2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback review - Long-term owner

Multimedia and safety technology: 8/10

Multimedia is very confusing, with so many actions required to achieve specific outcomes. The safety technology is very impressive, however, proximity sensors back and front are not fitted as standard.

Practicality: 3/10

Generally, the interior is very dark/black, making it very difficult to see things clearly inside the car. Seating, both front and rear, while very comfortable, can be difficult to get into and out of. The rear cargo area is very cramped and space is quite limited. Again, this is most disappointing.

Driving: 10/10

The driving experience is outstanding, very smooth, quiet and responsiveness is most satisfactory. The transition from electric to ICE motors and back is absolutely seamless, imperceptible. Could not ask for any better.

Running costs: 9/10

The vehicle was a brand-new purchase, so as yet, fixed-price servicing has not been undertaken but expected to be satisfactory. As the batteriess are charged by the regenerative braking system, no electric charging is available or necessary. Overall, petrol economy is extraordinary, very economical. When insurance was purchased on day one, the cost seemed more than reasonable given the complexity of the drivetrain system.

Reliability: 10/10

As this car is brand new, it is very difficult to give any real assessment as to reliability, however, as it is a Toyota, reliability is generally a given, and was chosen partly because Toyotas are generally unbreakable. Toyota have been building hybrid vehicles for almost 25 years, and having personally driven a Toyota hybrid in 2006, it was very impressive back then, so I have no issues in choosing this car.