Toyota Corolla hatchback - MPG, running costs & CO2

In many ways the Toyota Corolla is the right car at the right time. As diesel engines face a PR headwind and higher taxation, here's a petrol-only model that's predominantly a hybrid too. Toyota has chosen to stick with its 'self-charging' systems here, so unlike a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car, there's no need to connect the Corolla to a charger while out and about or to your home electricity supply overnight.

Instead, its small battery pack is recharged every time you slow down, using recuperated kinetic energy. It can’t drive on electric power for significant distances like a plug-in hybrid but there are significant fuel savings and the smaller battery means less weight.

Toyota Corolla MPG & CO2

Choose the 1.8-litre hybrid - sacrificing some performance - and the Corolla is at its cheapest to run. Official figures are 52.4mpg to 62.7mpg depending on the alloy wheels fitted. Its biggest advantage, though, is CO2 emissions ranging from 101 to 116g/km - figures few current diesel rivals can match. Company-car drivers will need a plug-in hybrid or an EV to better its mid-range BiK rating.

The more powerful 2.0-litre hybrid is faster and still usefully more efficient than most family hatchbacks, returning up to 57.6mpg and emitting 111-127g/km, which place it in a similar BiK band to the smaller engine.

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In early 2020, the conventional 1.2-litre petrol engine was dropped from the Corolla line-up, meaning it's now only available as a hybrid – a fact that makes it unique in the family hatchback class.

Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the Corolla are similar to or lower than rivals. Depending on trim level, it sits in groups 15-21 out of 50. You can thank the Corolla’s economy-focussed personality, safety features and Toyota's excellent reliability record - all factors that can reduce insurance risks, helping to bring down groupings.

Warranty

Up until June 2021, Toyota provided its new cars with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty to reassure owners. It has now launched its 'Relax' warranty, which can offer up to 10 years and 100,000 miles of free cover, beating every other manufacturer. The only caveat is that the car needs servicing at a Toyota main dealer to 'activate' the warranty each time you visit, so the cover won't be as long if you go to an independent mechanic instead. This is a pretty common stipulation with manufacturer warranties, though.

Servicing

Toyota offers fixed-price servicing and has dealers dotted all over the country, making it a short hop for scheduled work in most areas. Hybrid models tend to be quite easy on consumable parts too, including tyres and brakes, while there's no clutch to replace.