Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
That Eco-tuned engine includes Toyota’s state-of-the-art Valvematic variable valve opening process that varies the lift of the intake valves to control air intake, freeing up airflow past the throttle valve into the cylinders. The innovative system saves on fuel and adds performance, my favourite combination, but strangely it can’t be had with the sportiest Corolla of them all, the S. Altogether it makes 140 horsepower, eight more ponies than the standard Corolla engine, although it gives up a smidge in thrust, the engine’s torque rated at 126 lb-ft instead of 128.
A
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The continuously variable transmission is a completely new design that Toyota refers
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The previous Corolla never got enough credit for being a nicely balanced little car, much better through the corners than some of its sportier looking competitors. The new Corolla builds on this performance with even greater feel and responsiveness, best experienced via S trim thanks to that model’s 17-inch alloy wheels, although the Eco’s optional 16s provided adequate grip when pushed through the curves.
The
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
My tester also included the Corolla LE Eco upgrade package that includes Eco Drive Mode,
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
Of course both LE and LE Eco trims come with most of the base CE model’s standard features, and it’s an impressive list. Surprisingly every Corolla benefits from brighter LED headlamps, a tilt and telescopic three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a tachometer, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with an aux jack and USB input, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, automatic power door locks, power windows, power adjustable, heated, colour-keyed exterior mirrors, colour-keyed door handles, 60/40-split folding rear seats to increase the usable volume of its 368-litre trunk, a host of premium-level safety equipment as part of Toyota’s Star Safety System including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
All of these features are packed into a body shell that’s one of the best looking in the compact class, styled to look sporty even in base trim. The attractively penned interior is just as impressive, my LE Eco tester boasting loads of top-tier soft-touch plastics and finished in an attractive light gray enhanced by a subtle light blue stripe crossing the dash before extending across each door panel, and just underneath a thicker metallic accent strip. The blue and grey motif works perfectly with the blue backlit automatic climate control readout, while high gloss piano black plastic spiffs up the centre cluster. What’s more, the Corolla’s interior design
Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
You can get into a base Corolla CE for as little as $15,995 plus $1,520 for freight and pre-delivery prep, while my top-line LE Eco tester with the Upgrade package retails at a very reasonable $22,200; the LE Eco without the extra equipment priced at $20,250.
Consider the attractive new Corolla’s easily attainable price and low running costs, factor in its long list of standard and optional features, then weigh its strong acceleration and enjoyable handling. All of this gets added to a car that’s legendary in reliability, making the 2014 Corolla a sure bet in the compact segment.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)