TOYOTA is staying silent on speculation that it is planning to build a new version of the Derbyshire-built Auris.
According to reports in some sections of the motoring press, the Japanese manufacturer has started testing an "Auris-based crossover" that has four-wheel drive.
Toyota's Burnaston plant makes the Auris and larger Avensis, producing a petrol and hybrid electric variant of the Auris and the Auris Touring Sports estate version.
Reports claim that the 4x4 Auris has been testing at the Nurburgring race circuit, in Germany, and could be on the market in 2017, competing with other cars in the SUV (sports utility vehicle) segment.
But a Toyota spokesman said: "We are not able to comment on new product plans."
