Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023: 12.3-inch display and gruntier hybrid likely for Australia

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Upgrades for the impending 2023 Toyota Corolla have been previewed in the UK, with power and technology updates among the headline changes.

Rolled out as part of a mid-life update for the fifth-generation Corolla ( that first launched in 2019), the changes should modernise the hatch and sedan models, as it seeks to take on newer rivals such as the Peugeot 308, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf.

Many of the Corolla’s changes were highlighted by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) last month, however the information released in the UK dives further into the specifics. 

Corolla Hybrid to get more power

In the UK, Toyota has made the decision to bump up the power for the 1.8-litre hybrid-petrol four-cylinder option from 90kW of power to 103kW, trimming the 0-100km/h time significantly, from 10.9 to 9.2 seconds.

Toyota UK’s decision reflects an increase over the 98kW power output TMCA outlined for the Australian 2023 Corolla update. Chasing Cars reached out for clarification on this matter, but TMCA was unable to provide further comment.

In Europe, a 2.0-litre hybrid-petrol four-cylinder is also available, with a total system output of 144kW offering a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds.

Toyota engineers have also recalibrated the Corolla’s throttle mapping from a linear feeling to a setting that more closely resembles the driver’s inputs – meaning more aggressive access to the instant torque of the electric motors is likely to be on offer.

Larger screens inbound

Toyota has made a concerted effort to integrate more technology into the Corolla by following a growing trend of integrating large screens around the cabin.

A 10.5-inch touchscreen will be available in the UK, offering a significant jump over the 8.0-inch until currently found in top-spec Australian Corolla ZR hybrids.

It remains unclear if the Corolla’s upgraded multimedia system will offer a wireless option for the (currently wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software, with newer vehicles such as the NX midsize SUV from luxury brand Lexus looking to drop cables in the coming year. 

The Corolla’s new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also likely to be found in Australian models, with users able to flick through a choice of four display options known as Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.

Safety upgrades on offer

Toyota says it has fine-tuned and added new safety features to the Corolla as part of the update in the UK. The features include acceleration suppression, which negates sharp (and possibly accidental) throttle inputs at low speeds. 

The Corolla’s AEB will also receive junction functionality, to prevent drivers from pulling into the path of on-coming traffic, along with emergency steering assistance.

Families of young children will be glad to hear that a rear seat reminder and safe exit warning has been added, with the latter designed to prevent passengers from opening their door into the path of another car or cyclist.

It remains to be seen which of these upgrades will make it to our shores. Information on the exact features and pricing will be available soon as the updated Corolla is set to launch in the second half of 2022.