What are the prices for the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid?

2023 Toyota Corolla Pricing 

2023 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport hatch: $28,630 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport sedan: $28,630 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid hatch: $31,130 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid sedan: $31,680 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla SX hatch: $31,780 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla SX sedan: $31,780 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid hatch: $34,280 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid sedan: $34,280 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla ZR hatch: $35,620 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla ZR sedan: $37,120 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch: $38,120 (+$500)

2023 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid sedan: $39,620 (+$500)

All prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s under the bonnet? 

The 2023 Toyota Corolla offers two engine options. The standard is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that provides 126kW of power and 202Nm of torque (203Nm in the sedan model). The second option is a hybrid system combining a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 103kW.

The 2.0-litre engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that features 10 virtual gears, while the hybrid model uses an e-CVT. All Corollas are equipped with front-wheel drive.

Fuel efficiency for the petrol-powered 2023 Toyota Corolla is 6.0L/100km on a combined cycle, while the hybrid sedan uses only 3.9L/100km.

How does the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid drive? 

This Corolla, like many other iconic Toyota models, is built on Toyota's NGA platform.

The ZR model comes equipped with a double-wishbone setup at the rear, which not only enhances ride comfort but also harmonizes well with the MacPherson struts at the front to give the Corolla a solid, well-planted feel. The driving experience is genuinely enjoyable.

It remains competitive too, boasting well-tuned brakes and suspension that keep the car steady, even in tight turns. It may not be a hot hatch, but it matches the fun driving dynamics of its Korean counterparts without the rough ride.

The Corolla ZR Hybrid easily navigates through bumps and road imperfections, even on some of the harshest roads in suburban Melbourne.

Even out of city traffic, at speeds up to 110km/h, the Corolla retains a surprising suppleness for a hatchback. While not as smooth as lower-grade models on 16-inch tires, it's still quite impressive.

During testing at our facility, the Corolla tackled the circuit's twists and turns with aplomb. I'm fairly confident that this well-engineered chassis could handle more power and aggressive driving—I'm looking forward to testing the high-performance GR Corolla soon.

The 2023 Corolla's hybrid powertrain features an upgraded electric motor, smaller hybrid components, and a switch from Ni-Mh to Li-ion batteries. All these changes reduce the system's weight, which is always a plus. With a 13kW power increase, the new model feels more responsive than its predecessor.

Driving this car feels pretty much like driving a traditional car, except it starts and moves off in silence under normal acceleration. You'll likely find yourself backing out of parking spaces using just the electric motor. However, you may struggle a bit to find reverse if you, like me, put it in B mode for maximum energy recovery while coasting and braking.

This energy recovery is the "self-charging" aspect of the car, and it's what saves you a significant amount on fuel. When you lift your foot off the accelerator or brake gently, instead of losing energy as heat or mechanical drag, the electric motor turns into a generator, recharging the small battery for later use. This is known in Formula One circles as a Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS.

One of the standout features of Toyota's hybrid system is its seamless effectiveness. The quietness at start-up and initial acceleration quickly becomes familiar, and it can even become a fun challenge to see how long you can stretch out the electric-only travel. There's an EV mode button to force the car to use electricity, which lets you cover a few hundred meters without engaging the petrol engine—provided you don't accelerate too briskly.

The additional torque from the electric motor does a good job of masking the car's continuously variable transmission (CVT)—my least favorite type of transmission. While you might still hear the characteristic "lawnmower" sound, the rubber-band sensation is absent, making for a more relaxed drive.

What is the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid like on the inside?

If you're someone who craves a truly high-end feeling when you step into a new car, this model might not hit the mark for you.

This doesn't mean that the cabin lacks all appeal though. The stitching detail on the fabric seats adds a subtle touch of class, and the media system, perched high for visibility, brings a bit of flair. Moreover, the digital instrument cluster definitely elevates the cockpit feel.

Still, a lot of the finishes and stylistic touches in this Corolla variant lean towards the practical side.

You'll be handling a plastic steering wheel and gear shifter, neither of which are the most comfortable for long drives. On the plus side, the controls on the steering wheel are pretty straightforward.

Soft-touch plastics adorn the dashboard, but the doors tops are left bare. And the harder plastics extend below your sightline, including on the transmission tunnel, where you might rest your leg.

Some piano black detailing adds a hint of sophistication, yet the overall colour palette is a mix of varying shades of grey.

I get the impression that someone at Toyota took inspiration from Peugeot and Citroen models (Toyota does collaborate with these brands in Europe) and thought, "We can do better with our front seats."

And indeed, they seem to have done so. The front seats, particularly in the ZR variant, are not just good-looking (with their striking red inserts) but also supremely comfortable.

Practicality is also taken care of, with door pockets, a couple of cup holders, a large-format wireless phone charging pad, and a small bin under the armrest. However, the car only features a single USB port, a shortcoming somewhat mitigated by the wireless charging feature.

While the interior is aesthetically pleasing, it does show signs of ageing. It's interesting how the largely identical interior of the Corolla Cross seems outdated and a bit cheap in comparison. A slight change in plastic quality can make a significant difference.

Rear seat passengers may find their space rather cramped, with limited legroom, knee room, and just enough headroom. There are cup holders uniquely placed in the doors, which feels odd considering there's a center armrest.

Despite housing a battery, the boot offers a surprising 333 litres of space, a significant 116 litres more than the petrol versions. The difference comes down to the absence of a spare tire in the ZR hybrid, which instead includes a can of puncture sealant.

Is the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid safe? 

Safety is a strong point for the 2023 Corolla, which holds a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2018 testing. It achieved scores of 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, 83 per cent for child occupant protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 76 per cent in safety assist.

The entire range comes standard with the following safety features:

Autonomous emergency braking

Pedestrian and cyclist detection

Motorcycle detection (NEW)

Junction assist (NEW)

Emergency steering assist (NEW)

Lane-keep assist

Lane-departure warning

Lane-tracing assist (excludes manual models)

Adaptive cruise control (high speed-only in manual models)

Traffic sign recognition

Reversing camera

Front, front-side and curtain airbags

Driver’s knee airbag

The SX and ZR add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The former is also standard on all hatchback models.

How much does the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid cost to run? 

The 2023 Toyota Corolla is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, with the cost of the first five services capped at $245 each, or $1225 over five years.

Yeecar’s Take on the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid presents as a sporty hatch that is fun to drive and aesthetically pleasing. The Corolla stands as a reliable, efficient, quiet, and refined option in the small car segment. It is highly commendable as a comfortable and stylish daily driver and ranks among Toyota's best offerings in terms of driving experience.

The updated Corolla features more power and torque, added interior features, and connected services, all of which are compelling improvements that should place it on the shortlist of potential small car purchases.

However, there are some points of consideration. The Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid is relatively expensive compared to its core rivals like the Hyundai i30 and the Mazda 3. Also, the limited cargo space and cramped back seat might steer potential buyers towards the small SUV segment, where similarly priced options like the Corolla Cross are available.