Given Sydney’s recent high petrol prices it was rather pleasing to be driving Toyota’s hybrid Corolla hatch – more specifically, the Ascent Sport Hybrid five-door hatch listed at $27,395.

With a claimed combined cycle fuel economy of just 4.2L/100 and the ability to run on 91 RON petrol this is a real fuel saver. With an available range of 960km on a full tank enough to comfortably get to Melbourne without stopping. Our biggest selling car by a considerable margin the Toyota Corolla has an enormous reputation for serviceability and reliability.

The current 12th generation has perhaps this long standing automotive nameplates most expressive style, especially the frontal appearance. Build quality and finishes first rate for a small car. Its nippy to drive with very sharp throttle response from rest, the 73kW 1.8-litre petrol engine supplemented by a 53kW electric motor linked to a CVT automatic.

The chassis really well sorted with great ride and handling, a tight turning circle and better than average performance. Only real gripe road noise in the cabin on course chip road surfaces and maybe down to tyre choice. Front passenger space more than comfortable with good storage but rear seat space and boot space rather tight.

Service costs listed every 12 months or 15,000km at $205 each for the duration of the five-year warranty a real bonus.

I’m David Berthon.

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