Toyota South Africa plans to introduce New Energy Vehicles (NEV) across several model ranges, starting with the RAV4 and Corolla. All indications are, however, that this is just the start of the brand’s electrification programme. We delve into what is here and now for Toyota’s hybridisation programme and what may lie ahead.
Proponents of full electrification may disagree on what an electrification roadmap should look like in a developing market such as South Africa. Yet there is one irrefutable fact; to keep pace with looming electrification deadlines across the globe, the local motor industry must act now or risk being left behind.
Toyota, South Africa’s largest manufacturer of motor vehicles, and number one selling brand, has realised that the proverbial writing is on the wall and recently announced their New Energy Vehicle (NEV) roadmap for this market.
HYBRID AND BEYOND
The term “hybrid” was coined a quarter of a century ago when Toyota introduced the first mass-produced passenger car with a dual-source powertrain that combined a traditional internal combustion engine with a high-current electric motor.
Debuting in the now legendary Prius in 1997, hybrid technology was an instant hit. Although the quirky Prius was an overnight success, and the technology has since appeared in some Toyota models, mainstream adoption into the bulk of the brand’s ranges has not happened. Yet.
Although Toyota has stated that changes in the global motoring arena have placed a far greater emphasis on NEVs and alternative propulsion technologies, another, more urgent driver is behind their focus on NEVs in this market. The bald truth is that Toyota South Africa risks losing their competitive manufacturing edge if they cannot convincingly introduce NEVs into this market, and by extension, also into Southern Africa.
Toyota South Africa believes that the continued development of new energy alternatives and further advancements of battery technology are now driving customers to want more advanced drivetrain options and greater levels of efficiency without compromising on what cars they want.
Branded “Towards Carbon Neutral”, Toyota’s environmental strategy has as its ultimate goal to achieve zero emissions by 2050, but with several milestones in-between. This also goes beyond zero emissions for cars but includes being emission-free throughout the production process, and down the line demanding that their suppliers be as well.
To this end, Toyota South Africa’s plans to roll out Hybrid variants on most of its mainstream model ranges, beginning with introducing the fully-imported RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid and the locally-produced hybrid Corolla Cross (in petrol and Hybrid) in November 2021.
TAKING IT MAINSTREAM
Toyota hopes to capitalise on this change in customer behaviour by introducing hybrid variants of two of their most popular passenger cars – the RAV4 and Corolla – both are firsts for South Africa and provide an opportunity to combine the best of these vehicles, with the added performance and fuel efficiency of Toyota’s hybrid system.
RAV4
Based on Toyota’s fifth-gen mid-size SUV, the RAV4 Hybrid combines the TNGA platform-based sports utility with a punchy 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain. The same engine is shared with other Toyota and Lexus models, such as the Lexus ES and NX300h.
Much of the same technology in the Corolla Hybrid also appears in the RAV4, although with a larger displacement four-cylinder powertrain. Featuring an “undersquare” design with Toyota D-4S port and direct injection, the Atkinson cycle engine generates 131 kW and 221 Nm in “ICE” state.
The electric motor is good for 88 kW and 202 Nm to deliver a total system output of 160 kW. Power is sent to the front wheels via a surprisingly smooth CVT transmission, seamlessly integrating the two drive sources and facilitating decent acceleration and excellent driving refinement.
Hybridisation also benefits fuel consumption in this case, with the official figure pegged at 4.7 l/100 km, and CO2 emissions of 107 g/km.
The hybrid RAV4 is offered in mid-range GX trim to keep costs low, although this value-for-money hybrid boasts more than enough premium technology and comfort features such as
LED head- and taillamps complete with DRLs upfront, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-operated side mirrors, and keyless entry. Occupants are well catered for with dual-zone climate control, three 12-volt power outlets and multiple cupholders. Cruise control is standard, as is an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, multi-information display, and a tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel with remote switches.
The six-speaker infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled, while driver support and safety systems include park distance control, ABS, EBD, VSC, Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and hill assist. A full complement of seven airbags is present (including side and curtain).
COROLLA HYBRID
Sharing its powertrain with the Prius, the 11th-generation Corolla combines a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine (delivering 72 kW and 142 Nm) with the latest-generation electric motor and battery pairing. Although smaller, with an improved power-to-weight ratio, the electric motor provides a supplementary 53 kW and 163 Nm (at full capacity). However, the overall system output is 90 kW due to transmission reduction losses. As with the RAV4, the Corolla Hybrid employs a CVT gearbox to send power to the front wheels.
In keeping with the strategy to introduce hybrid models at a more palatable price point, the Corolla Hybrid is offered in the valued-minded Xs spec level. The Corolla is empowered with the same convenience features as its RAV4 sibling, including keyless entry, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors and full-colour coding.
The Corolla Hybrid offers even more frugal fuel economy, with an impressively low claimed average fuel consumption figure of 3.5 l/100 km. CO2 emissions drop to 81 g/km. Combined with a 43-litre fuel tank, the Corolla Hybrid has a theoretical range of over 1,200 km on a single tank.
PEACE OF MIND
A six-services or 90,000 km service plan is standard for the RAV4 and Corolla Hybrid models, with service Intervals pegged at 15,000 km/12 months. Toyota’s standard three-year/100,000 km warranty is included, and, crucially, an eight-year/195,000 km Hybrid battery warranty is also included.
LAST WORD
Toyota South Africa has made a RAV4 test unit available to Driven for a six-week-long test to drive home the long-term benefits of living with one of its hybrid vehicles. It’s an unusually bold move, but if the fast pace of electrification and hybridisation in the global motor market has shown us anything, bold moves are necessary now if auto manufacturers are to stay locally and globally relevant.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA
