2014 Toyota Corolla is bigger, modern and more powerful

The 2014 Toyota Corolla, the latest iteration of the world's largest selling car nameplate, is finally here! The numerous leaks much earlier than the official unveil might have taken away the surprise element, nevertheless the new Corolla looks very promising.

The iconic sedan has been in existence for 47 years across 154 countries and is being built in 16 locations. Almost 40 million Corolla's were sold so far and the 11th generation of the car would keep the counter ticking.

The 2014 Corolla has a contemporary styling which shares nothing in common with the sedan it replaces. The design is nothing but a watered down version of the Toyota Furia concept which was showcased at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

The new design is sharp and sleek and is more appealing to younger audience. It may not be futuristic, but the new Corolla fares equally well in comparison with its rivals like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, etc. First-in-class LED headlamps are noteworthy.

The car has grown in size. It measures 4,639mm (+99mm) in length, 1,776mm (+16) in width, 1,455mm (-10mm) in height. The wheelbase is extended by a good 100mm at 2,700mm to offer more interior space.

The interior also adopts a whole new design and layout. The simple and uncluttered dashboard values function over form and is not as modern as the exterior of the car would suggest. In terms of standard equipment, the Corolla offers music system, Bluetooth Connectivity and AC with pollen filter. Higher variants come with Smart Key System, push button start, multimedia infotainment system with voice command and navigation.

Safety is taken care by 8 airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

The new sedan is powered by two new 1.8 litre petrol engines. The L, LE and S variants are offered with the 132bhp VVT-i motor. The LE Eco variant employs a 140 bhp engine which is equipped with Valvomatic technology to achieve more than 5% of power and efficiency. Toyota says this motor is capable of delivering over 40mpg.

The LE, S and the LE Eco variants are equipped with a new CVTi-S automatic transmission which has 7 preset shift points to give the feel of hydraulic autoboxes. There are two drive modes to choose from - ECO and SPORT.

Toyota says that the 2014 Corolla will offer better handling and steering for a sporty drive experience. The previous Corollas were dull to drive, so would love see more dynamism in the package.

Toyota has not yet announced when the market launch would take place.

Head to Page 2 to view the Image Gallery and Page 3 to view the press release.

2014 Toyota Corolla Image Gallery

2014 Toyota Corolla Press Release

[Can't view the document? Head to Scribd]