#Corollattack is trending in a big way
Model stands out for all right reasons
There’s really no way to avoid the success of the Toyota Corolla — the evidence is around every corner.
With millions sold worldwide, including more than 1.3 million in Canada, it’s hard to take a drive without coming across one. Whether it’s new or a little worse for wear, most are still going strong after many years on the road.
And since they are everywhere, colleagues have started documenting their encounters with the Corolla by using the hashtag #Corollattack on Twitter. Needless to say, there is no shortage of sightings just about everywhere they go, at home or abroad.
It’s usually all in good fun, and some Toyota Canada representatives have even joined in at times.
And with a massive redesign for the 2014 model year — which represents a major improvement in terms of the model’s looks — that #Corollattack will probably get a lot more use. Not only because the vehicle looks like it will continue selling at a brisk pace, but because it stands out for all the right reasons.
The 11th generation of the Corolla is certainly the most appealing to the eyes. The new design features some sharp angles, which give the sedan a more athletic appearance at the front and rear.
The fascia has a trapezoidal lower grille that sits right under a thinned-out air intake that flows right into a new headlight design. And those headlamps happen to be of the LED variety, now standard on the Corolla.
As always, the Corolla remains an affordable vehicle in its segment, with a base price of $15,995 for the CE model (the destination charge is $1,520). The LE we drove enters the fray at $19,500, and the lineup is completed by the S trim ($19,215) and the LE ECO ($20,250).
Now with a longer wheelbase, interior space has been improved, most notably for rear passengers. A reduction in the thickness of the front seat back also means more legroom for rear occupants. Every extra millimetre of space is greatly appreciated by taller folks.
The flatter rear floor is also a nice change, something Toyota achieved by rerouting the exhaust and other underbody assemblies.
When I first took the wheel, I wasn’t too sure about the front half of the passenger cabin. With a rather upright positioning of the dashboard and centre stack controls, it appeared to be a little crammed. That is, though, more of an illusion than anything else, as I found the cabin to be more than accommodating and extremely functional.
All the important controls are within easy reach and are easily operated. In the LE, the gauge cluster is a little more basic than what you would get in the S trim, but it is still clear and easily read — including the multi-function display.
Under the hood’s new sheet metal, there are two engine choices for Corolla buyers. In everything but the LE ECO, buyers will get a 1.8-litre VVTi four-cylinder engine with an output of 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. In the Classic Silver Metallic LE, the only transmission available is a Continuously Variable Transmission Intelligent Shift (CVTi-S).
I haven’t been a big fan of CVTs and this one didn’t really do anything to change my opinion. Granted, when your other option is an outdated four-speed automatic that is available on the CE, I will take the CVTi-S any day.
The CE and S trims both come standard with a very nice six-speed manual, though, for those among us who still prefer total control.
Fuel economy for the Corolla LE is listed at 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.9 L/100 km on the highway. In mostly city driving, my test average came in at 9.5 L/100 km.
The Corolla LE ECO has a different engine, called a 1.8L Valvematic, which features a continuously variable valve train technology that is a first for North America. Combined with the CVTi-S, it delivers the best estimated fuel efficiency of the group.
Standard on all Corollas are features such as power door locks and windows, an audio system with Bluetooth, USB input and steering wheelmounted audio controls. You also get Toyota’s Star Safety System with eight airbags, so the Corolla not only looks better, but you can drive around with peace of mind.
With a bold new look, an attractive price and the same Toyota DNA that has made the Corolla a hit worldwide, there’s little reason to believe the #Corollattack(s) will end anytime soon.