Toyota is a pioneer in the realm of the motorcar. Not only do they have an unrivalled global reach, but are known for creating some of the most robust, reliable, and value-driven vehicles in the world.
Another area where the brand is a trailblazer is in the hybrid electric technology sphere. Since the mid-90s, the Tokyo-based brand has offered a hybrid vehicle in its line-up. Known as the Prius, the compact sedan utilises a conventional petrol engine that is paired with an electric motor.
This gives consumers the best of both worlds: a seemingly conventional petrol car that can travel long distances, with the benefit of emissions-free motoring at lower speeds and in town. This provides better fuel economy, fewer emissions, and, in turn, is kinder to the environment.
Recently, the brand introduced the Corolla Cross to South Africa. Importantly, it’s a locally-built model. What’s more, it’s the first hybrid vehicle to be produced in South Africa, offering consumers an economical alternative. Coincidentally, it’s also the cheapest hybrid car on the SA market.
But what about electric vehicles? Well, Toyota has been developing electric vehicle technology for years, as part of its future plans. The popular carmaker plans on introducing more than 10 electric vehicles by the early 2020s, with a plan to first target China, the world’s biggest market for new car sales.
Toyota says electric cars offer zero-emission motoring and, aside from the environmental benefits, allow consumers to revel in the low running costs, refined driving experience and immediate performance associated with electric vehicles.
That’s not to say Toyota hasn’t gone down other avenues, though. Take the striking Mirai executive sedan, for instance. Behind the gorgeous metalwork, cutting-edge technology abounds. In theory, it drives and runs like an electric vehicle. But instead of charging it through a plug socket, the Mirai gains its energy from hydrogen.
Like with a petrol or diesel car, you fill the tank of the Mirai with hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. According to Toyota, the hydrogen from the fuel tank meets air entering from the intake grille. In the Fuel Cell Stack, a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and the oxygen in the air creates electricity, which powers the Mirai. The only by-product? Water.
Are there any safety concerns around hydrogen?
Toyota has gone to great lengths to ensure the Mirai is as safe as it can be. Not only has the fuel tank been tested and proven to meet the necessary safety requirements, but the tank itself is wrapped in carbon fibre and lined with polymer. This gives it five times the crash energy of steel. In the event of a high-speed accident, sensors housed in the tank stop the flow of hydrogen. For some reason, a leak does occur, it escapes into the atmosphere, says Toyota.
Looking to buy a Toyota Hybrid?
Click here for the RAV4.
Click here for the Corolla Sedan.
Click here for the Corolla Cross.
Click here for the Prius.
FAQ
Q: What Toyota hybrid cars are available in South Africa?
Toyota currently offers the Corolla Cross Hybrid in South Africa, which is locally built and sits as the most affordable hybrid option on the market at around R499,900, plus the Prius which has been available since the mid-90s and typically retails from R589,900.
Q: Are Toyota electric vehicles worth buying in South Africa?
Toyota's electric vehicles offer excellent long-term value with zero-emission driving, low running costs, and immediate performance, but availability in South Africa remains limited as Toyota focuses on expanding their EV range globally with plans for over 10 electric models by the early 2020s.
Q: How does Toyota's hybrid technology work?
Toyota's hybrid system combines a conventional petrol engine with an electric motor, allowing the car to run on electric power at lower speeds and in town for zero emissions, while the petrol engine handles longer distances, delivering better fuel economy and reduced environmental impact.
Q: What is the Toyota Mirai and how does it differ from electric cars?
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that drives like an electric car but generates its power from hydrogen rather than charging from a plug socket, offering zero-emission motoring with the convenience of quick refuelling similar to traditional petrol cars.
Q: Is Toyota leading the hybrid car market globally?
Yes, Toyota has been a hybrid pioneer since the mid-90s with the Prius and continues to lead with proven reliability, robust technology, and expanding their hybrid range across multiple vehicle categories including the locally-built Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Should You Buy It?
The best hybrid under R500,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid at R499,900. If you're looking to dip your toes into eco-friendly motoring without breaking the bank or dealing with range anxiety, this locally-built beauty is your answer. Toyota's hybrid tech has been proven reliable for decades, the Corolla Cross offers practical SUV space, and you'll save a fortune on fuel costs around town. For those with deeper pockets wanting the full hybrid experience, the Prius from R589,900 remains a solid choice with even better fuel economy. Skip waiting for Toyota's full electric range to hit SA shores, hybrid is the sweet spot right now for South African driving conditions and infrastructure.
