Toyota Corolla Hybrid India Launch Date Revealed — Is India Now Heaven For Hybrids?

The Japanese automaker is planning to go big with the hybrid technology in India with the launch of its luxury brand, Lexus. The Lexus brand will be a hybrid-only strategy from Toyota Motor Corp.

The Corolla Hybrid will be assembled in India is likely to be priced aggressively. Currently, the Corolla Hybrid model has been primarily introduced in China and a few other markets only.

The Corolla nameplate sells in many body styles and comes in two platforms. Most of the markets get the Corolla E170 which is larger, and more upmarket. The Corolla E160 is a smaller version which is sold in markets such as Japan, Hong Kong among others.

The design of the hybrid model of the Corolla has been tweaked to make the car look modern, futuristic and stylish than the regular model. The hybrid Corolla will share its drivetrain with the recently launched Prius which uses a 98bhp 1.8-litre VVT-I petrol engine that's coupled to a 71bhp electric motor. Together, the Corolla Hybrid will churn out approximately 127bhp.

The gearbox duties will be carried out by the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT). The company claims a combined fuel efficiency of about 23km/l.

The Indian model will be tweaked, and the mileage figures are bound to vary marginally. Toyota does have the choice of using a 99bhp 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain but will opt for the more powerful version for the India model.

Prices for the upcoming Corolla Hybrid could be in the range of Rs 23 lakh to Rs 25 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi). The Corolla Hybrid will compete with the Honda Accord in the Indian market.

If you are looking to buy a hybrid premium sedan, then the Honda Accord Hybrid is something that you can buy. Below are the photos of the Honda Accord Hybrid, click to view.