One of the auto industry’s most familiar model names, one that has sold 40 million cars worldwide, showed up at my doorstep last week.The Toyota Corolla, now in its 11th generation, has a crisper, flashier exterior with spoiler at the rear. A piano-black grille adds distinction to the S Premium version, which was finished in a new blue crush metallic color.
The 2014 front-wheel-drive Corolla compact, which went on sale in September, has grown by 4 inches in wheelbase and overall length.
That name’s been used by Toyota since the mid-1960s, in Japan. It was introduced into the U.S. in 1968 as a ’69 model. Only the Land Cruiser name is older than the Corolla among Toyota models.
My first review of a Corolla was in May 1978, a ’78 Toyota Corolla SR-5 Liftback, featuring an easy-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. In the 35-plus years since, the wheelbase and overall length of the Corolla have grown by 13 inches.
Today’s version weighs 2,865 pounds on a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and overall length of 183 inches.
Smooth performance comes from a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.
By pushing an “S” button on the center console, for Sport setting, and use of paddle shifters, the shifts are quickened and the transmission operates more like a 7-speed automatic, somewhat overcoming the slowness of the CVT.
It’s a responsive, not sporty, handler, offers a quiet ride with comfortable front seats and delivers fuel mileage in the 30s. A week of driving, of which 60 percent was on the highway, resulted in an average of 35.3 miles per gallon; EPA estimate is 29/37. The Corolla rides on a narrow track, just under 60 inches.
Stitched leather-like Softex-trimmed seats (heated in front) and black-accented instrument panel highlighted the interior. The rear seating area is roomier this year, though the seat cushions are short. Trunk space has also been increased to 13 cubic feet, which is a bit larger than that of the rival Honda Civic sedan.
It becomes a well-equipped Corolla with Entune audio, rearview camera, moonroof and navigation with 8.1-inch touchscreen display. These pushed the sticker price to $23,570, from a base of $20,400. Two large speakers at the rear deck enhance sound throughout.
It also offers push-button start, phone book access and music streaming with Bluetooth wireless, SiriusXM radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control and cruise control.
Also offered for 2014 is the Corolla LE Eco model, for which computerized valve control of the 1.8 engine raises the EPA highway estimate to 40 mpg.
The Corolla traditionally is one of the four best-selling sedans in the U.S.
A look back
Thirty-five years ago this month, I reviewed in The Denver Post the 1979 Datsun 280-ZX 2 Plus 2. Excerpts:
Datsun added a new body design and more luxurious interior to its popular “Z” cars for 1979, though it hasn’t tampered with the excellent handling, which is among the most impressive on the market. This automatic transmission, in moving from park to reverse or reverse to drive, is one of the smoothest, with absolutely no jump. The short-stroke, 168-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine is strong at highway speeds and averaged 21.6 miles per gallon of fuel. The ride is firm, even stiff, but very smooth and the low center of gravity adds to good cornering ability. Such options as the automatic transmission, aluminum wheels, rear window wiper and washer, velour cloth upholstery and automatic speed control raised sticker price to $13,393. Among standard equipment are air conditioning and an automatic retracting power antenna. Wheelbase of the 2 Plus 2 is 99.2 inches, as opposed to only 91.3 for the smaller 280-ZX two-seater. The added rear seat is too cramped for adults, but suitable for children. But the Z car isn’t generally thought of as a family automobile anyway. The long, low sloping front end tells you that.
Notes from e-mail
I enjoyed your review of the Subaru Outback last week, Bud. I am amazed at the number of Outbacks I see every day along the Front Range. – J.S.
Mix a little bit of offbeat weather, like we have, with a little bit of unusual terrain, like we have, and it’s an ideal setting for the good-handling, all-wheel-drive Subaru. There are parts of the country, Jim, that you’ll drive miles without seeing a Subaru. Most of those areas are the fair-weather flatlands.
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