2014 Toyota Corolla revealed

In 2012 the Toyota Corolla was the fifth best-selling car in the United States, with over 290,000 examples finding buyers. So the all-new 2014 model, which has just been unveiled, certainly has a reputation to maintain.

With styling influenced by the Furia Concept that appeared at January’s North American International Auto Show, the latest Corolla has grown by 9.9 centimetres (3.9 inches). All of that extra length is between the wheels for increased cabin space, particularly in the rear.

As well as being roomier, the interior should also have a more refined ambiance. Toyota is saying it has used premium materials, there are lots of soft-touch surfaces and the sound-deadening is more generous.

Four trim grades - L, LE, LE Eco and S - will be available, with all featuring Bluetooth connectivity, eight airbags and LED low-beam headlights as standard.

As its name implies, the LE Eco is focussed on efficiency. Its EPA Highway fuel economy rating is expected to be at least 40 mpg US (48.0 mpg imperial / 5.9 l/100km), thanks to the use of low rolling resistance tyres, enhanced aerodynamics, a specially-developed 140 bhp (104 kW / 142 PS) 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine with Valvematic variable valve timing and the new CVTi-S continuously variable transmission.

The other variants are also powered by a 1.8 litre engine, albeit one with a slightly lower output of 132 bhp (98 kW / 133 PS). On L models, it’s connected to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. LE versions come with CVTi-S, while the sporty S can be specified with either the manual ’box or CVTi-S.

Prices and final specifications for the 2014 Toyota Corolla will be announced nearer to its launch date.

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