The Toyota Corolla Commercial has been revealed. It’s a new model from Toyota Professional, the commercial vehicle division of Toyota. It lines up alongside the Hilux pick-up, Proace and Proace City vans and the Land Cruiser Utility Commercial, but is a unique proposition when compared with those models.
Estate basis for large load area
The Corolla Commercial is based on the Corolla Touring Sports estate, but instead of back seats and a boot with a load cover, there’s a flat load area that stretches from the boot opening all the way to the front seats. Other changes include a fixed steel mesh bulkhead and blacked-out glass for the cargo area and rear doors (although the tailgate still has clear glass), while the rear electric window controls have been deactivated.
Total cargo area capacity hasn’t been confirmed, but it should be similar to the 1,606 litres offered by the Touring Sports when its back seats are folded. Payload weights are also to be announced, while the Corolla Commercial is expected to offer a maximum braked towing weight of 750kg.
Since the Corolla Commercial is mechanically identical to the Touring Sports estate, it means that Toyota’s range of accessories fits the new model, so it can be upgraded with a tow bar and roof rack if needed.
Hybrid power makes it unique
Power for the Corolla Commercial comes from the smaller 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain offered in the Corolla hatchback. That means 120hp from the combined engine and electric motor, and maximum torque of 142Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox, with the system automatically managing power distribution between the road, engine, electric motor and battery.
Again, official figures are still to be confirmed, but WLTP combined fuel economy is 55.3-62.7mpg, while emissions range from 102- to 115g/km.
At the moment, the Corolla Commercial is a unique work vehicle with no direct rivals - most other car-based commercials are based on superminis, such as the Ford Fiesta Van or Renault Zoe Commercial, or 4x4s, such as Toyota’s own Land Cruiser Utility.
Irish market launch
The new Corolla Commercial will be built alongside the Corolla hatchback and estate at Toyota’s factory at Burnaston, Derbyshire in the UK. While it goes on sale there in the summer of 2022, the new model isn’t expected in Ireland until 2023 at the earliest.
