won't get a UK-built hybrid Corolla: because the exchange rate with the British pound would make the car too expensive. And because there is a strong likelihood that Japan could also end up building a hybrid version of the Corolla.

Toyota wants more people to experience hybrid technology in what appears to be a regular car.

Andrea Formica, the senior vice president of Toyota Motor Europe said in his speech at this week's Frankfurt motor show: "By adding a full hybrid drivetrain to the Auris [Corolla] we will make the benefits of our technology available to more considerers in the marketplace -- both private and fleet. This will attract customers who don't necessarily want to make a statement about being different, like our Prius customers."

The hybrid Corolla shares its drivetrain with the latest generation Toyota Prius: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor. Like the Prius, the concept Corolla hybrid also had a solar panel sunroof to help run the air-conditioning system and keep the car cooled when its parked. The company says it hopes to be able to charge the onboard battery pack via its solar roof one day.

One neat addition: the concept car had solar panels on the dashboard that were powerful enough to charge mobile phones and power portable music devices.

The hybrid concept might look like a normal Corolla but the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned with more defined, vertical edges for better air flow. The underbody of the car also has flat panels to help it slip through the air, and the hatch has a discreet rear wing. The result is an aero rating of 0.28Cd (compared to 0.25 for the Prius).

Inside, the Corolla instrument cluster is replaced with a hybrid energy consumption display with blue backlighting. LED leadlights help reduce the drain on the car's electricity reserves.

Toyota fitted thicker floor carpet and a thicker windscreen to reduce road- and wind-noise to give the driver "a more peaceful experience".

Toyota hasn't disclosed the fuel economy rating of the Corolla hybrid but says the emissions are less than 100 grams of C02 per kilometre of driving. As with the new Prius, the Corolla hybrid accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 10 seconds and can be driven on battery power alone for up to 2km when using light throttle on a flat or downhill road surface.

Check out the Carsales Network's Frankfurt show overview and brand-by-brand summaries. And stay tuned for more Frankfurt show news and first drives in the days to come.

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