Toyota GR Corolla to be built in the UK starting in 2026
The hot hatch will be built at Toyota's Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, operated by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), which assembles the standard Corolla range. It will be the first GR model produced at the facility, and the first time the GR Corolla is manufactured in Europe.
Since launching in 2022, the GR Corolla has attracted strong interest among driving enthusiasts, joining Toyota's expanding GR line-up that includes the Supra, GR Yaris and GR86. According to the company, appetite for the models has routinely outstripped supply — prompting the Japanese carmaker's decision to add a new production location.
Preparations at the UK plant reportedly began last year, with Toyota working alongside local suppliers and staff ahead of the 2026 production start. While Toyota hasn't confirmed how many units will be built or which markets they'll serve, the move is expected to reduce lead times and ease pressure on existing supply chains.
The choice of the UK is also no accident. Toyota cited the country's motorsport culture, engineering know-how and the track record of the TMUK plant as key factors in the decision.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
11 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Mazda CX-30 remains a chic and dependable crossover pick
There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the fate of legacy carmakers in the current climate. That stems from the powerful emergence of the Chinese automotive industry as a disruptor that has become tough to beat by offering customers a great deal for less outlay and across most segments. The monthly figures speak for themselves. Very soon we might see brands from China edging in on the turf of the most beloved local staples, such as Volkswagen and Toyota. They have outpaced marques that were once regular features in the top half of the monthly new vehicle sales charts. That includes Mazda. However, where proven reliability and longevity is concerned, legacy carmakers such as Mazda continue to have the upper-hand. While the oldest Chinese carmaker in South Africa is just shy of turning 18, a brand such as Mazda has been involved in Mzansi for decades. It has proven itself to be a purveyor of durable cars and, in more recent times, offerings that sought to elevate its persona with sharper designs and build quality that some have likened to German standards. A Mazda CX-30 recently arrived for evaluation, looking quite rakish in a shade of blue. The crossover was first launched in 2020 as a bridge between buyers who found the CX-3 too compact and the CX-5 too large. Mazda is not one for radical changes during a product life cycle, so aside from subtle tweaks from trim and equipment standpoints, the CX-30 seen here is much the same as the model launched about five years ago. That is a considerable length of time in modern motoring terms, but the sleek, curvaceous aesthetic appeal of the model remains as desirable as it was then. Pricing ranges from R531,800 for the basic Active version while R579,400 gets you into the Dynamic grade. The Carbon Edition, with its dark accents, is R597,800 and the range-topping Individual we tested costs R641,900. Pricing includes a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and service plan. On the outside, the 18-inch, glossy black alloys are the biggest differentiation of the Individual versus its lesser siblings. The cabin is distinguished by a delicious two-tone colour combination: toffee for the leatherette bolsters, suede-like upholstery for the seat inners and door panels. One is reminded where the comparisons to Teutonic cabin finishes originate from. Behind the wheel of a CX-30 materials are of an excellent standard, from the soft-touch fascia to the grip of the elegant three-spoke steering wheel. The doors of the Mazda are on the light side, but concerns about occupants safety are assuaged by the fitment of seven airbags and the credentials of a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Some may lament the slightly dated look of the cabin, but traditionalists will enjoy the blend of analogue with digital. The instrument cluster, for example, has classic needles and gauges for the tachometer and fuel level, complemented by a central screen handling speed and other data. Atop the fascia is a slim infotainment screen that blends appealingly, a nice break from the stark, oversized tablets that look as though they were stuck on as an afterthought. Being the top tier expression of the CX-30 range, the standard equipment level is high and outfitted with amenities including a sunroof, Bose audio system and electrically-operated tailgate. Annoyingly, the navigation system requires an SD card, which was not present in our test unit. The vehicle's 295l boot is on the shallow side. Road manners are of a respectable texture, with good marks for sound insulation and light but direct steering. There are some compromises where ride quality is concerned, attributed to the 18-inch alloys, in tandem with suspension tuning that is decidedly firm. Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. Where Mazda could be criticised for lagging behind is in the powertrain department. The CX-30 used a 2.0l, four-cylinder petrol engine which is naturally-aspirated. This is the 121kW/213Nm unit that has served in Mazda products for many years and has an industrial, appliance-like quality. On one hand, the long-lasting potential and easy maintenance of such a simple, uncomplicated motor is a positive. On the other hand the performance boost and economy of adopting turbocharger technology is hard to argue with. Rivals such as Toyota have found a satisfying middle ground with hybridisation. The CX-30 could certainly benefit from such progress. Average consumption over our week of testing was 8.5l/100km. While it might not be at the forefront of technological innovation, the CX-30 remains a stylish and proven prospect from a brand with a sound reputation.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Kyalami Festival of Motoring gearing up as highlight of August
Tickets for the annual automotive showpiece are now on-sale. South Africa's biggest automotive showpiece, the Kyalami Festival of Motoring, returns to form at the end of August, with ticket now being available. Taking place from 29 to 31 August, the eighth edition of the now annual event will have vehicles exhibited from amongst others Toyota, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Suzuki, Mahindra, Subaru, Chery, BYD, BAIC, GAC, LDV, GWM Haval and MG. For some, it will mark the official debut of the exhibited product on South African soil ahead of the start of sales either at the end of the year or early next year. As before, the ever popular hot lap track driving experience returns, as does the self-driving opportunity on the in-field handling track, the 4×4 experience at the top section of the circuit, plenty of activities ranging from simulators to go-karts, plus a drifting showcase. In addition, early bird ticket buyers, i.e. before 00h00 on 3 August, will stand a chance of winning prizes worth R16 000. First: 2x VIP hot laps; Second: 2x VIP Experiences (minus hot lops); Third: 2x double passes to the Santam 'chill' pod As usual, the three-day event will be split into four sections, green, blue, yellow and red, and provide more than enough on-site non-motoring entertainment, as well as food stalls. Now loaded into ticket prices, per person, amount to the following: General Access: R295; General Access [children under four]: Free; General Access [children 4-12]: R82; General Access [pensioner 65+]: R260 Weekend Pass [all three days]: R700; Weekend Pass [pensioner 65+]: R665 Hosted by Santam, VIP Hospitality prices are as follows: Premium Hospitality with one hot lap: R4 200; Premium Hospitality with no hot lap: R2 200; Chill pod for kids under 5: Free Chill pod for kids under 5-12: R350; Chill pod for kids 12+: R850 Limited parking will be stationed at designated areas around the track, or alternatively, via a Park and Ride service departing from the Mall of Africa. Closing and opening times across the weekend are from 08h30 to 18h00. More information is provided at
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Hilux named world's best-selling bakkie, SA among top markets
Having taken first place with the previous-generation RAV4 as the world's best-selling vehicle of 2024, Toyota has also ranked top as the best-selling bakkie manufacturer over the past 12 months. Global top 10 The Citizen reports that, according to a six-month market study by renowned automotive analyst Felipe Munoz, the Hilux ranked above the Ford F-150 as the world's best-seller with sales of 618 200 versus 594 100. Admittedly sold in more markets compared to the F-150's North American focus, the Hilux finished as one of three Toyota products within the global top 10. Its US counterpart, the Tacoma, placed eighth with 215 600 units sold, while the full-size Tundra ranked ninth on 179 400. The Blue Oval also secured three places within the top 10, with the Ranger in fourth (386 900) and the F-250 10th (167 300). General Motors filled the third and sixth spots with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (418 300) and its upscale twin, the GMC Sierra 1500 (267 500), respectively. Stellantis followed in fifth with the Ram 1500 (282 300), and Isuzu took seventh with the D-Max (262 200). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Felipe Munoz | Automotive (@carindustryanalysis) South Africa ranked In a separate ranking of the biggest non-US market bakkies, South Africa featured in the top 10 for no fewer than six mainstream global models. These include the Hilux (4th), D-Max (4th), Ranger (5th), Nissan Navara (7th), Volkswagen Amarok (4th) and Peugeot Landtrek. Most likely a result of their local production — with Landtrek manufacturing set to start next year — the report excludes Chinese brands and the ageing Mahindra Pik Up, which is sold in fewer international markets. So far this year, South Africa's perennial top three — the Hilux, Ranger and D-Max — again feature among the 10 best-selling vehicles for the first half of 2025, with the Hilux remaining at number one overall, followed by the Ranger in second and the Isuzu fifth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Felipe Munoz | Automotive (@carindustryanalysis)
