Toyota has launched a police authority specification version of its latest Corolla Touring Sports, ready for duty with the UK’s police.

The popular lower medium estate is available as a reliable and durable patrol car offering the fuel and emissions efficiency benefits of hybrid power

Already popular with UK fleets, the lower medium estate is available as a reliable and durable patrol car that also offers the fuel and emissions efficiency benefits of hybrid power.

Two versions of the Touring Sports hybrid model are offered: the 1.8-litre Active and the 2.0-litre Icon.

Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) has worked closely with a number of police forces during the past two years to ensure the vehicle meets all the principal requirements for consideration when service fleets are being replaced or upgraded.

Key features of the police-specification vehicle include enhanced safety portfolio, with built-in satellite navigation, parking sensors and a dog guard for the load compartment.

It also comes with a roof-mounted lightbar, exterior and interior illumination. Secondary battery equipment and control systems are built to withstand impact forces while additional features include siren, radio system support and livery options.

Vehicles are converted by a dedicated team within the Special Vehicle Operations Division at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, the production centre for all European Corolla models. Production capacity is expected to expand to 15 vehicle conversions per week.

The police-spec Corolla was subjected to extensive testing, including the Metropolitan Police’s own rigorous test programme, which it passed with flying colours.

To mark Corolla’s new role, TMUK recently hosted its own ‘passing-out parade’ for the car at its Burnaston. More than 20 constabularies attended the blue light event to learn more about the qualities that make Corolla a strong proposition for police fleets.

Richard Kenworthy, TMUK managing director, said: “We have worked with all divisions of Toyota in the UK and various constabularies, which has enabled us to build on their feedback and requirements. Ensuring that we applied standard Toyota practices for the work means we have been able to deliver a vehicle that meets the police forces’ stringent requirements.

“The adoption of Corolla by the police is testament to the efforts our employees invest in every vehicle that comes off our production line. We are proud that our Corolla is now one of the vehicles of choice for the police.”