Following a string of teasers, Toyota has officially revealed the 2014 Corolla.
On numerous occasions Toyota said the new Corolla is going to take styling cues from the surprisingly attractive Furia Concept, but the end result isn’t nearly as impressive as the concept shown earlier this year at NAIAS.
However, it’s significantly more appealing than the outgoing generation which should boost sales even further.
Sending a bit of a Honda vibe, the new Corolla comes as standard with LED low-beam headlamps and adopts a five-point lower front grille. The interior cabin is more evolved than what the predecessor has to offer and is more spacious thanks to a longer wheelbase which has increased by 3.93 inches (100 mm) to 106.3 inches (2700 mm). As a result of the elongated wheelbase, the 2014 Toyota provides an extra 2.95 inches of rear seat room.
Exterior dimensions stand at 182.6 inches (4639mm) length, 69.9 inches (1776 mm) width and 57.3 inches (1455 mm) height, meaning the new Corolla is 3.90 inches (99 mm) longer, 0.63 inches (16 mm) wider and 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower than before. Front overhangs have increased by 0.90 inches (23 mm) to 37.7 inches (958 mm), while rear overhangs have been shortened by 0.94 inches (24 mm) to 38.6 inches (981 mm).
The 2014 Toyota Corolla L, LE and S trim levels come with a 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter engine producing 132 bhp (98 kW), while the new LE Eco grade is powered by a 1.8-liter mill rated at 140 bhp (104 kW). Various gearboxes are available depending on trim level, with a six-speed manual for the L and S models, a seven-speed CVTi-S (continuously variable transmission intelligent-shift) for LE, LE Eco and S and an obsolete four-speed automatic for the entry-level L model.
The Eco-badged model brings improved aerodynamics and rides on low-rolling resistance tires which enable a highway fuel economy of more than 5.8 liters / 100 km, This figure was possible by making extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel which has kept the Corolla’s curb weight at less than 1,315 kg.
Standard equipment includes eight airbags, Bluetooth hand-free phone and audio-streaming connectivity, along with other equipment (depending on trim) such as back-up monitor, power moonroof, touchscreen radio, smart key / push-button start, SofTex seats and apps accessible via the audio head unit.