New Toyota Corolla Commercial hybrid van revealed

A new van has been revealed at the 2021 CV Show in Birmingham in the shape of the Toyota Corolla Commercial. It's based on the Corolla Touring Sports hybrid estate, and will be built alongside that car at Toyota's plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.

As with other car-based commercial vehicles, the Corolla Commercial doesn't have many drastic changes over its passenger carrying relative. The main difference is the removal of the back seats, which have been replaced by a long, flat load area that stretches from the steel mesh bulkhead behind the front seats all the way to the tailgate. The rear side windows have been blacked out, too, while the controls for the electric windows have been deactivated. Up front, the Corolla Commercial is identical to the estate, so feels a lot less like a commercial vehicle than a purpose-built van.

Under the skin, the Corolla Commercial uses the same 1.8-litre hybrid petrol drivetrain as found in lower-spec versions of the hatch and Touring Sports. Provisional fuel economy figures of up to 62.7mpg are predicted, so everyday running costs will be low. Emissions go as low as 102g/km, although since light commercial vehicle tax is currently charged at a flat rate, this won't have a bearing on running costs.

At the reveal of the Toyota Corolla Commercial, Mark Roden, Toyota Operations Director, said: “With its full hybrid powertrain, Corolla Commercial will give customers an exceptionally versatile vehicle that can be driven with zero emissions and fuel consumption during short urban runs while also giving the freedom to make longer journeys without the need for battery recharging. Toyota’s hybrid technology has well-proven reliability and delivers day-to-day savings on running costs with its fuel efficiency. It’s a unique addition to the Toyota Professional range and the wider LCV market and we’re confident will attract strong interest.”

The Corolla Commercial expands the Toyota Professional range, which includes the Hilux, Proace, Proace City and Land Cruiser Utility Commercial. The newcomer will go on sale in summer 2022, with prices expected to start at around £22,000.

Check out our review of the Suzuki Jimny Commercial van here...