Toyota Corolla Hatchback GR Sport 2.0 VVT-i Hybrid 184hp auto 5d Owner Review

I've had 3 previous Toyotas before getting this car and I wanted the 2.0 litre version as I felt the previous 1.8s while good where a little underpowered.

All my cars from Toyota have been very reliable and well built. Normal servicing and the occasional tyre / windscreen wiper replacement is all I've needed. And the cars are exceptional on brakes, I've never had to replace any brake discs or pads and some of my cars had upwards of 60,000 miles.

The gearbox, the CVT, well it's not a CVT, it's not belt driven. It's a clever combination of 2 motors and an engine. No starter, no alternator. The thing that takes some getting used to but you quickly can move past, is the engine revs are based on what is required not speed. People link engine speed with speed but these engine match torque and demand instead.

Driving the hybrid car to get the best out of it, does take a little adjustment but it also becomes an enjoyable challenge. I can often get 65-70mpg out of a 2.0 litre car, without driving like miss daisy.

If you have the 2.0 litre car, the performance is reasonable, it's not a slow off the line either, with the effect of the electric motors and the engine combined.

I have saved so much money in fuel and maintenance with my cars. If you are into cars for performance or world best handling, maybe these cars are not for you. However if you into reliable motoring that won't leave you stranded, cost effective and that isn't going be expensive to run, then maybe this could be for you.