WHO makes the best family hatch? It's a hotly contested class, and with some of the big names either slipping up or just long in the tooth, there's a chance for a new leader.
Last time we tried to answer the question, the Toyota Corolla put in a strong showing, but ultimately had to settle for second behind the Honda Civic. Can the revised version go one better this time?
Then there's the Kia Ceed. In a previous hatchback showdown we ranked it above the Volkswagen Golf and latest Peugeot 308, so it's guaranteed to put up a strong fight here. Our Real-World Road Test will find us a winner.
Toyota Corolla
MODEL TESTED: Corolla 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport
PRICE: £33,005 POWERTRAIN: 1.8-litre 4cyl hybrid petrol, 138bhp
WE don't get the fire-breathing GR Corolla in the UK, but for most buyers the GR Sport trim tested here will make more sense as an everyday drive. It features a sporty bodykit, but is otherwise mechanically identical to the rest of the range. With a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain, it's priced at £33,005.
Tech highlights
WHILE there's not much new to see from the outside, Toyota has made some fairly significant technical changes under the skin of the Corolla. The Japanese brand has always been at the forefront of hybrid technology, and its latest know-how has been applied to both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid powertrains.
A new power-control unit reduces electrical losses and is quieter than before, while the battery is physically smaller and 14-per cent lighter, but its capacity has increased by 14 per cent. The transaxle is both more compact and lighter, but the electric motor it houses produces more power, too. Revised throttle mapping makes the car feel more 'natural' to drive. The result for the 1.8-litre hybrid is a total output of 138bhp - a 16bhp increase over before.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 12, 2023-Ausgabe von Auto Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 12, 2023-Ausgabe von Auto Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Panorama highlights faults plaguing smart motorways
THE UK's smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC's Panorama programme.
Final tests for Range Rover EV
Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover
BYD will spread its wings by selling new Seagull in Europe
BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand's executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing.
Mega MG model blitz
THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Toyota RAV4 Mk5
FROM £17,000 Spacious five-seat SUV also offers loads of standard kit and unburstable reliability
Tesla fires up 460bhp Model 3 Performance
TESLA has just revealed its new Ragship Model 3 Performance - a quicker, more powerful version of the brand's all-electric executive saloon car - and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990.
ASPIRING LEADERS
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes on the Hyundai Tucson for compact family-SUV honours
HIGH ROLLERS
As Rolls-Royce hits 120 years old, meet the car makers that have tried to take it on - not always successfully
Jeep Wrangler
FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
FIRST DRIVE Performance version of sleek new coupé is put through its paces