Pricing and specifications announced for new Toyota Corolla hatch and estate

Toyota has announced pricing and specifications for the new Corolla – marking the return of the nameplate to the UK after a 12-year hiatus.

The new hatchback, which will compete with the massively popular VW Golf and Ford Focus in the European market, will be priced from £21,300.

That starting price nets you the most basic of the three powertrain options, and the only pure internal combustion unit in the range – a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol expected to offer around 114bhp.

Heading up the range, customers can also choose a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain lifted from the Prius, which starts from £23,750, or a new 2.0-litre hybrid. This model takes aim at higher-powered rivals with its 178bhp output, and starts from £27,550 – though it’s not available in base trim as the other two are. The range currently tops out at £30,340 for a 2.0-litre hybrid estate in Excel trim.

Both hybrids are mated to CVT transmissions, while the 1.2-litre petrol gets a six-speed manual ‘box. Toyota expects 85 per cent of customers to opt for one of the hybrid powertrains.

Customers can also choose from hatchback or Touring Sports estate models – with the latter commanding a £1,270 premium. A saloon model will follow, with details expected in the new year.

Trim levels begin with Icon and run upwards through Icon Tech, Design and Excel. All models get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated front seats, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, reversing camera and DAB radio.

Icon Tech bolsters this with sat-nav, a seven-inch instrument display, parking sensors and park assist. Design, as the name suggests, boosts the car’s looks with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and LED fog lights, plus automatic wipers, while top-of-the-range Excel trim brings 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on estate models), upgraded LED headlights, keyless entry, sports seats, part-leather upholstery and an optional bi-tone paint finish.

All models also get a raft of safety kit, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, lane keeping assist, road sign assist and automatic high beam.