The Toyota Corolla is the bedrock of the Toyota nameplate. It's also been about as sexy as a Styrofoam ice chest.
That was just fine with many Corolla loyalists, some of whom spanned generations. Instead of flashy wheels and gleaming chrome, what these Corolla owners crowed about were cars that were as reliable as a deadbolt lock. And as solid. Racking up odometer readings north of 200,000 miles was a badge of honor.
But the 2014 Corolla that just hit showrooms is a different beast. While Toyota has baked in Corolla's core values, it has answered consumers who have been wishing for a snazzier exterior and a more inviting interior.
Toyota officials told reporters at the compact's launch in San Diego that the 2014 was designed to appeal to consumers who could buy a fancier, bigger and more upscale vehicle but choose not to.
Compared to the 2013 model, the 11th generation Corolla is easy to spot with its freshened styling that's a bit wider and lower and bears a passing resemblance to the Audi A4 or Acura TSX. It's longer by 2.6 inches and a 4-inch longer wheelbase helps with interior packaging. Interior volume has increased almost 6 percent to 97.5 cu.-ft. (that's for Corollas without a moonroof).
Powertrains are a blend of old and new. The 1.8 four-cylinder engine is, for the most part, unchanged and power remains 132 horsepower and 128 ft.-lbs. of torque. But there are two new gearboxes - a six-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission. In the L, LE and S models, the EPA mileage estimates improve to 31 mpg overall for the six-speed manual and 32 mpg for the CVT. (Or, as Toyota calls it, CVTi-S).
