2014 Toyota Corolla: The 10 Things You Need to Know
In case you hadn’t heard, the Toyota Corolla is receiving a complete overhaul for 2014.
The same design we have seen more or less since 2003 is finally being put to rest. This overly conservative approach to the Corolla has been a great sales success for Toyota. Last year it, along with the Matrix, sold 290,947 units. That was good enough to claim the title as America’s 8th best-selling vehicle; up one spot from 2011.
So the refresh this year is a big deal for the folks at Toyota. Although they do want to attract new customers to the Corolla, the manufacturer needs to be careful to not alienate existing customers either. Here are the top ten most important features of the new Corolla.
Toyota claims that all versions of the new Corolla will be kept to 2,900 lbs. or less. Although that will be a minor increase over the outgoing 2013 model, it still undercuts the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus. Keeping weight under control not only benefits fuel efficiency but should also keep the Corolla nimble; retaining its easy to drive reputation.
Yup, under the hood of the base model 2014 Toyota Corolla L resides the tired old four-speed automatic. Good news is, buy any other trim level and the four-speed auto disappears. In fact, we are curious if anyone outside of fleet customers will be able to purchase a Corolla with the four-speed auto. This model will most likely be the rental car special.
The previous Corolla wasn’t exactly a NHV nightmare, but that hasn’t stopped Toyota from trying to improve things. The new Corolla will include acoustic glass, better floor carpet insulation, a seal between the cowl and the windshield, a sound insulator in the fenders, and a silencer pad in the dash. This should all add up to quiet things down behind the wheel of the Corolla.
The wheelbase of the new Corolla has been increased 3.93 inches with most of the new found real estate making its way to the backseat. Toyota claims that the rear hip point has been moved back 2.95 inches for rear occupants and the front seat back is slimmer on the new Corolla, further increasing overall legroom. Although rear legroom numbers are not available yet, we have had a chance to sit in the back of the new 2014 Corolla and there is ample space back there.
Out doing most luxury cars, all versions of the 2014 Toyota Corolla, even those with the antique four-speed automatic transmission, will come standard with LED headlights. LEDs allow Toyota to add more creative headlight designs as LED lights are not as restricted in their shape as conventional light housings are. Plus, they look cool.
Toyota has heavily updated the interior of the new Corolla with what the manufacturer calls ‘Iconic Dynamism’. Regardless of this marketing hyperbole, Toyota has heavily modernized the Corolla’s interior with more design flare than it ever had before. As well, there is a choice of blue, black or amber interior accents to spice things up a bit.
The 1.8 L engine from the previous Corolla carries over to the new generation, but is joined by another 1.8 L unit. The new motor features Valvematic technology that Toyota claims improves both power and efficiency by five percent. The new engine is rated at 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque and will be used exclusively in the LE Eco trim paired to the new CVTi-S.
Opt for the automatic transmission in the LE, LE Eco or S models and you will receive an all-new CVTi-S transmission. Unlike a typical CVT that is constantly changing ratios, this transmission will mimic gears depending on driving style. In ‘S’ trim the transmission will simulate seven gears and have steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. All versions of the CVTi-S will also offer an ECO and SPORT driving mode.
With the new 1.8 L engine and CVTi-S in the LE Eco trim, Toyota expects the 2014 Corolla to be able to break the elusive 40 mpg mark for highway fuel economy. This will put it near the top of the class for highway fuel economy, especially for compacts equipped with an automatic transmission.
The biggest change to the Corolla for 2014 though is far and away the exterior design. After spending the past few decades with as much style as a pair of pleated khakis, Toyota has given the Corolla a much needed new look. It isn’t just a modern look adorning the 2014 Corolla, but a far more aggressive one as well. The only question remains, will it attract new customers or alienate existing ones.
To answer that question, click here to read our 2014 Toyota Corolla Review.
Plus, get complete 2014 Corolla pricing info here.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation
I would love to see a sport wagon version of this--similar to the Matrix, but replacing that model entirely with a more usable post-C-pillar section.