The venerable compact Corolla, redesigned for the 2014 model year, not only has withstood the test of time, but rates as one of the world’s best-selling nameplates. With more than four million sold worldwide in the past 47 years, it’s a spot-on success story for Asia’s largest automaker.
Taking its first trip around the block in Toyota’s home market of Japan in 1966, Corolla enters its eleventh generation in 2014. Much has changed since Corolla arrived on U.S. roads in 1968, including the number of worthy compact rivals vying for a piece of the sales action.
Because of Corolla’s high sales volume, numerous assembly plants worldwide pitch in during the construction phase. In 2007, groundbreaking for a new $800 million Toyota assembly plant near Tupelo, Mississippi spawned a new U.S. home for Corolla. Production began in the fall of 2011. The Blue Springs facility has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units with 7,500 being export to countries in Central and South America.
Corolla now measures almost four inches longer and more than a half-inch wider. Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) grows by an impressive 3.93 inches, helping smooth out handling while increasing rear-seat leg room. The back row is now capable of handling three adult and rear doors swing out amply for easier egress/ingress. Despite added dimensions, visually, the car retains its compact appearance.
Not long ago, compact sedans translated to basic transportation. Now, moon roofs, upgraded stereos, push-button start and heated seats are available while electronic power steering, easing wheel usage with clearer directness, comes standard.
Front-wheel drive comes standard in all four Corolla trims: L, LE, performance-oriented S and new-for-2014, fuel-extending LE Eco. Six-speed manual transmission is available in base L or sport S trims. Corolla quietly drops its five-door hatchback version in 2014. Marketed as Matrix or Corolla Matrix, the five-door variant saw sales dwindle during the last couple of years. Simply, the five-door Corolla got lost within an exponentially growing Matrix of small-car competitors.
Historically, Toyota’s four-cylinder engines share a solid reputation with the likes of Singer sewing machines; dependable, long-lasting and generally problem free. A 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine returns from the previous generation, enabling 132 horsepower in L, LE and S trims. The fuel-extending LE Eco adds engine valve technology, boosting horsepower up by eight. Toyota’s “Valvematic” system, a first for Corolla, provides optimal intake valve operation in relation to the engine’s demand. In addition to improved horsepower, fuel economy increases by five percent, helping push highway fuel estimates above 40 miles per gallon. The LE Eco model also benefits from aerodynamic underbody covers and low rolling resistance tires.
While Corolla offers no gas-electric or all-electric variant, Toyota itself has plenty to choose from with the compact-sized Prius and gas-electric hybrid versions of the larger, mid-sized Camry sedan.
The lowest-priced 2014 Corolla, a base L with new six-speed manual transmission, checks in at $16,800; a $570 increase from 2013. With the optional, rather old-school four-speed automatic transmission, base L price jumps to $17,400. A 2014 fuel-extending LE Eco starts at $18,700.
A third transmission is now available in Corolla trims above base L, a next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) with ‘intelligent shift’ marketed as CVTi-S. Basically, this pulley-style CVT promises fuel gains found from a conventional CVT, but with the acceleration performance of a traditional automatic transmission.
Our tester, a performance-driven S with the new CVTi-S checked in at $20,400. A tilt-slide power moon roof added $850 while a Convenience Package (premium audio, push-button start, HD radio, high-resolution touch screen) added $1,500 for a $23,570 bottom line including $810 destination charge. These options are offered in LE and LE Eco models as well, but the moon roof remains a prerequisite when ordering the Convenience Package.
The S trim includes a push-button “sport” mode, working in tandem with the CVTi-S for a more energetic driving experience. As with traditional automatic transmission, this sport mode allows drivers to grove up or down through a select number (seven in this case) stepped shift points. Drivers command these points via steering wheel paddle shifters or the manual ‘M’ mode selection of the floor-mounted transmission shifter. Rear disc brakes come standard only in S trims as do steering wheel paddles shifters.
The new CVTi-S transmission performed exceptionally well with the accelerator pedal floored; an improved get-up-and-go response when compared to other compact competitors with more traditional (less responsive) CVTs.
High-strength, tensile steel keeps the vehicle’s weight in check (all trims weigh in under a svelte 2,900 pounds) helping improve structural and platform rigidity. Improving handling responses and steering control is a rigid control-arm design on front McPherson struts working in tandem with a rear torsion beam.
Several exterior changes from the 10th to current 11th generation include tail light design. While the previous generation sported dual rounded tail lights on each side, this latest incarnation narrows the housing. Side view mirrors, including secondary turn signal blinker bands, sport an arrow-shaped outside edge. The narrow, honeycomb grille merges to a middle point, highlighting the circular Toyota logo, with larger, air dam below. All trims include be-jeweled LED low-beam headlights, a classy addition to many revamped mid-sized sedans, but notable in the compact segment. A rear-deck spoiler comes standard in S and LE Eco.
Trunk volume measures a respectable 13.0 cubic feet of space. Under the flat cargo floor, all trims feature a temporary space tire; a notable distinction since some automakers now opt out, replacing the round rubber with inflator/repair kits.
Inside a digital clock with blue glow resides front and center in the upper middle dash, with easy to find minute and hour buttons. Below resides a 6.1-inch touch screen listing audio station presets, and welcome dials controlling sound and tuning. Stepped inward and downward is the rectangular climate controls with a dial for temperature selection and toggle-push buttons for fan speed and direction (base L editions include three dials). The last step down finds a 12-volt power outlet along with iPod and USB portable electronic ports nestled with a small storage caddie area.
The instrument panel in S trims includes two analog, circular gauges and a digital message center in between, monitored via a button on the three-spoke steering wheel’s lower right side. All other trims include three analog dials. Toyota’s five-o’clock appendage once again monitors cruise control functions while secondary audio controls operate from a circular template at 3 o’clock. Decorative blue pin striping, matching the exterior’s color, extends through the dash side doors interweaving quite fashionably with polished black and brushed aluminum accents.
Fuel economy usually rates as a high consideration for compact and subcompact car shoppers, and LE Eco breaks coveted 40 mpg plateau, with 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. Mileage estimates differ depending on the trim and transmission selected. Our S with CVTi-S registered 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons of regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel across model trims.
Despite numerous, worthy rivals to this segment, Corolla’s name recognition and rock-sold reputation help it rise above the din. Previous Corolla owners should find this 2014 recognizable and fulfilling.
2014 Toyota Corolla
Price as tested: $23,570
Engine: 1.8-liter four cylinder
Horsepower: 132
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall width: 69.9 inches
Overall height: 57.3inches
Overall length: 182.6 inches
Curb weight: 2,820 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
Fuel economy: 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway
Assembly: Tupelo, Mississippi
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