Order books are now open at Toyota retailers for the new 2023 Toyota Corolla, online orders will also be available from 1 September. The British-built range of hatchbacks and Touring Sports wagons benefits from significant upgrades to its self-charging full hybrid electric powertrains, a new multimedia system with additional functions and improved usability, an expanded portfolio of safety and driver assistance features and new styling details inside and out.
Fifth generation Toyota full hybrid electric technology
As with the current model, 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid systems are available, both benefiting from significant changes to their engine and electric motor that enhance the driving experience with extra power, improved performance and drivability, with unchanged or lower CO2 emissions (depending on the powertrain).
The power control unit (PCU) and transaxle have been redesigned and the lithium-ion battery is more powerful, yet smaller and lighter (mass reduced by up to 18kg). Drivers will also appreciate more direct drive force delivery in response to their use of the throttle pedal.
Total power from the 1.8-litre system has increased in 14 per cent to 138bhp, bringing a 1.7-second reduction in the 0-62mph time to 9.2 seconds. Despite this performance increase, CO2 emissions are expected to be unchanged at 102g/km. For the 2.0-litre system, total output has risen to 193bhp and almost half a second has been shaved from the 0-62mph time, taking it down to 7.5 seconds. A reduction of 3g/km in the combined cycle CO2 figure is expected, to 107g/km. All data are tentative, prior to homologation.
The digital experience
Toyota’s latest digital and multimedia systems are designed for an easier, more intuitive user experience and future-proofed so that new features and upgrades can be provided via seamless over-the-air updates.
The Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system has 10.5-inch multimedia display with high-definition graphics and an anti-glare screen. Cars come with an inclusive four years’ subscription to Toyota Smart Connect, giving access to “always on” cloud navigation and real-time traffic and journey information.
The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows.
New remote services are available using the MyT app, allowing drivers to use their smartphone to lock or unlock their car, operate the climate control to heat or cool the cabin prior to a journey and activate the hazard lights.
All models also feature a new 12.3-inch combimeter that can be customised to the driver’s preference in four different modes: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.
Refreshed designs
The new Corolla range gains a more refined and contemporary appearance with changes to the front grille mesh pattern, fog light bezels and alloy wheel designs. Design, Excel and GR Sport versions of the hatchback and Touring Sports models gain new bi-LED headlights (with an Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) on Excel grade).
The exterior paint choices include new Juniper Blue, a vibrant colour that reveals red undertones when viewed close-up. Also new, Decuma Grey is a timeless metallic shade enhanced by dark silver flakes in the paint.
For the interior, the mood is more modern and premium with new graphics, trims and embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal to the upholsteries, surfaces and finishes. The trim and seat upholstery combinations follow new Dark and Light Harmony themes with co-ordinated colours and finishes to give the cabin a contemporary, elegant feel.
New grade structure and equipment features
The new Corolla has a revised grade structure, with new equipment features introduced at most levels.
Entry is Icon grade, with new standard features including: –
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- 16-inch silver alloy wheels
- 12.3-inch driver’s combimeter
- Smart Connect multimedia system with 10.5-inch screen and navigation
- Wireless charger
- Smart entry
- Front and rear parking sensors with Intelligent Clearance Sonar
- Scuff plates
- Upgraded remote services
These are in addition to LED headlights, front fog lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a reversing camera and heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support.
Design grade adopts the same new information, multimedia and comfort features and builds on the Icon specification with new black/machined 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights, rear privacy glass, auto-folding door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, ambient cabin illumination and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. An optional panoramic roof is available.
An even more premium specification is provided on the Excel models, introducing dark grey/machined 18-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, sports seats with leather upholstery, power front seat lumbar adjustment, head-up display, rear seat air conditioning control, power tailgate with kick sensor, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A panoramic roof and bi-tone paint finish are offered as options.
The GR Sport keeps its external and interior sports styling features for the new model year plus new 10-spoke 18-inch alloys and GR sports seats with part-leather bolsters. In other respects, it matches the Design grade specification, with the addition of a power back door with kick sensor for the Touring Sports model. Customers can specify a bi-tone paint finish with Ash Grey and Pure White with Eclipse Black being combinations exclusive to GR Sport.
Advanced safety and driver assistance features
The new Corolla adopts the latest T-Mate package of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance features and other active driving and parking assistance systems.
Improvements in the operation and functionality of the Toyota Safety Sense systems include Acceleration Suppression, which reacts to sudden use of the accelerator when travelling at low speed; collision avoidance support when making a turn at an intersection; Emergency Steering Assist that can now react to oncoming vehicles; lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. Over-the-air software updates will keep the functions up-to-date and enable new ones to be added as they become available during the vehicle’s lifetime.
The Toyota T-Mate features include a Safe Exit Assist system. This will trigger a warning if it detects a door being opened into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear. There is also a new Rear Seat Reminder which will alert the driver before they leave their car that they may need to check if they have left something on the back seats.
Pricing and up to 10 years’ warranty
On-the-road prices for the 2023 Corolla are shown below.
| GRADE | BODY STYLE | POWERTRAIN | OTR PRICE |
| Icon | 5dr hatchback | 1.8 hybrid electric | £29,610 |
| Icon | Touring Sports wagon | 1.8 hybrid electric | £30,945 |
| Icon | 5dr hatchback | 2.0 hybrid electric | £31,355 |
| Icon | Touring Sports wagon | 2.0 hybrid electric | £32,690 |
| Design | 5dr hatchback | 1.8 hybrid electric | £31,180 |
| Design | Touring Sports wagon | 1.8 hybrid electric | £32,515 |
| Design | 5dr hatchback | 2.0 hybrid electric | £32,925 |
| Design | Touring Sports wagon | 2.0 hybrid electric | £34,260 |
| GR Sport | 5dr hatchback | 1.8 hybrid electric | £32,390 |
| GR Sport | Touring Sports wagon | 1.8 hybrid electric | £34,105 |
| GR Sport | 5dr hatchback | 2.0 hybrid electric | £34,135 |
| GR Sport | Touring Sports wagon | 2.0 hybrid electric | £35,850 |
| Excel | 5dr hatchback | 1.8 hybrid electric | £32,800 |
| Excel | Touring Sports wagon | 1.8 hybrid electric | £34,515 |
| Excel | 5dr hatchback | 2.0 hybrid electric | £34,545 |
| Excel | Touring Sports wagon | 2.0 hybrid electric | £36,260 |
In common with every new Toyota, the new Corolla is eligible for Toyota warranty protection for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). This comprises an initial three-year manufacturer warranty, followed by up to a further seven years of service-activated warranty.
For the first three years of the car’s life, owners can have it serviced at a place of their choice. When the new car warranty period expires, they can then benefit from an additional 12 months (or 10,000 miles) warranty when they have a qualifying service at an authorised Toyota workshop. The warranty is provided at no extra cost, up to a limit of 10 years/100,000 miles.
