Toyota SA has introduced a brace of Hybrids to the local range, joining the Prius as the brand's super-efficient models. The Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid borrow a lot of the pioneering Prius' technology to provide supreme fuel economy.
The Corolla Xs CVT Hybrid, priced at R419 900, is just R16 400 more expensive than a regular Corolla 1.8 Xs. Sharing its engine with the Prius, Toyota says the Corolla Hybrid is capable of achieving an impressive 3.5 L/100 km. This theoretically translates to over 1200 km on a single tank of fuel.
The Hybrid derivative uses special 15-inch alloy wheels with energy saving tyres which reduce friction and, in turn, save fuel. Despite not boasting the top-of-the-range Xr trim level, the Xs Hybrid is still impressively equipped. Cruise control, climate control, keyless-entry and LED head and taillamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are all standard, among other features.
Toyota says that the pricing has been set at a "very competitive level", reportedly in anticipation of future government support for New Energy Vehicles. The Corolla Hybrid comes with a six services/90 000 km service plan and a three-year/100 000 km warranty. The Hybrid battery is also covered, with an eight-year/195 000 km warranty.
The RAV4 Hybrid uses a larger 2.5-litre powertrain, also used in the Lexus ES and NX300h models. Mated to a CVT, the petrol engine and battery produce a combined power output of 160 kW. Despite that healthy figure, Toyota says the mid-size RAV4 can still achieve 4.7 L/100 km.
At R555 300, the RAV4 (which is sold in GX trim) undercuts plusher VX models by a considerable margin. Like the mid-spec Corolla Hybrid, the RAV4 still gets an impressive amount of specification. LED head and taillamps complete with DRL's, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-operated side mirrors, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control are all standard. The GX Hybrid receives 17-inch alloys, as standard.
The RAV4 receives the same warranty and service plan as the Corolla Hybrid.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Corolla Hybrid cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Corolla Xs CVT Hybrid costs R419,900 in South Africa, which is only R16,400 more than the regular petrol Corolla 1.8 Xs.
Q: How much fuel does the Toyota Corolla Hybrid use?
Toyota claims the Corolla Hybrid achieves an impressive 3.5 litres per 100km, which theoretically gives you over 1,200km range on a single tank of fuel.
Q: What is the price of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in SA?
The Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid is priced at R555,300 in South Africa, making it considerably cheaper than the plusher VX models while still offering impressive specification.
Q: How much power does the RAV4 Hybrid produce?
The RAV4 Hybrid's 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with its electric motor produces 160kW of total system power, while still achieving 4.7 litres per 100km fuel consumption.
Q: What warranty do Toyota's hybrid models come with?
Both Toyota hybrids come with a three-year/100,000km warranty and six services/90,000km service plan, plus the hybrid battery gets an extended eight-year/195,000km warranty.
Should You Buy It?
The best hybrid sedan under R500,000 in SA is definitely the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at R419,900. For just R16,400 more than the regular Corolla, you're getting phenomenal fuel economy that could save you thousands in petrol costs. If you need something bigger and have R555,300 to spend, the RAV4 Hybrid offers SUV practicality with 160kW power and incredible 4.7L/100km efficiency. Both are solid buys if you're serious about cutting fuel costs, especially with that eight-year battery warranty giving proper peace of mind. The only downside is you're stuck with CVT gearboxes, but that's the trade-off for sipping fuel like a hummingbird.
