fbpx

Corolla goes commercial

Estate-based hybrid van model makes its debut at CV Show 2021

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Toyota is launching a new van at the Commercial Vehicle Show, which starts today at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Corolla Commercial van is making its world premiere at the show, before going on sale next year. As the name suggests, the new addition to the Toyota light CV range will be based on the UK-built Corolla, specifically the Touring Sports (estate) 1.8-litre hybrid version of the popular passenger car.

The Corolla van is not expected to appear in Toyota showrooms until summer 2022 and at first, will only be offered for sale in the UK in a single version. Full details and specification will be provided before the order books are opened, due later this year.

Toyota may follow the pattern set by the Proace electric van launched earlier this year, which is only available in Icon specification.

Hybrid power for zero-emission urban work

The van conversion involves removing the rear seats and replacing them with a load platform. The rear side windows are also replaced with solid panels.

Toyota has not released any weight data at the moment, but based on data from the passenger model, a gross payload of 405kg – 535kg looks possible.

Power will be provided by the Corolla’s 1.8-litre parallel hybrid powertrain. This combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 120hp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque between 3,600rpm and 4,000rpm, with drive transmitted to the front wheels.

On its own, the electric motor will produce 71hp and 163Nm of torque. Regenerative braking is used to charge the nickel-metal hydride battery pack, with the stored energy used to provide short range electric drive in EV mode.

Official fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions data is not yet available, but Toyota is targeting official fuel consumption figures of between 55.3mpg and 62.7mpg, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 115g/km.

Mark Roden, Toyota (GB) Operations Director, said: “With its full hybrid powertrain, Corolla Commercial will give customers an exceptionally versatile vehicle that can be driven with zero emissions and fuel consumption during short urban runs, while also giving the freedom to make longer journeys without the need for battery recharging.

“Toyota’s hybrid technology has well-proven reliability and delivers day-to-day savings on running costs with its fuel efficiency. It’s a unique addition to the Toyota Professional range and the wider LCV market and we’re confident will attract strong interest.”

John Kendall
John Kendall
Began working for a motor industry consultancy in 1988 before moving into automotive journalism in 1990. Freelance since 2001. Chairman of the UK-based Guild of Motoring Writers in 2006-7.

Latest articles