Toyota has begun building the new Corolla Hatchback and Corolla Touring Sports Wagon (née estate) at their factory in Derbyshire, UK.

The new, Euro-spec Corolla models, which are also the first Toyotas in Europe to be offered with two different hybrid powertrains, will be manufactured exclusively at this plant.

Customers can choose between two petrol-electric versions: a 120hp (122PS) with an 1.8-liter engine and a more powerful, 178hp (180PS) with a 2.0-liter. The range is completed with a turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol unit with 114hp (116PS), which is the only non-hybrid in the range.

The latest iteration of the Corolla is based on Toyota’s TNGA architecture, allowing for a 10 mm lower center of gravity, a rear multilink suspension as standard, and 60 percent greater rigidity compared to its predecessor. Thanks to these improvements, Toyota claims significantly better handling and stability without compromising ride quality and comfort.

“Our continued investments, combined with the dedication of our members, will ensure that we can deliver ever better cars to our customers,” said van Zyl. “The new Corolla will play a critical role in our market ambitions in Europe. It delivers the benefits of the new TNGA platform and increases the appeal of our industry leading self-charging hybrid electric technology.”

Prices in the UK kick off from £21,300, and Toyota will launch the new Corolla hatchback and Corolla Touring Sports wagon in Europe in February.