The First Toyota Corolla Hybrid Electric Ever Joins The UAE’s Hybrid Nation Setting New Benchmarks For Clean Motoring
The world’s favourite family sedan with a record sale of over 47 million units around the world is here not only in a brand new striking avatar but is also in a Hybrid Electric powertrain for the first time ever in the UAE.
Launched by Al-Futtaim Toyota, the all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla features a brand new dynamic exterior design, unprecedented performance and a fuel economy of 27.6km/L making it the consummate version of the iconic sedan.
Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota, said, “The all-new 2020 Corolla is the most radical rethink of the iconic nameplate yet. Not only is it forward-looking in its technology, it delivers a driving experience that is unprecedented. In addition to the petrol variant, customers will now also have a Hybrid Electric option, thereby enhancing the appeal of the Corolla badge while answering an increasing need for clean motoring in the UAE. We are confident the new model will carry the legacy of the Corolla nameplate even further.”
He added, “Al-Futtaim Toyota has been the pioneer in sustainable mobility in the UAE launching the first Hybrid Electric Vehicle in 2008. The launch of the all-new Corolla Hybrid further reinforces our commitment to the UAE 2021 vision. Over the next few years, customers can look forward to a greater number of HEV models catering to various tastes and needs.”
At the event, Abbasi also introduced Al-Futtaim Toyota’s “When a Hybrid Nation Smiles”, a first of its kind mini-web show that depicts the story of three colleagues who come from different backgrounds, to form a typical hybrid society, representing not only Al-Futtaim Toyota’s customer mix in the UAE: Emiratis, Asians and Arab Expats, but the UAE itself.
The three characters are played by three amazing local comedians, Ali Al Sayed, Muhnnad Al Hattab and Adithya Thomas.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is on sale now across Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms with a starting price of AED 71,900
Additional technical details around the 2020 Corolla
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the new Corolla has a lower centre of gravity, 60% more rigid body shell and multi-link suspension all contribute to better handling and stability, without compromising ride comfort. The vehicle meets all the requirements of daily commutes and weekend leisure journeys, offering driving enjoyment in all road conditions and greater peace of mind thanks to its comprehensive array of safety features.
The 2020 Corolla has an exciting drive personality imbued by three powertrain options; these include a newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine with a new D-4S fuel injection system, which produces 168 hp and 20.43 kg-m of torque and is mated to a new 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission; and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 121 hp and 15.7 kg-m of torque, which is paired with a Multidrive 7S seven-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the new electrified hybrid powertrain combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and two electric motors producing 97 hp and 71 hp with a combined power of 121 hp and delivering 14.5 kg-m and 16.6 kg-m of torque respectively. It is also mated to an Electrically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), which provides an outstanding fuel consumption value of 27.6km/L while improving the driving experience.
On the safety front, the Corolla Hybrid gets dual front and side airbags, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hill-Start Assist and Anti-lock Braking System.
Moving inside, the Corolla’s distinct personality is completed by its expansive and comfortable cabin, which displays exceptional quality and finishing throughout. The ergonomically designed seats feature new cushion material, while the armrest and ample legroom offer superior comfort for rear-seat passengers.
The cabin is accentuated with an extensive range of features, which vary based on the trim level. Occupants benefit from AC vents for the rear seat, a one-touch moonroof, a 4.2 or seven-inch colour multi-information display (MID) in the cluster gauge, seven-inch touch-screen multimedia infotainment display, reversing camera, cruise control, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power driver seat, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Available in eight distinctive exterior colours, the all-new Corolla provides customers the opportunity to express their individuality.
Additional details on “When a Hybrid Nation Smiles”
“When a Hybrid Nation Smiles” is a mini-comedy show that depicts the story of three colleagues who come from different backgrounds, who not only work in the same company but go out together, dine together, camp together and share an exceptional bonding with Toyota. They represent a portion of our Toyota customer mix in the UAE: Emiratis, Asians and Arab Expats.
The show features three characters, played by three amazing local comedians, who share more than just humour. Every one of them has a personal dream, an ambition, and a drive that keeps them alive.
Ali Al Sayed is named “one of the most influential comedians in the world” by Toastmasters International Magazine and was recently dubbed the “King of Laughter” by a group of university students competing for an internship with Rolling Stone ME. Ali Al Sayed is the co-director of Dubomedy Arts, the first and only Comedy and Urban Arts School in the MENA region.
Ali in the mini-series plays the character of Sultan, an Emirati who was born in a Land Cruiser, still owns one, loves off-roading, is a gym freak, tries every kind of sports but eats a lot, has a crush on his Spanish boss Julia and owns a small organic farm where he spends his weekend. He is good friends with Anas and KK.
Muhannad Al Hattab, a comedian and one of the top Arab social media influencers, who has been creating original comedy content for more than six years. His style of original comedy and ability to perfect many different characters in different genders and dialects helped to separate him from the rest.
Muhannad is Anas in the mini-series. He is Syrian, grew up between Lebanon and Dubai and a father of twin boys. He owns a RAV4 and likes to drive it around to relax and think for himself. He loves sweets and dreams of quitting his job to open his own doughnut joint.
Adithya Thomas, a young comedian who performed live theatrical shows in Abu Dhabi and is now breaking through the comedic industry.
Adithya is our Kamalbandhu Kottarakara or KK. KK is originally from India, he works with Sultan and Anas, is a dedicated yogi, loves flashy outfits and perfumes. He is curious about the local culture and tries to practice his Arabic at every occasion. He discovered his love for Karak in the UAE and now has a dedicated Karak Youtube Channel, where he posts his homemade chai recipes. He dreams of owning a Toyota Corolla but has failed his driving test several times now.
The show culminates in the 4th episode when KK takes his friends to buy the new Corolla Hybrid at the showroom.
To watch the full episodes from the “When a Hybrid Nation Smiles” show please click the link below. https://www.toyota.ae/world-of-toyota/toyota-smiles/
