Toyota has unveiled the more stylish all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla.
Last night Toyota rallied a few hundred enthusiasts for the global unveiling of the all-new, 2014 Toyota Corolla in the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica airport in California. The launch at an airport was complete with acrobatics which was fitting since Toyota is touting the new Corolla as “Elevated.”
The new Corolla is a dramatic improvement over the previous generations. Crisp lines in the front give the Corolla a sportier and more grounded look, even without the S trim. From the side, the available 17″ polished aluminum wheels with black accents provide a more customized, higher-end look for drivers that don’t want to completely sacrifice style for economy. Adding some style and visual interest, the rear door sill slopes upward just before meeting the C pillar in a fashion similar to the upcoming 2014 Lexus IS. A more subdued version of the Camry’s boomerang taillights can be found in the rear.
The 2014 Corolla is 3.90 inches longer, with most of that extra length showing up between the wheels, since the wheelbase has been stretched 3.93 inches. That extra length adds more space to the interior. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 2.95 inches, and additional leg-room was gained by adopting a slim front seat back. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room.
Inside Corolla passengers are greeted with an interior that definitely hails from the Avalon. Overall, the design was appealing and it seems relatively free of hard, cheap plastics commonly found on cars in this segment. Even though the dash was padded with soft touch materials, Toyota isn’t fooling anyone with the fake stitching trailing across the entire dashboard and around the center of the steering wheel. Blue metallic accents on the front and rear doors give the Corolla a touch of distinction throughout.
Under the hood the 2014 Corolla will be offered with a choice of two 1.8L four-cylinder engines. The base 1.8L is rated at 132 horsepower and is available on the L, LE and S trim levels. The LE Eco trim that is available in California generates 140 horsepower. The base Corolla L makes due with a four-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission, while the other trim levels get a new CVT transmission.
Overall, the new Corolla is a win and should find it’s way into enough driveways to keep its worldwide sales crown.
