The next Toyota Corolla update is likely to bring one of the biggest changes in the car's 40-year-history, with the arrival of the first petrol-electric hybrid model. A Corolla hybrid is a high priority with the development team behind Toyota's global best seller, even if there is no firm plan yet for the car expected in 2011.
Australians can definitely expect a diesel Corolla within the life of the current car, which has just hit local roads, and Toyota Australia is also keen to introduce a V6 model above the new 1.8-litre four-cylinder sedan and hatch.
The diesel is probably coming in 2010 and, further into the future, the executive chief engineer of the Corolla family confirms he wants a hybrid.
“I want to develop Corolla with a hybrid system. Maybe for the next generation of Corolla, as new systems are coming,” Soichiro Okudaira says.
“We cannot say when. I'm not sure. My personal opinion is that I would like to have it. There is no firm plan. It is technically possible, but we have no plan yet.”
He says the biggest problem will be cutting the cost of the petrol-electric drive system so it is affordable for Corolla customers.
“One reason right now is that it is too costly. But hybrid systems are changing,” he says.
Toyota is committed to a huge expansion of its hybrid range and is already working on batteries that are lighter and cheaper than the exotic nickel-metal-hydride units it now uses, as well as more-advanced powertrain systems morphed from the exotic all-wheel drive unit just fitted to its new Lexus LS600h flagship.
A diesel Corolla is much closer, even if Toyota Australia missed the cut for the 10th-generation car this year.
An engine has been developed for Europe, where the new Corolla hatch is called Auris and aimed at younger buyers, and could easily be picked up for local use.
“It is under consideration and discussion and may form part of our plans,” the divisional manager for product development at Toyota Australia, Peter McGregor, says.
“We could introduce it, technically. We just need time. Certainly not before 2010.”
