The Toyota Corolla, the world’s best-selling nameplate worldwide with over 40 million sold since 1966, has long been a popular model due to its blend of efficiency and affordability. Toyota has upped its game with a completely-restyled 2014 Corolla that, for the first time, adds visual excitement with a more aggressive exterior design. The all-new compact sedan also brings improved driving dynamics and even greater efficiency, achieving up to 42 highway mpg delivered by the model's new Eco version.
This four-door compact sedan is offered in L, LE, S, and LE Eco versions. All are powered by a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. The L. LE, and S engines feature dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), offering 132 horsepower and EPA estimated 36 to 38 highway mpg, depending on transmission choice. The fuel sipping LE Eco engine is equipped with the first use of Toyota's Valvematic technology in this country, with this new tech bringing 140 horsepower and a highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg with a bit less torque. Valvematic, a tweak to the already-efficient variable valve system, works by minimizing intake-valve lift at small throttle openings to reduce parasitic pumping losses.
A driver selectable ECO function moderates acceleration and optimizes on-board systems to increase mpg by remapping the first half of the throttle travel for reduced response. The climate control system is also optimized to use less energy. The L variant uses a four-speed automatic transmission, while all others come with a continuously variable transmission with intelligence and shift mode (CVTi-S).
The 2014 Corolla offers impressive fuel efficiency, notably greater rear seat legroom than the previous generation, and high-value. Standard equipment includes LED headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, power locks and windows, and eight airbags. All but the entry level L version have such desired features as a back-up camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, and Entune infotainment with a 6.1-inch touch screen as standard equipment.
Clearly, you get a lot for the money – one of the Corolla's endearing features. For 2014, buyers also get quite a satisfying driving experience for this class of vehicle and styling that requires a second look.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Toyota Corolla L, LE, S / Eco
Base-Level Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Type: Compact 4-door sedan
Base MSRP: $16,800-$21,300
Engine: 1.8 liter four-cylinder
Emissions, EPA/CARB: ULEV-II, LEV3
Valves, Configuration: 16-valves, VVT-i or Valvematic
Horsepower @ rpm: 132 @ 6000, 140 @ 6100
Torque @ rpm: 128 @4400, 126@ 4000
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Fuel Economy City, mpg: 27-30
Fuel Economy Highway, mpg: 36-42
Cruising Range, mi : 460
Passenger capacity: 5
Fuel Capacity, gal: 13.2
Curb Weight, lbs: 2855
Wheelbase, in: 106.3
Length, in: 182.6
Width, in: 69.6
Height, in: 57.3