Joining the popular Corolla family in Australia is a new hybrid model.

Available from AU$26,990 (US$19,940) in Australia, it delivers a combined output of 134 HP from a Hybrid Synergy Drive System that combines a 1.8-liter internal combustion engine and an electric motor, setting the front wheels in motion through an E-CVT.

It can operate in petrol and electric modes alone, or a combination of both, offering a choice of three selectable driving modes – power, economy and electric. Fuel consumption stands at 4.1 lt/100 km (57.37 mpg US) and the driving range has increased by almost 280 km (174 miles), to 1,097 km (682 miles), despite the fuel tank being down 5 liters, at 45 liters.

The Corolla Hybrid is available in a single grade, picking up premium features from the range-topping ZR. It benefits from dual-zone automatic air-con, keyless entry and start, sat-nav, SUNA live traffic updates, Toyota Link connected mobility and a 4.2-inch multi-info display, joined by the auto-leveling bi-LED headlights and LED DRLs.

This is the fifth hybrid in the brand’s local lineup, along with the Camry, Prius, Prius c and Prius v, and it arrives four months shy of the car’s 50th anniversary since the first one was introduced in Japan back in October 1966.

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