As the current generation Corolla nears the end of its successful life cycle, Toyota has decided to freshen up its hot-selling C-segment sedan, while leaving core components such as its 1.8-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission as-is.
Although the guts of the newest Corolla remain unchanged, there are some noteworthy additions, such as standard vehicle stability control, traction control, Smart Stop (brake override) and Toyota Care complimentary maintenance for two years.
For those looking for more superficial changes, don't fret, as Toyota has freshened the front and rear fascias to have a more sporty look and feel, in addition to adding two new exterior colors to the palette.
Inside, Toyota has added a new seat color and pattern with the aim of a more contemporary design. Also changed were the instrument panel and door trim upper colors, which combined provide for a new look and feel inside.
For those opting for the popular "S" package, you will also gain a new sporty steering wheel to match the exterior body kit. Gone, however, is the XRS model and its more powerful 2.4-liter engine.
Another area to get attention in this freshening was that of interior cabin noise. Toyota says that the new front fascia was specifically designed to reduce wind noise, along with an acoustic dampening windshield and more effective sound absorbing carpet.
As with most mid-cycle refreshes, the powertrain was untouched, leaving the 132 horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission, or a four-speed automatic. The manual transmission will return 28 city, 35 highway, while the four-speed auto will return 26 city and 34 highway miles per gallon.
Standard features
All models feature a standard all-weather package. The Corolla base model features new 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, P195/65 R15 tires, a color-keyed front grille and exterior door handles, a heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling, air conditioning with pollen filter, intermittent windshield wipers, daytime running lights, black folding power mirrors that are larger for improved rear visibility, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, multi-information display with outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance, fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.
The Corolla LE grade adds variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle, color-keyed power heated outside mirrors, AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling, cruise control; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, trunk release, panic and remote illuminated entry, power windows with driver side auto down, tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with metallic accents and audio controls and power door locks with shift-activated automatic locking feature.
The sporty-styled Corolla S grade adds newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tires, multi-reflector halogen headlamps with black housing, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, sport side rocker panels, unique S badge and rear mudguards, color-keyed rear spoiler, integrated fog lamps, front sport seats, chrome-tipped exhaust, an new tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio controls, chrome exhaust tip, sport fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat, metallic style interior trim and analog sport instrumentation.
Options
The Corolla LE and S grades offer a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, and an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM Radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
The Corolla LE offers a Premium Package that includes 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires, integrated fog lamps, power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM Radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
Key Competitors
The Corolla faces stiff competition from a number of more modern competitors like the Americanized Volkswagen Jetta, the sleek Kia Forte and the thrifty Honda Civic.