How economical are the Corolla, Golf and Focus really?

First the Ford Focus Wagon, which enters with a small three-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 155 hp. Despite its grumbling disposition, the turbo engine of the Focus picks up surprisingly sharply and feels more powerful than you would expect. This is because the small starter generator puts an extra 11.5 kW of power in the scale and the torque of 220 Nm in overboost (otherwise 190 Nm) temporarily even further to 240 Nm. An overboost of an overboost.

The 48-volt hybrid technology ensures fast sprints, but not necessarily favourable consumption. At an average of 6.8 l/100 km (1 to 14.7), this is more than a litre higher than the competition.

Consumption Volkswagen Golf Variant 1.5 eTSI

The 1.5-liter eTSI in the VolkswagenGolf Variant is, like the 1.0 EcoBoost of the Focus, a mild hybrid. Both cannot drive fully electrically. The electric motor fills any gaps in the torque of the petrol engine with a maximum of 14 kW/19 hp and 56 Nm, but an overboost function is available Volkswagen not necessary.

Thanks to cylinder deactivation and frequent ‘sailing’ (automatic declutching when coasting), the Golf Variant records a neat consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (1 in 17.5).

Difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid

Just to be sure (we get a lot of questions about this): hybrids and mild hybrids do not require a plug. The battery is charged automatically, for example via braking energy recovery. This limits the weight of the electrical components. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are small; in the test cars they are about the same size as the battery of an e-bike.

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Is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid really that economical?

About the consumption of Toyota’s we are generally very satisfied; the test consumption usually deviates little from the EU specification and the Japanese do that well. That is also the case now. With 5.5 l/100 km (1 in 18.2) the Toyota is the most economical. The Corolla is also a real (full) hybrid. It does not have a 48-volt generator, but two electric motors (with an operating voltage of more than 200 V) and a combustion engine. It does not have a turbo, but works according to the Atkinson principle, where everything is focused on low consumption.

Of Toyota Corolla Touring Sports can drive up to 130 km/h fully electrically, but due to the small battery, the EV mode can only be used for short distances. In everyday use, the combustion engine is switched off briefly or is powerfully supported by the electric motor, without the battery running down. A well-thought-out and well-functioning system. But don’t play the racing driver, because the engine is not made for sporty rides.

You can read the full comparative test in Auto Review 9You can buy the magazine in the supermarket, the bookstore or in our webshop.