Toyota Corolla Altis 2023

The most economical car in the fleet. The Toyota hybrid system works in ideal conditions at Phuket town speeds. In Patong traffic the car spends a large part of the time on electric drive with the petrol engine switched off completely. Real fuel use comes out at about 4.5 to 5 litres per 100 km, roughly half of a Fortuner and a quarter less than a Honda City.

The second effect of the hybrid is often underrated: silence. Sitting in traffic on Bangla Road with the air conditioning running, you hear no engine at all. After a week on the island that feels like a separate luxury.

The Altis is larger than the City and the Yaris ATIV: more rear legroom, softer suspension and more stability on the highway. The boot of about 470 litres is barely affected by the hybrid battery.

Fuel is ordinary Gasohol 95 and the hybrid never needs plugging in.