Toyota is investing in its UK engine plant to support the start of European production of its fifth generation hybrid electric powertrain. Toyota Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) factory in Deeside, North Wales, is benefiting from €541,000 (approx. £465,000) to upgrade the assembly line for the 1.8-litre petrol engine featured in the new system. The fifth generation powertrain is the latest in a longline of Toyota hybrid generations which stretches back to the first Prius in 1997.
The latest development of Toyota’s market-leading hybrid technology will debut in 2023 in a new Corolla range, including Hatchback and Touring Sports models built by TMUK at Burnaston in Derbyshire. Engines from TMUK will also be used in the saloon model, manufactured in Turkey.
The fifth generation powertrain uses lighter, more compact electric motors and, thanks to improved engine calibration, produces more power and improved performance and drivability. Both 1.8 and 2.0-litre powertrains will be available, the 1.8 further offering lower CO2 emissions compared to the current system. The total system output for the new 1.8 powertrains is 138bhp, which helps reduce 0-62mph acceleration by 1.7 seconds to 9.2 seconds.
Toyota is also investing €77 million (approx. £70 million) in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP), the European centre for the production of the hybrid electric transmission, including motor generators and electrical components.
The latest in the Toyota hybrid generations replaces the fourth generation hybrid electric system produced by TMUK and TMMP since 2016 and 2018 respectively. During this time, Toyota has accelerated its investment in hybrid technology and seen the overall electrified mix in its total European new car sales increase from 30-66%.
Overview of Toyota hybrid generations
| GENERATION | INTRODUCED | KEY UK MODELS |
| 1 | 2000 | Prius (2000-2004) |
| 2 | 2004 | Prius (2004-2009), Yaris Hybrid (2012-2019) |
| 3 | 2009 | Prius (2009-2016), Auris Hybrid (2010-2012), Auris Hybrid (2012-2019), Prius+ (2012-2020), RAV4 Hybrid (2016-2019) |
| 4 | 2016 | Prius (2016-2022), Toyota C-HR (2016>), Corolla (2019-2023), Camry (2019-2022), Yaris (2020>), Yaris Cross (2021>), RAV4 (2019>), Highlander (2021>) |
| 5 | 2023 | Corolla (2023>) |
I have a 23MY Corolla TS 1.8 Excel on order. I have noticed that the car configurator has now been updated at long last (but not the brochure). I have gone onto the car configurator and configured the car I’ve ordered including pearlescent paint and Toyota Skyview Panoramic roof. On the configurator it has totalled the price but has not included a price for the Panoramic roof, does this mean the Panoramic roof is now a no cost extra. Thank you
Hi Peter, thanks for your question.
We apologise for the confusion. The website has been corrected and there is now a price attached to the panoramic roof.
Thanks.
Hi Toyota
At a Dealer, how do I know if any specific Corolla has the 5th Gen Hybrid Drive?
Like, what are the identifying things?
I ask because I assume some “new” vehicles at Dealers might be the older model.
Hi Trevor, thanks for your question.
The MY23 Corolla is fitted with the Fifth Generation Hybrid System. We would recommend asking your Toyota Centre for assistance in identifying this vehicle.
Thanks.
That is not helpful. The reason for asking is so that I know what to look for at the dealer to ensure they don’t palm me off with a 2023 4th gen. So back to my original question, how do I recognise a 5th gen vehicle?
Morning Trevor,
The fifth generation powertrain uses lighter, more compact electric motors and, thanks to improved engine calibration, produces more power and improved performance and drivability. Both 1.8 and 2.0-litre powertrains are available, the 1.8 further offering lower CO2 emissions compared to the current system.
If you would like to double check the information given to you by the Centre, feel free to drop us a DM on any of our social channels with the registration or VIN so we can check the production date.
Thank you.
Ok, thank you.
Hi, I am looking at a corolla van, it has a 72 reg plate is it 5th gen or the old 4th the engine no is 2ZR6B61017
Hi Steven, thanks for your question.
Please provide the Vehicle Registration.
Thanks.