UK regional police forces are assessing the viability of the British-built Toyota Corolla Hybrid model’s potential as a patrol car.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrids are powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid system, meaning that some zero emission driving is possible to reduce overall emissions

A Corolla Touring Sports in Excel trim begins a series of month-long demonstration loans next week, with the cars fitted out to police requirements, finished in a generic chequered police livery and equipped with a roof light bar.

Teams on board are protected by an array of Toyota Safety Sense systems, which are fitted as standard to all Corolla models, and are designed to help prevent or mitigate many common road accident risks.

In practical terms, the Corolla Touring Sports has a load space of 598-litres with all the seats in place.

Stuart Ferma, general manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet, said: “The loan programme, supported by our public sector fleet specialists, will demonstrate the performance and practicality benefits of the Corolla Hybrid, and how it can help police forces reduce their fleet emissions with tried-and-tested technology. As a hybrid, it also provides more flexible performance compared to an all-electric vehicle and doesn’t require recharging facilities.”