Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review

For what felt like decades, diesel estate cars were the go-to vehicle for families who wanted something relatively frugal with lots of space. But times are a changin’ and, with diesel power losing favour with the buying public, self-charging petrol hybrids such as the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports are starting to grow in popularity. But what is a self-charging hybrid, exactly? 

Well, unlike plug-in hybrids, which need to be charged up overnight in order for their electric motors to best save petrol and reduce emissions, the Corolla Touring Sports is a hybrid that recharges its battery as it drives along. You simply treat it like a regular petrol car and it'll top up its battery automatically when it has energy to spare. It can then decide for itself when is best to deploy its electric motor to help improve fuel economy or increase performance.

When it comes to CO2 emissions and, officially at least, fuel economy, this type of hybrid set-up certainly delivers some impressive numbers. And – thanks to tax advantages – the Corolla Touring Sports should prove cheaper to run as a company car than any of its diesel rivals.

Another way of seeing it is that the Corolla Touring Sports combines many of the advantages of Toyota’s own Prius with far more conventional looks and a far bigger boot. But how does it square up as an estate car against conventionally powered family favourites that include the Ford Focus Estate, Hyundai i30 Tourer and Skoda Octavia Estate?

Stay with us over the next few pages and we’ll tell you all you need to know. And don’t forget, if you want to buy a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, or indeed any other car, head over to our deals section to find out how much you could save without any awkward haggling.