Corolla raises bar on legroom, style
The Toyota Corolla, the fifth best-selling nameplate in this country, is a larger, roomier sedan for 2014 with improved ride and better gas mileage than its predecessor.
But it doesn't look like a Corolla. The conservative character is gone, replaced by contemporary styling outside and an intriguing, almost retro, dashboard design inside.
Plus, there's so much legroom now — 42.3 inches in the front seats and 41.4 inches in back — that car buyers looking for a family sedan might want to consider the new Corolla. In fact, while Toyota media materials refer to the 2014 Corolla as a compact, the car now is listed by the federal government as a mid-size four door.
Best of all, the 2014 Corolla earned overall five-out-of-five stars in government crash tests and is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine, which said the predicted reliability is above average.
Base pricing has gone up a bit, though.
Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $17,610 for a base 2014 Corolla L with a 6-speed manual and $18,210 with an automatic. This base model, with carryover 132-horsepower 4 cylinder from last year, does not include a rearview camera, cruise control or steering wheel-mounted radio controls.
But the base model has eight standard air bags, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fabric-covered seats, hands-free phone capability, AM/FM radio with CD player, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity plus Bluetooth music streaming and four speakers.
Standard low-beam headlights on the Corolla are light-emitting diodes this year — a feature not usually found on sedans in this class.
With bolder front styling and designed side “creases” in the metal, the new Corolla seeks young buyers. But the tester, in bright Blue Crush paint and with 17-inch, dark alloy wheels, did not get second looks.
Inside the test car, the black, plastic dashboard was well-arranged but surprised with its tall and upright design that seemed inspired by 1960s cars.
The test Corolla's shaped front seats provided good support with cushioning. But back-seat cushions were short and supported only to mid-thigh.
Everyone in the new Corolla sits a bit lower to the pavement than in the previous Corolla. But it was still comfortable getting into and out of the test car. Just watch the wheel wells that impinge on rear-door openings.
Drivers familiar with older Corollas will notice the more structurally rigid feel of the new Corolla. With a longer wheelbase and suspension improvements, the ride is smoother, and the test S Premium model traveled comfortably. Steering was responsive while retaining a mainstream feel. There was some road noise, but not as much as expected.
Ann M. Job is an Associated Press contributor.
