2016 Auto Expo: Toyota to showcase Corolla Hybrid

Apart from its conventional offerings, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will have a separate zone at the Auto Expo to display only its hybrid vehicles. And one of the vehicles taking centre stage at this stall will be the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

The implementation of the odd-even rule in Delhi to curb pollution has seen a huge rise in the demand for vehicles powered by alternative energy. Delhi has been ranked the most polluted metropolis in the world by the World Health Organisation in 2014, and the government has enforced the odd-even rule from the start of 2016. Under this new rule, registration of new diesel SUVs and cars with engines above 2,000 cc have been banned in the Delhi-NCR region, whereas hybrids and electric vehicles have been allowed to ply on the road on all days.

Apart from the mechanicals, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid currently sold in China has some visual differences from the standard Corolla Altis. The front fascia is different, featuring a striking set of LED headlamps, wraparound airdams and foglamp enclosure, and generous lashings of chrome on the grille. The chrome treatment also extends to the alloy wheels as well as the door handles.

It is unclear yet if the Corolla Hybrid that Toyota is showcasing at the Expo will come with the same powerplant as its Chinese sibling: a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine paired to an electric motor, developing 99PS of power. In this guise, the Corolla Hybrid boasts a fuel efficiency figure of 20.40 kmpl, an impressive figure by any margin.

"This time around at the Auto Expo, we will have three separate zones, one for new models, other for existing vehicles and another one for hybrid vehicles. The hybrid technology is a key focus for us," Toyota Kirloskar Motor Senior Vice President, Director Sales and Marketing, N Raja, told the press.

Apart from the Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will also showcase the Camry Hybrid and Prius at the 2016 Auto Expo.