2014 Toyota Corolla

  The Toyota Corolla has long been regarded as a rather dull car--more an appliance than anything to get excited about. Nevertheless, it is transportation for those seeking a low-cost, reliable car. The competition has surpassed the Corolla in nearly every respect, but that won't be the case for long.

An all-new Corolla is coming for the 2014 model year. With new styling, updated engines and transmissions, more technology, and better packaging, the 2014 Corolla promises to move Toyota back into the heat of the compact car segment.

Up front, a gaping lower grille and angular headlights do their best to give the Corolla a shot of adrenalin, while a defined character line runs the length of the vehicle meeting the wrap-around taillights, which attempt to give the Corolla visual width. An available spoiler is an option for those who wish to give their Corolla an extra dash of sportiness.

Inside the Corolla takes a step forward with improved materials and two-tier design. The dashboard is now a soft-touch material with fake stitching, while pinstriped accents are strewn about the cabin on the dashboard and door panels. All models have a new three-dial gauge cluster with chrome trim except the S model, which features a two-gauge gauge cluster containing a 3.5-inch black-and-white TFT display with trip computer functions. Passengers in the rear seat should be more comfortable, thanks to new interior packaging allowed by the 3.9-inch wheelbase increase and rear seat hip point that is about three inches farther back. There's also more legroom in the backseat thanks to a new slim front seat back. Rear seat passengers aren't the only ones getting upgrades, as the front seats are longer and have a more supportive lower cushion with new bolster design.

Under the hood of the Corolla you'll find one of two 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines. The L, LE, and S trim Corolla's are powered by a base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Those seeking maximum fuel efficiency will want the LE Eco trim with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine featuring Valvematic, which has a broader range of continuously variable valve timing and increases fuel economy and engine output by more than five percent to 140-horsepower. Toyota's expecting the LE Eco model to achieve a 40 mpg or better EPA highway rating.

While the base Corolla soldiers on with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission, the LE, S, and LE Eco models all use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven simulated gear ratios, and S models are equipped with paddle shifters. Toyota says they've tuned the transmission to reduce the rubber band sensation associated with many CVTs. If you want the most exciting Corolla you'll be ordering the S trim with the available six-speed manual transmission.

On the safety front, the 2014 Corolla has eight standard airbags along with Toyota's Star Safety system, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. There's also Toyota's standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

Feature-wise, the big news is that Toyota is stepping up its infotainment game the Corolla, and bringing it out of the dark ages with the availability of Toyota's latest Entune infotainment system, featuring navigation and apps in some models.

The Corolla will be available in four trim levels: L, LE, S, and a new LE Eco model. The base L model features standard LED low-beam headlights with LED daytime running lights, in-glass AM/FM antenna, color-keyed outside door handles, color-keyed outside mirrors, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, power locks, doors, and mirrors, along with air conditioning, Bluetooth, and eight airbags. Depending on the trim level, available options include a smart key system with push button start, automatic climate control, leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, multi-information display, Bluetooth hands-free phone voice-command controls, and SofTex-trimmed heated front seats.

Pricing and further model details will be released closer to the 2014 Corolla's launch this fall.