Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid 2020 Review

The Toyota Corolla has long been one of Australia’s favourite small cars with a reputation for providing dependable, no-fuss, A-to-B transport.

Now with updated tech, a hybrid powertrain and sharp looks to match, the Corolla is arguably more relevant than ever.

Good luck to those looking to steal its crown.

It is well documented that the current-generation Corolla sacrifices some rear passenger and boot space for increased driver comfort and sporty aesthetics.

It’s arguably not the pick for a young family anymore, and plenty of sales are leaking across to SUVs, but Toyota’s traditional small hatch remains a popular choice.

After a short drive it’s easy to see why, and with the addition of hybrid efficiency for a relatively small increment, it ticks a lot of boxes.

There are few hybrids in this segment from the leading brands, where small petrol engines (and the occasional diesel) – which are typically efficient in any case – rule the day with the likes of the Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato and Volkswagen Golf.

There is a high-tech mild-hybrid Mazda3 X20 Astina now available, but from $41,590 for the auto we think a closer electrified rival for the Corolla SX Hybrid is the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Elite (from $35,140), plus a couple of hatch-based crossovers – the Subaru XV Hybrid (from $35,580) and Toyota’s own C-HR Koba Hybrid (from $37,665).

Against its traditional combustion-engine small hatch rivals, the Corolla SX Hybrid offers a significant point of difference with excellent fuel economy and an enjoyable driving experience.

This could be the vehicle that transitions you into your electric future.

Sitting mid-range in the Corolla line-up, the Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch previously started below $30K, but a price hike in recent months has seen it push up to $30,795 plus on-road costs.

It is positioned above the entry-level Ascent Sport (from $25,395 with auto) and below the top-of-the-range ZR (from $32,695).

All three Corolla grades are available with either a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder (125kW/200Nm) or, for an extra $2000, a petrol-electric hybrid drive option as tested here.

The hybrid blends a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (72kW/142Nm) with two electric motors for a combined power output of 90kW.

An impressive list of tech and safety features are mirrored across both powertrains, so the significant point of difference is the fuel saving.

Toyota claims 4.2L/100km for the hybrid against 6.0L/100km for the petrol version. They’re bang on the mark too, as the test vehicle achieved the exact same 4.2L/100km over our week of combined city and freeway driving.

The differences between the two SX models pretty much end there, with no manual gearbox version available (as it is on the Ascent Sport) and both SX variants utilising a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is a recent and very welcome addition to the SX model, along with wireless phone charging. Dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and blind spot monitoring are also standard.

Spot-on driver ergonomics and good, predictable handling is why you should buy the Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch.

Sure, it’s efficient and, yes, it’s packed with the current tech, but in my view the driver is still very much in the loop. Exploiting the Corolla’s good baseline chassis is a joy and with a range approaching 1000km per tank, you can keep those visits to the petrol station to a minimum.

The best safety features are the ones you never have to use but it is nice know the SX comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assist systems such as active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane trace assist, auto high beam and road sign assist (a somewhat annoying little voice that reminds you to obey the traffic regulations if you’re speeding).

There also are seven airbags fitted standard.

Who will the Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch appeal to?
The green Corolla SX shares its hybrid heart with the Prius but there’s not much to visually distinguish this frugal petrol-electric hatch over a ‘normal’ Corolla. That will appeal to many.

We’re glad it carries on with the current trend of ‘normal-looking’ hybrids. After all, Corolla owners historically want ‘no fuss’ and reliability, and are not necessarily out to make an environmental statement with their vehicle choice.

The current-gen Corolla definitely looks sharp and modern – another plus.

The trend of families turning to SUVs has translated in the Corolla (and other hatches like the Mazda3) shifting its focus back toward the front seats, and with an emphasis on styling and sophistication.

This hatch remains a five-seater, however space in the rear takes a back seat, so to speak. Having said that, two adults would get away with travelling back there and you can just manage to get a single pram in the boot.

Driver ergonomics are very good with the dreaded thick modern A-pillars placed in such a way that they don’t hinder vision around corners.

If you’re in the car or commuting often and love your tech, and perhaps don’t have the need to carry a large load with passengers on board, the driver-focused Corolla will appeal to you.

It’s hard to come away from driving the Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch without the hint of a smug smile. It’s the kind of car you feel you shouldn’t be impressed with, but in fact are!

I’m not a fan of CVT gearboxes but in conjunction with the Corolla’s hybrid drivetrain, I can live with it. The electric drive’s engagement is seamless and quite often I couldn’t tell if the internal combustion engine was even active, save for a quick look at the tachometer.

While the power delivery isn’t exactly tyre-burning, it feels nippy enough in these days of strict speed limits and heavy policing.

Its handling dynamics, you can exploit a little on the odd country road, and the surefooted handling of the SX left me impressed. When pushed it eventually gives in to understeer but it’s certainly not excessive and for all intents and purposes its overall chassis balance is surprisingly neutral.

Historically speaking, Japanese cars have never been a fan of my long legs and 183cm frame, but the Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch caters for me fine.

The steering feel is nicely weighted and provides adequate feedback with all other controls where they should be.

Indeed, the more I look around this car, the more I find things are in the right position and do the right things.

I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be remarkable or unremarkable. All I know is, the Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch is a good thing.

How much does the 2020 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch cost?
Price: $30,795 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Output: 72kW/142Nm (90kW combined)
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 4.2L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 97g/km (ADR combined)
Safety: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)