Auto Express 1707

THERE was a time, not too long ago, when Toyota was automotive magnolia – ever-present, without you ever actually being aware of why. But the news pages of this week’s magazine are further evidence of a paradigm shift in the brand’s approach and fortunes: Toyota, it seems, is properly on a roll. Indeed, as Toyota’s European chief Matt Harrison outlined to UK media last week, his dealers currently have an order bank extending beyond four months. Harrison expects to sell 1.3 million vehicles in Europe in 2022, a record increase of almost a quarter of a million vehicles in just one year. Why has this happened? We shouldn’t discount the ethos introduced several years ago by boss Akio Toyoda, that Toyota should never make a dull car again. It took…

THE Kia Sportage was the car that really put the Korean brand on the map in the UK. It’s now in its fifth generation, but it was the chunky third iteration of the SUV that made European buyers take note, despite the Sportage having been on sale since 1993. However, this all-new car is arguably an even bigger step, because for the first time the Sportage will be offered as a pure-petrol model, a “self-charging” hybrid, and a plugin hybrid. There won’t be a full EV, though. The design is striking, but it’s inside where the Sportage moves the game on. Two 12.3-inch screens identical to those in the firm’s EV6 dominate the dashboard, including the clever Multi-Mode display that has physical controls for adjusting settings, but lets you switch…

THE new Sportage is available in the UK with petrol, diesel, hybrid or plug-in hybrid power and in five trims depending on the powertrain: 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and GT-Line S. Prices start from £26,745 for the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol manual model in 2 trim. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, CarPlay and Android Auto as part of an eight-inch touchscreen, cruise control and a good level of safety tech. Models in 3 spec add 18-inch wheels and a pair of 12.3-inch displays, heated front and rear seats, keyless go, smart cruise control and privacy glass – for £4,200 more. GT-Line is based on 2 trim, but adds the 12.3-inch panels and sportier looks, with prices starting from £29,745. Top GT-Line S costs from £38,445 and adds ventilated seats and a…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy ● New practical SUV sits alongside C-HR ● Available only with hybrid powertrains, 4WD will be offered TOYOTA was one of the trailblazers in the world of SUVs with its original RAV4. But the Japanese company still believes it has gaps in its line-up – and it’s about to fill a significant one with this new model, the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross is designed to sit alongside the C-HR in Toyota’s range, although each vehicle will have its own distinct approach. The C-HR has always been focused more on style than outright practicality – to the point where it is almost considered as a Nissan Juke competitor – whereas the Corolla Cross’s upright stance and pragmatic shape reflect its positioning as a full-blown family SUV, a rival…

TOYOTA has also wheeled out two new versions of its Yaris – including a milder GR Sport variant that will sit beneath the scorching, full-fat GR model in its line-up. Due on sale in spring 2022, the Yaris GR Sport (below right) focuses on looks more than extra performance. It features bespoke 18-inch alloys with a red accent line, a new front grille with a mesh pattern, a T-shaped rear diffuser and, as an extra, a Dynamic Grey paint job. Inside, there’s a liberal splashing of GR Sport logos, a gun-metal silver finish on the centre console, and the option of heated suede seats. The Yaris GR Sport does get chassis tweaks over the standard hatch – with reprofiled front and rear suspension, additional underfloor bracing and a new electric…

THE existing Corolla hatchback and C-HR crossover are to get updates to help keep them roughly in line with the likes of the new Corolla Cross. From next year, both models will be available with Toyota’s new eight-inch infotainment system. It’ll come as standard on all versions except the entry-level Icon, while further tweaks for the Corolla line-up include a set of new 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and an updated colour palette, which now features Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic choices. The 2022 C-HR gets fresh 18-inch alloys and a new Deep Amethyst paint colour, which can be specified in a two-tone finish on the GR Sport trim level.…