Latest news with #Burnaston
Auto Express
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch heading to the UK: here's what to expect
We might be waving goodbye to the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST this year, but Toyota looks set to raise the spirits of hot-hatch enthusiasts in the UK because it's about to bring the GR Corolla to our showrooms. We can expect to see the rally-bred GR Corolla launched here within the next 18 months, which isn't much of a surprise after Toyota announced it would build the hot hatch at its plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire to help address lengthy global waiting lists. 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that,' Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison told Auto Express. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' Advertisement - Article continues below The Burnaston site was chosen because, as well as its factory capacity, the UK has motorsport expertise that aligns with the specialist nature of the low-volume performance hatchback. 'The GR Corolla is bespoke, it doesn't go through the normal processes', Harrison told us. While the current-generation Corolla has been built at Burnaston in standard guise since its launch in 2019, the GR Corolla's significant performance-related changes will require adjustments to the tooling on the Derbyshire plant's production line.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's New Land Cruiser Is a Tacoma Alternative We Never Expected
Ever dream of a Land Cruiser with more cargo space? Well, we've got some good and bad news for you. If you're an SUV-loving American, Toyota's been treating you pretty well killing off the Land Cruiser nameplate in America back in 2021, leaving only the J300 model to America in Lexus LX form, the esteemed Japanese automaker returned with a leaner, meaner, and more wallet-friendly version of the iconic off-roader. Then came the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, a sixth-generation glow-up that basically checks every box fans could ask for. And yet, despite this new, richly appointed SUV smorgasbord, a subset of American drivers with specific job-related needs should still feel incredibly envious over Toyota's newly revealed Land Cruiser. The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is an all-new model designed specifically for business use. It's part of Toyota's Professional lineup and is aimed at tradespeople, fleet operators, and anyone needing a rugged utility vehicle that doesn't compromise capability or comfort. It's not just a Land Cruiser with aftermarket mods, but rather a long-wheel-base, five-door variant of the SUV factory-converted at Toyota's Burnaston plant in the UK to prioritize cargo space above all else. Though it looks like a typical Land Cruiser from the outside, its interior ditches the rear seats in favor of a flat, heavy-duty load space, complete with a heavy-duty floor tray. Steel panels also replace the rear side windows, while a full-height steel bulkhead separates passengers from gear. The result is a Land Cruiser with up to 71 cubic feet of cargo capacity, or more than double the 37.5 cubic feet found in the standard passenger version. Under the hood, it retains Toyota's proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and full-time all-wheel drive. Toyota's suite of off-road tech—including Crawl Control, Hill-start Assist, and Downhill Assist—remains intact. Compared to a compact pickup, the Land Cruiser Commercial offers better cabin insulation, enhanced cargo weather protection, and a more secure load area. In short, it's more cargo van or covered truck than SUV, but with all the off-road prowess and reliability Land Cruiser is known for. That makes it an enticing alternative for businesses that need to move gear over rough terrain without compromising interior comfort. Despite its utilitarian mission, the Land Cruiser Commercial isn't the stripped-down workhorse you might expect. It still includes heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control—comforts more commonly associated with passenger SUVs than job site trucks. The power-operated tailgate includes a rear window that opens separately, making it easier to access cargo without having to swing open the entire door. Technology and convenience are also well accounted for. A nine-inch infotainment screen sits at the dashboard's center, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports, an electronic parking brake, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror add to the car-like interior feel. On the safety front, the Land Cruiser Commercial comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Safe Exit Assist, and front and rear parking sensors. Even in its commercial guise, this vehicle treats drivers like humans instead of worker drones. The Land Cruiser Commercial will be available exclusively in the UK, and unfortunately, there is no current plan for a U.S. release. Orders open on August 1, 2025, with the first deliveries scheduled for September. Pricing has been set at £51,729.17 on the road (or ~$71,172), positioning the Land Cruiser Commercial competitively alongside well-equipped midsize pickups.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic hot hatchback with four-wheel drive FINALLY coming to UK after being sold for years outside of Europe
