We Test One of Spain's Most Successful Compact Cars

In 2024, the Corolla emerged as Toyota's best-selling model in Spain, leading the C Segment with 21,596 units. It is one of the most significant sectors in the Spanish market, surpassing the next model in its segment by over 9,000 registrations. The Corolla has evolved through 12 generations to meet drivers' needs and preferences, with over 50 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 1966.

Now, in its fifth generation of Toyota's hybrid electric system, it boasts significant improvements such as increased total power, enhanced driving experience, reduced CO2 emissions, and lower fuel consumption.

The Corolla Hybrid range includes three versions: five-door (Corolla Hybrid), estate (Touring Sports), and saloon (Sedan), all offering quality, efficiency, innovative design, and technology. The standard equipment is comprehensive, with a refined image starting from the entry-level Active Plus trim, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, rain sensor, keyless entry and start, electrically folding mirrors, electrochromatic interior mirror, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and 10.5 multimedia system.

We tested the five-door version, which we found to be the most balanced. It is paired with a Hybrid 140H engine, a conventional hybrid with 140 horsepower. Its best feature is its fuel consumption, which is difficult to exceed 6 l/100 km, even at high speeds, and easy to drop below 5 l/100 km when driving solely in the city.

In our case, we tested the GR SPORT version, equipped with 18-inch machined alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, Bi-LED headlights, and exclusive GR SPORT exterior and interior aesthetic elements, among others. It is the most striking and interesting, but also the most expensive. However, it features a nanoeX particle ionizer for the cabin, aimed at improving air quality by eliminating or significantly reducing elements such as odors, allergens, pollen, harmful pollutants, and suppressing mold, virus, and bacteria activity.

It is very comfortable and dynamic in all conditions. It is also very easy to get used to its driving, quiet at low speeds, and powerful when accelerating at a traffic light or overtaking in complex situations. Its dimensions, just over 4 meters long, are perfect for daily commutes as well as for getaways or travel. Five passengers can travel with complete ergonomics, and it has a 361-liter boot.