Toyota has begun production of its all-new Corolla hatchback and estate range at the firm's UK manufacturing facility in Derbyshire.
An official ceremony attended by global Toyota figures marked the first models rolling out of the Burnaston plant. The production of the Corolla, which remains the world's best-selling car globally, will see European spec models arrive next month.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said the decision to produce the Corolla in the UK was "testament to our proud manufacturing heritage, the highly skilled workforce and leading innovation that sets our world-beating automotive industry apart".
Toyota previously announced the Ford Focus rival will start from £21,300 when it goes on sale in March alongside the Touring Sports estate, with the brand accepting pre-orders for both models.
Entry-level Icon models will arrive with 16in alloy wheels, an 8in infotainment system with reversing camera, heated front seats and automatic LED headlights, while more advanced Icon Tech models get a 7in digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation and parking sensors.
The new 2.0-litre hybrid engine is only available on step-up Design models and above. They gain 17in alloys, electric heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and LED fog lights, with prices starting from £23,375 for the 1.2-litre manual.
Top-spec Excel models can be equipped with either the 1.8 or 2.0-litre hybrid, with prices beginning at £27,345. Equipment includes 18in alloys, sports seats, keyless entry and part-leather upholstery.
The switch to the Corolla name marks the end of the Auris worldwide, and marks a return of the Corolla name to the UK market after an absence of 13 years. It also marks the car's switch to the brand's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. A Corolla saloon, built alongside the Toyota C-HR in Turkey, won't come to the UK.
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xxxx
xxxx we bow to the fact you are cleverer and know more about marketing, manufacturing and selling cars than the 2nd largest car maker in the world. LOL.
Jamesf1 'CVT expert'
That's OK, you're obviously to clever to respect other people's opinion, wishes and desire on what car they'd like to see being produced. Shame Toyota went for Hydrogen and CVT, maybe that's why they're no longer number 1.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-toyota-corolla-uk-bound-saloon-variant-launched
A couple of months ago it was
A couple of months ago it was reported that the saloon would make it to the UK as a defacto Avensis replacement, now it is reported
"A Corolla saloon, built alongside the C-HR in Turkey, won't come to the UK. "
What happened in those few months? It makes sense, small saloons don't sell here, but it looked a good looking car.