A HUGE Japanese car firm has hinted that it is finally bringing its rally-bred hot hatch to the UK. The long anticipated Toyota GR Corolla is expected to join the much loved GR Yaris on UK roads in the next 18-months. 4 4 With an impressive 296bhp the Corolla will enter production at Toyota's UK plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire. The motor is expected to go into production next year in a bid to satisfy lengthy waiting lists. However at present the nippy hot hatch is only built at one site in Japan with it yet to be confirmed for the European market. Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison has hinted that British fans won't be disappointed though. He spoke to Auto Express to say: 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' Originally launched in 2022 the GR Corolla was only sold in selected markets outside of Europe. It boasts a minimal 1.6 litre engine but a turbo charger offers the car a healthy boost in power. With its impressive 296bhp Toyota's answer to the Golf R comes close to matching the massive 315bhp offered by the 2 litre German model. And the Toyota uses its power well, a four-wheel drive system ensures the motor uses the most of the horsepower available to it. The souped-up Toyota Corolla GR Full specs and pricing for the new Corolla are expected to be released some time next year. Until then experts are estimating the motor will be priced around the £40,000 mark. The Burnaston site was chosen as a site for manufacturing the GR Corolla because of its factory capacity. Initial demand for the motor is expected to be relatively high and the UK site can offer the capacity to meet the demand. 4 4 Not only this but the UK motorsport pedigree aligns well with the specialist nature of the hot hatch. The rally bred motor offers a specific package of specifications to motorists. It was reported earlier this year that the Japanese firm planned to invest £41 million into the Burnaston production site. The investment could see production rates at the site significantly boosted to meet the expected demand for the new GR Corolla. World's largest car maker hatching plans to invest £40million in a new assembly line in UK The world's largest car maker is planning to invest a whopping £40million for a new assembly line in the UK. The Toyota plant at Burnaston could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to Derbyshire. The car maker plans to invest around £41million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets. Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition.
Auto Express
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota is lining up its rally-bred GR Corolla for UK launch in the next 18 months, with the four-wheel drive hot hatch expected to join the much-lauded GR Yaris on UK roads. The Japanese brand has previously confirmed that the 296bhp Corolla will enter production at Toyota's UK plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire next year to help address lengthy global waiting lists, but is yet to say that the car, currently built only at a single factory in Japan, will be sold in Europe. Advertisement - Article continues below But talking exclusively to Auto Express, Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison dropped thinly veiled hints that British hot hatch fans won't be disappointed. 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that,' he said. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' The Burnaston site was chosen because, as well as its factory capacity, the UK has motorsport expertise that aligns with the specialist nature of the low-volume performance hatchback. 'The GR Corolla is bespoke, it doesn't go through the normal processes', Harrison told us. The GR Corolla was originally launched in 2022 in selected markets outside Europe, and it uses the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and torque vectoring system that has made the GR Yaris one of the hottest performance properties of recent years. Subject to the expected green light, prices for the GR Corolla are likely to kick off from over £40,000, although we'll have to wait until 2026 for full pricing and specification. Fancy a Corolla of your own? Take a look at our latest Toyota Corolla deals ... Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
Top Gear
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Toyota will build GR Corollas in the UK because of its ‘deep motorsport culture'
Toyota will build GR Corollas in the UK because of its 'deep motorsport culture' No confirmation if we'll be getting any GR Corollas ourselves, mind Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 6 Toyota will build the GR Corolla in the UK from 2026 partly to cope with demand, and partly because of our excellent motorsport culture and expertise as the primary reasons. Basically, Toyota reckons we're pretty good at building fast things. The GR Corolla will be manufactured at Toyota's Burnaston plant, near Derby, where the standard Corolla and Corolla Touring Sports models are currently being produced. Makes sense, considering the two cars share a few exterior panels and interior trim. Advertisement - Page continues below Something that certainly isn't shared is the engine: a punchy little 1.6-litre three-pot that also features in the equally punchy (and brilliant) GR Yaris. Which means 300bhp and 295lb ft, enough to chalk off 0-62mph in five seconds. (These GR engines are built in Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan.) OK, we know what you're thinking: the GR Corolla's being built here, but we can't buy one. Well, Toyota has confirmed future markets and production volume strategy will be clarified over the coming months. And having acknowledged the UK's love for racy things, there's reason enough for us to be optimistic. Optimism that runs to the even racier GR Corollas Toyota's been working on... Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
