POCKET ROCKET
World’s largest car brand to finally release hot hatchback to take on the Volkswagen Golf R after years of fans’ begging
However, it could be quite pricey
THE world's largest car company is set to release a hot hatch to rival the VW Golf R after years of fans begging for it to arrive.
The model has already taken the US by storm but now appears to have been confirmed for a UK debut.
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The Toyota Corolla has been a staple on UK roads for years, with the car on sale here on and off since 1976.
Acting as the hatchback counterpart to the long-since discontinued Crown, it offers plenty of luxury and looks for a very reasonable price.
The modern base model Corolla is actually produced at the Japanese firm's plant in Derbyshire, which helps it avoid import fees.
However, petrolheads have been pining for years for the souped-up GR version to make its way to these shores.
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The hot variant is only produced in Japan and marketed in Asia and North America.
It has already proved a hit in the States, with strong sales figures year on year.
And it now looks like Toyota is prepping the model for a European arrival.
According to , a prototype Corolla GR has been spotted testing at the world-famous Nurburgring in western Germany.
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While the ring offers anyone the chance to hop on track and set a lap, it also plays host to an extensive network of testing tracks closely mimicking European driving conditions.
The version seen at the track is also the right-hand drive model, which is only used in countries like the UK where driving on the left is standard.
A brief history of hot hatchbacks
While this is the configuration sold in Japan, it would seem like overkill for a Japanese brand to send a car over to Germany just to test it for the domestic market.
Even more intriguingly, there is soon to be a gap in Toyota's lineup this side of the Pacific as new EU safety regulations will mean the end of the road for the GR86.
All this together indicates that the Corolla GR could be on the way.
Toyota was quick to point out that "all major car manufacturers test their biggest global products at the Nürburgring" but refused to deny that the model could be coming to Europe.
If it does though, Autocar estimates that, based on the price of the standard Corolla in the UK, it could clock in at over £50,000.
It comes after a classic car used in the last ever Grand Tour saw a surge in interest, with plenty available at bargain prices.
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