2014 Toyota Corolla Video Review

When the time came for Toyota to redesign their venerable compact, the decision was made to take this car in an entirely new direction.  The result: a sporty-looking, sharp handling, all-new 2014 Corolla that retains its accessible price point.

A lot has changed about the Corolla this year.  Much of the edginess of the concept car has made it to the showroom infusing this Corolla with a discerning level of youthfulness.  The wheelbase has been stretched 4” affording rear seat passengers an extra 5” of leg room and in turn technically changing the Corolla’s EPA classification from compact to midsize.  And though the MacPherson strut/torsion beam suspension carries over, its application has been much improved to take advantage of the new Corolla’s fortified unibody.  Ditto for the more rigid electric steering system that’ll have discriminating drivers giving kudos.  The dash has been thoroughly reimagined with a creative design that’s both visually appealing and ergonomic.  The technology is solid too, with this car coming equipped with navigation, HD and Sat radio, Gracenote album art and all of the other goodies found in Toyota’s Entune Multimedia Bundle.  Smart key entry and ignition is also on board.  And, like it or not, a continuously variable transmission becomes the bread and butter power delivery unit but don’t fret too much – Toyota’s engineers anticipated the potential backlash and developed a CVT that does as fine a job as mimicking a regular automatic as I’ve driven.

What hasn’t changed is the engine.  Toyota stays with the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with unchanged stats: 132 horsepower, 128 foot-pounds of torque.  It’s no powerhouse and it’s got more weight to haul now, but this car has been tuned to follow the driver’s intended path so much better than before that you can find joy in other areas. The 4-speed automatic even holds on in the base Corolla L while a 6-speed manual is available in a couple of specific trims, including this sporty S model.

If you were dropped into this driver’s seat blindfolded, had it removed and then tried to determine what you were driving – without cheating by looking for badges, etc. – I guarantee it would take you at least a dozen guesses before you’d get to a Corolla.  I am blown-away with how well it handles while maintaining a totally compliant ride.  Even this new CVT can’t get in the way of a sporty experience.  And the steering is so good that Hyundai and Kia should run as fast as they can to figure out how it’s done.

The CVTi-S as it’s called, offers a Sport mode here that’s immediately noticeable as it alters the shift points and the electric steering programming.  Gas mileage of this Corolla S Premium is a rated at 29mpg city/38mpg highway and netted me a sweet 32mpg for the week.

This S Premium trim, one of a dozen offered, is the sportiest model and adds various bits inside and out to further the cause, including heated SofTex seats.  Beyond the standard goodies, my car has the optional Driver Convenience Package and moonroof bringing the MSRP to $23,795.   The Ford Focus and others now have a serious contender from Toyota – and one with an unparalleled pedigree.