First Drive: 2014 Toyota Corolla Review

The longstanding reputation of reliability and frugality has always earned the Corolla top seed in the best overall subcompact sedan for decades.  At a consumer perspective, the excellent fuel economy and low maintenance cost made the Toyota Corolla the default choice for anyone who sought for a  simple and reliable method of transportation.  On that note, the subcompact industry has raised its bars significantly, offering both higher technology and  better looks.  Being one of the largest Automotive manufacturers in the world, Toyota took initiative in its own hands and gave the all new 2014 Corolla a complete makeover inside out.

The all new 2014 Corolla includes significant changes mainly in styling, comfort and technological features.  On the topic of styling, the 2014 Corolla now offers a more aggressive styling thanks to its new wheel placement and sportier grille.

Those who crave for a more sportier look and performance, the Corolla S sport model comes with a sportier front and rear fascia, piano black instrument cluster trim and integrated fog lamps in the front grille.

Pop the hood on the 2014 Corolla reveals Toyota’s standard 1.8 liter four cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.  Fuel economy scorecards on the 2014 Corolla is 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.  The more environmentally conscious buyers can opt for the 2014 Corolla LE ECO model.  the 2014 Toyota LE Eco model comes equipped with VALVMATIC  technology that dynamically controls the amount of air intake entering the engine cylinder.  With the added engine control feature, the 2014 Corolla LE Eco model fuel economy scores in at 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.  In addition to the lowered fuel consumption in the LE Eco model the power output is also amplified to 140 horsepower.  It’s not a bad upgrade option at all considering the top trim LE Eco model is only 750$ more than the LE model and 1035$ more than the sportier Corolla S model.  What we had very much enticed would be an option to configure the Corolla LE Eco model with a manual transmission.

The Toyota Corolla is known for its low value and its interior cabin space has always reflected that.  Buyers will be happy to hear that the all new 2014 Corolla now has a refreshed and upgraded interior styling.  Its cozy interior offers great comfort and ergonomics.

What does make the all new 2014 Corolla interesting is its updated chassis dimensions.  Being 3 inches longer and 4 inches wider, the 2014 Corolla now offers improved legroom and overall cabin space.

While the Toyota Corolla series has long been reputed for excellent fuel economy, its performance has always remained adequate at best.  But that’s also good news as this makes room for Toyota to improve on.  The 2014 Corolla has made some significant changes to its powertrain technology with the goal to improve fuel economy while offering a fun driving experience.  Certainly the former statement rings true while the latter assumes you pick the right 2014 Toyota Corolla trim model.

I am referring to the transmission configuration in the 2014 Toyota Corolla.  If you’ve chosen the L or LE Eco model, you’re unfortunately stuck with the Continuously Variable Transmission with Intelligent shift.  Although it may be an optimal transmission for a low power engine, power output can be confined from driver demand due to its infinite shift point.  The engine tone isn’t very pleasant either.  The good news is, the base L and sportier S model comes equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission for those seeking for a more exhilarating driving experience.

The Toyota Corolla is prized for its fuel economy and reliability.  And the 2014 Toyota Corolla offers just that and more.  Breaching the 30 mpg combined fuel economy, the 2014 Corolla will easily entice even the most frugal and price-conscious buyers.  More demanding drivers will be happy to hear about the 6 speed manual transmission option as well.