Thousands of kilometres in a Corolla? Next-gen Toyota Corolla rumoured to get hybrid and plug-in hybrid tech with impressive range goals to storm ahead of Hyundai i30 and VW Golf - report

The next Toyota Corolla might be on the way with an impressive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) driving range, if overseas reports are any indication.

Japanese outlet Best Car reports some expectations surrounding the next-gen Corolla (likely from the outlet’s often reliable Toyota insiders), including some hefty goals relating to the model’s driving range.

The new Corolla, Best Car suggests, will come in either traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid form, with both assisting a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

The former will be similar to the types of hybrids Australians are used to from Toyota, though the plug-in is reportedly going to take the next-gen Corolla a lot further on a single tank of fuel and charged battery than most PHEVs do these days.

Best Car says the next-gen car, expected around 2026 and in hatchback form only rather than sedan or wagon, will be developed against BYD’s own recently announced hybrid technology.

While it’s not clear in what manner Toyota will try to rival the Chinese brand’s PHEV tech, BYD announced upon its reveal that a full tank of fuel and charged battery is able to take a BYD Seal 06 DM-i a total 2100km.

Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid (Image: Tom White)

While there would be no reason to make this link normally, its mention by Best Car suggests it’s been brought up within the walls of Toyota.

Whether this means a 2000km-plus range is on the cards for Toyota is yet to be determined, and it’s extremely unlikely even if Toyota does use the Seal 06 DM-i as a range benchmark.

Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid (Image: James Cleary)

That’s because BYD uses China’s somewhat lenient CLTC test system, while driving ranges quoted in Australia are normally stricter WLTP figures.

Still, even half the BYD claim (a 1000km+ Corolla) would be impressive for the next-gen car, given long trips aren’t usually the city car’s main use.

Until Toyota begins confirming information regarding the next-generation Corolla, the world’s most popular car, we won’t hold our breath for a hatchback that can travel between Australia’s three eastern state capitals without refuelling.