2009 Toyota Corolla in Richmond, VA - $6,500

Always bulletproof and utterly dependable in the daily dispatch, the Toyota Corolla has been a long time faithful soldier in the automaker's product line for almost 40 years. In recent years however, the design had gotten, as acknowledged by the automaker itself, a bit "conservative" (read boring). With the launch of the eleventh generation 2014 Corolla sedan, Toyota seeks to become "the vehicle you want to buy, instead of the vehicle you know you should buy".

The all-new Corolla features dramatically amplified elements of style, design, quality and craftsmanship, building its stellar reputation for reliability, efficiency and function. In developing this new 11th generation of Corolla, Toyota designer and engineers relied on exhaustive consumer feedback to help shape key elements of the product on a global scale.

The 2014 Corolla makes an immediate visual impact with a more expressive, chiseled exterior design that elaborates on the "Iconic Dynamism" theme first seen on

the Corolla Furia Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show. The new Corolla is distinguished by its tauter, more athletic proportions that ride on a longer wheelbase than the previous model. With the wheels pushed out toward the corners, compact overhangs, and more tapered front and rear expression, the new Corolla communicates a more dynamic compact sedan form, even at a standstill.

Available in L, LE, LE Eco and S models, power for the Corolla sedan is generated by a stout 2ZR-FE 1.8L four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the street through a EC65 six-speed manual gearbox or U341E four-speed automatic transmission. LE Eco and S models are equipped with a CVTi-S continuously variable automatic transmission.

The LE Eco model, which is brand-new to Corolla, adds Valvematic to its powertrain offering. This engine technology reduces pumping losses and reduces air intake restrictions. The result is more power and better fuel economy. Additionally, the "Eco Drive" mode selection produces even more economy for budget-minded motorists.

The new Corolla offers improved handling and steering thanks to a rigid unibody that can take advantage of improved suspension tuning to offer a more engaging, better handling, more dynamic car. The Corolla's unibody makes extensive use of high-strength steel to improve the rigidity of the structure, but also keeps vehicle curb weight under 2,900 pounds for all grades, which helps fuel efficiency. The use of high tensile-strength steel allows for reduced thickness and optimized shape of structural panels while increasing strength to help improve collision performance. The new Corolla features additional unibody bracing (tunnel brace and rear floor brace) to help increase platform rigidity over the previous model.

The new Corolla's suspension uses a Macpherson strut design for the front with a new, more rigid control-arm design. A rear torsion beam arrangement is used for the rear. Both suspension layouts have been designed to take advantage of the additional body rigidity to provide improved handling responses and steering control. While the spring rates on Corolla have been optimized for ride comfort, the S-model equipped with 17-inch wheels includes unique coil, damper, and bushing tuning to help offer a sportier driving characteristic. The rear torsion beam's attachments points are now fastened to the body at a slanted, diagonal angle for its bushings as opposed to the straight attachment orientation of the previous generation vehicle. This diagonal attachment point layout contributes to improved rear handling, grip, and stability.

Inside the passenger cabin, the interior continues the "Iconic Dynamism" theme to create a stylish, highly functional, and inviting space with a greater sense of craftsmanship in its design, use of materials, and attention to detail. A horizontally oriented dash structure helps enhance the interior's sense of spaciousness while providing a more wide-open, intuitively functional space for interface with vehicle controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Corolla's standard gauge cluster offers three dials with sharp image detail and clear blue illumination, surrounded by chrome trimmed rings. Within the speedometer dial is a multi-information display that shows odometer, trip odometer, current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, cruising distance and average vehicle speed. The S-grade meter cluster offers a high technology feel with a 3.5-inch black and white TFT display that rests between two large dials.

As a result of the increase in vehicle wheelbase, the new Corolla's interior package has been dramatically improved in terms of passenger comfort, gaining considerable legroom for the rear seat occupants. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room. Rear seat comfort is also enhanced with the use of denser urethane pads and foam inserts within the seats.

The 2014 Corolla also elevates the compact car's interior experience by treating occupants to a high level of cabin quietness. Environmental noise, in addition to road and engine sounds entering the cabin, are mitigated by an acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad.

Dimensions & specifications

L/LE/LE Eco

Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 182.6; width: 69.9; height: 57.3

S

Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 183.1; width: 69.9; height: 57.3

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder – 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 140 hp at 6,100 rpm and 126 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm (LE Eco).

Transmission: six-speed manual, four-speed automatic, CVT automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 28 city/37 hwy. (manual); 27 city/36 hwy. (automatic); 29 city/38 hwy. (CVT); 30 city/42 hwy. (LE Eco).

Cargo capacity: 13.0 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, dual side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control, Smart Stop technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system and battery rundown protection. LE adds back up monitor system and remote keyless entry. LE Eco adds fog lamps. S adds four-wheel disc brakes, Smart Key system, and push button start.

Optional safety features includes navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Comprehensive

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 2-year/25,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 Toyota Corolla sedan starts from $16,800 for the L model upto $20,400 for the S Premium. Destination charges add $810.