Will Hybrid Corolla make Prius Better?

I think that they've got a good plan for its intro. While it's "only" a Corolla, it's actually a pretty decent sized car, having pretty much the same dimensions and volumes as a Camry of ~20+ years ago. In the LE trim level, you get this cool "little" car for $23k or so -- all while getting about 50 mpg. I think it'll sell. Might even sell to a decent number of people who find the Prius too "out there" for their taste. It amazes me how, almost twenty years into the Toyota hybrid saga, so many people see the Prius only as a statement they blindly insist they don't want to make -- while never stopping to consider that it's grown into a very solid, practical and useful car (without regard to what makes it go. . .).

 

It sounds like you're referring to the COROLLA SEDAN (saloon to the Brits). I assumed that the logical replacement for PRIUS c would be COROLLA Hatch Hybrid - which isn't really much bigger than a "c". I looked at a "c" when I bought Samantha - and I couldn't really understand it. It wasn't much different in size to the YARIS - but totally different when you looked at them side by side.

PRIUS c was built on the same platform as the previous COROLLA (which YARIS isn't) - which might be why, with COROLLA migrating to TNGA platform, they're pensioning PRIUS c off. But that would only make sense to replace it with COROLLA Hatch - not Sedan.

 

Strange - here, the hatch is available with Hybrid in all grades - but no hybrid on the Sedan at all. A marketing game, obviously. Same with the wagon - it's just not here at all, neither hybrid or petrol.

 

Here is my guess on strategy:
When Toyota came out with the Hybrid Camry, I assumed the Prius would take the place of a Hybrid Corolla.
The Prius v was introduced to promote a larger vehicle while using the Prius name.
The Hybrid RAV4 sales showed that a Hybrid SUV is nor mainstream so the Prius v is no longer needed.
The PiP was introduced under duress as a PHEV. The Prius Prime has taken that to the next level.
The Hybrid Corolla is an attempt to make a Hybrid car more mainstream. If that happens, perhaps it will replace the Prius.
The next logical step would then me a Prius EV to showcase the EV and compliment the Prius Prime PHEV.

It might be possible...The Prius is supposed to "go before"

 

A comparison on Australian Govt's Green Vehicle Guide shows that they are quite different:

 

Sat in a new Corolla today and the rear leg room is terrible.

I am 5ft 11inches and my knees were rammed into the back of the seat sitting behind my driving position. The Tourer was much better, but still not as good as my Prius.

It feels very high quality and lots of squishy surfaces, but it feels very tight inside compared.

 

Corolla 1.8 has Li-ion HV battery and 2.0 has NiMh. That may make space difference.
Image from Finnish Toyota site, but should make sense

 

Prius sales were hurt by gas prices and styling, but I don't see Toyota dumping their flagship hybrid.
Plug-in hybrids like the Prime have always felt like a poor value to me, unless you drive low miles.
I agree with Prodigyplace, the hybrid Corolla will be mainstream like the hybrid Camry and Avalon.

 

I think the scenario is that they going to get rid of the the Prius line up altogether. Because the Corolla matches up with the Prius and people probably by the sedan. And the Prius isn't doing well in sales. Remember the commercials a couple of years ago Prius go Prius you don't see those anymore. Haven't seen one advertisement for the Prius at all Toyota commercials. I own a prime and I love my Prime but the new Corolla comes with newer Toyota safety sense and the Prime 2020 is the same no changes. This makes me to believe that they're putting all the money in the Corolla. Toyota said that by 2020 to 2021 that all there cars will be hybrids.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

That is why I suggested they may come out with a Prius EV to lead Toyota into pure electric vehicles.

 

The trouble is - the new Corolla is pathetically small inside - nothing like the PRIUS. Refer Comment #68 - I'm not the only one who though that.

I certainly wouldn't consider a Corolla when I replace my PRIUS later this year - unless they bring the Wagon Hybrid by then.

 

Corolla Hatch has shorter wheelbase than Sedan or TS (Europe), the 2.0 hybrid has the 12V battery in the boot (both HB and TS) so even smaller boot size.

 

Yes I knew about the shorter wheelbase, but why not let the hatch have the longer wheelbase, it's going to put off so many people.

 

I agree, have no idea why they did that. Maybe they wanted to make a smaller car for European and Asian market?

 

Looks like the market shifted a few years back an now everyone is playing catch up. Hatch back/SUVs are the main vehicles people are shopping for these day and the car has seen it's better days.
The car is not a useful vehicle and wastes precious space.
Trucks need to be downsized and made more fuel efficient. Bring back the mini trucks of the 70's.

BTW/ avatar is the first car ever made (although a mass produced one was in 1885/around 1873 for the prototype).
Benz Patent-Motorwagen - Wikipedia



Assembly line - Wikipedia

Moving assembly line.

 

My Prius was at the local dealer last week for 35 k service. I saw the new corolla hybrid arriving on the lot, still had the plastic on the fenders, but the wheel covers were off(old school Prius 15” rims). They look good. My guess is that is one of the new vehicles in Toyota new TNGP platform along with the new Camry, rav4, other vehicles, and probably all hybrids. I hope they sell millions