Toyota has worked with Derbyshire Constabulary to create a bespoke blue light version of its hybrid Corolla Touring Sports estate.

The bespoke Corolla patrol car is the latest project between the Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) plant at Burnaston and Derbyshire Constabulary

Currently being tested on the road, it’s based on the rugged Trek version launched two years ago and designs in more features to help the police force meet everyday challenges.

It’s the latest project between the Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) plant at Burnaston, Derbyshire, and its local police force, which have already worked together on developing the Corolla Touring Sports model for blue light services, drawing on its reliability and choice of hybrid powertrains.

The organisations’ latest collaboration makes the model a stronger proposition for police duties.

To tackle the damage caused to police cars from driving over speed humps or high kerbs , TMUK has fitted the Corolla Trak with a rough-road pack that raises the ride height. It’s also enabled requests from Derby police for built-in satellite navigation, parking sensors, a dog guard for the load space and steel wheels – including a full-size spare.

Terry Hitchcock, Derbyshire Constabulary fleet manager, said: “Derbyshire police appreciate the opportunity to operate this locally built bespoke product, it will be used for operational purposes within South Derbyshire. We are looking forward to seeing how the vehicle performs in this role, particularly with the hybrid power as we start to move away from the traditional standard diesel and petrol cars.”

Richard Kenworthy, TMUK managing director, said: “We have had a good relationship with our local emergency services for 30 years, so when Derbyshire police approached us requesting a vehicle that could respond to their requirements we were more than happy to investigate solutions.”

He added: “Working in collaboration with our colleagues at Toyota (GB), TMUK is continually exploring and developing additional products and services that we can offer to meet the needs of customers in both the public and private sector.”

Toyota is also enhancing its fleet proposition with the launch of the Corolla Commercial. Due 2022, it’s based on the hatchback model and marks the UK’s first full hybrid electric van.