Toyota SA recently previewed a hybrid derivative of the upcoming Corolla Cross, but before that model arrives, the Japanese firm is introducing petrol-electric versions of its RAV4 family car and Corolla compact sedan, the latter of which becomes Mzansi’s most affordable hybrid.

Although hybrids have long formed part of Toyota-owned premium brand Lexus’ local product line-up, Toyota South Africa Motors currently offers only the Prius through the mother brand’s dealer network (although, for the record, the Japanese manufacturer did sell hybrid versions of the Yaris and Auris before)…

That, however, will change with the introduction of the RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX and Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS, which are powered by 2.5-litre and 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines mated with electric motors and hybrid batteries respectively. Interestingly, while the hybrid version of the upcoming Corolla Cross will be the flagship of the range, these two newcomers are specified in entry-level GX and XS trim; in other words, they’re mid-range offerings!

The RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX, which retails for R555 300 (August 2021), slots in between the new-spec 2.0 GX Auto and the 2.0 VX. Its asking price includes 3-year/100 000 km mechanical- and 8-year/195 000 km hybrid-battery warranties and a 6-services/90 000 km service plan.

It may not be the most expensive derivative in the RAV4 range, but it is the most powerful offering in the all-petrol line-up… The first half of the powertrain is a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine (with, inter alia, a 14:1 compression ratio and intelligent dual variable valve timing) that produces 131 kW at 5 700 rpm and 221 Nm of torque at 3 600 – 5 200 rpm. The second half is pair of electric motor-generators (that can produce up to 88 kW/202 Nm) in combination with a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery.

The 2.5 Hybrid GX drives its front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission, which incorporates Eco, Normal, Sport and EV modes, the latter of which allows the hybrid to run on electric power only at a limited speed for short distances (battery-charge level permitting).

Although Toyota SA has yet to confirm it, we understand the petrol-electric RAV4 produces a combined power output of 160 kW and has a claimed top speed of 200 kph, while it’s said to consume an average of 4.7 L/100 km and emit emissions-tax-avoiding C02 of 107 g/km. Its theoretical range is 1 170 km (from a full 55-litre tank).

Specification-wise, the newcomer incorporates recent updates to the Toyota RAV4 range, including the addition of a leather-trimmed steering wheel and transmission lever (on GX derivatives), as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible touchscreen infotainment system.

Other highlights include LED headlamps and daytime running lights, 17-inch alloys – and blue-highlighted Toyota badges – on the outside, while the interior, although trimmed in cloth upholstery (not leather), comes equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry and -start, auto aircon, -lights and wipers, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, self-dipping rear-view mirror, PDC (fore and aft) and a reverse-view camera.

The safety and driver support systems in the RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX consist of driver, front passenger, knee, side and curtain airbags, front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

TheToyota RAV4 2.0 AWD GX-R is the 2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards champion in the family car category.

See also: Toyota RAV4 Specs & Prices in South Africa

South Africa’s most affordable hybrid

Meanwhile, the Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS undercuts the recently launched Honda Fit Hybrid compact hatchback (R469 900) to become South Africa’s most affordable petrol-electric offering in the new-vehicle market, well, at least until the specification level of the locally-manufactured Corolla Cross Hybrid is revealed. Suffice to say the newcomer represents a saving of almost R160k (R157 900) over the admittedly much higher-specced Prius hybrid sedan.

The 1.8 Hybrid XS, which retails for R419 900 (August 2021), slots in between the 1.8 XS Auto and 2.0 XR manual derivatives. Its asking price includes 3-year/100 000 km mechanical- and 8 year/195 000 km hybrid-battery warranties and a 6-services/90 000 km service plan.

Performance-wise, it’s not quite in the RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX’s league, although the Corolla is said to consume even less fuel than its sibling – Toyota claims an average consumption figure of 3.5 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 81 g/km and an astonishing theoretical range of 1 229 km (from a full 43-litre tank)!

Like the Prius and Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS’ power unit consists of a 72 kW/142 Nm Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre petrol 4-cylinder petrol engine and a pair of electric motor-generators (that produce 53 kW and 163 Nm) in combination with a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery and a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the sedan’s front wheels. The derivative’s overall system output is 90 kW (note: the combined figure is not an aggregate of the 2 power sources, due to transmission reduction losses).

The derivative is equipped with, inter alia, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, colour-coded bumpers, door handles and side mirrors (the latter of which is electrically adjustable and heated), as well as 15-inch alloys shod with low-resistance tyres and is instantly recognisable by virtue of its blue-highlighted Toyota badges.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and transmission lever, cruise control, keyless entry and -start, automatically activated lights, touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth telephony and -audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto compatibility, auto air-con and a reverse-view camera.

Lastly, the Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS’s safety and driver support systems consist of driver-, front passenger-, knee, side- and curtain airbags, hill-assist control and vehicle-stability control systems.

We’ll be driving Toyota’s petrol-electric newcomers next week and will bring you launch reviews of the cars then.

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