Toyota has lifted the wraps off the European-spec 2014 Corolla.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla has finally been revealed today in two guises; the Sporty US-spec (images 5-14) and the more conservative European-spec (images 1-4), which is headed for our market.
The new car, being more engagingly styled and possessed of greater material quality and new drivetrain features, has a huge legacy to live up to, especially given a track record spanning 47 years and encompassing more than 40 million units sold.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla is marginally larger than the car it replaces; growing in overall length by around 99 mm, 16 mm in overall width and with a 2 700 mm wheelbase suggesting that it shares its underpinnings with the new Auris. The Euro-spec model, which we’ll get a better account of by October, will be a bit more conservative in its execution.
There are further Auris parallels in the cabin, with its flat-faced, tiered facia arrangement with contrasting trim panels with border stitching that suggest improvements in material quality and additional driver and passenger space. Toyota has placed further emphasis on refinement with the increased application of sound-deadening materials, such as an inner-facia silencer pad and acoustic glass windscreen.
The US model’s initial powerplant line-up comprises a pair of 1,8-litre, four-cylinder petrol units rated at 98 kW and 104 kW. These units can be coupled with a choice of six-speed manual and CVT transmissions. Toyota claims to have alleviated the CVT’s “rubber band” driving sensation by implementing seven discrete shift-points and even emulating shift feedback to imitate the action of a torque-converter unit.
CVT-equipped models overseen by a drivetrain management system that optimises the shift pattern and adds some weight to the action of the power steering.
Toyota has yet to confirm the local engine line-up, only going as far as stating that there will be a choice of transmissions mated to both petrol and diesel powerplants.
you can see the US-spec Toyota Corolla S in motion below
