5. 73.1% - Toyota Corolla
There’s no doubt that Toyota’s Corolla is a massive force to be reckoned with in this segment. It is, bar none, the world compact car champion and is so because of its stellar reputation.
Never was the Corolla intended to be anything else besides a tool for human transport. An exception could be made for the AE86, although its reason for being was never to turn up on the Touge going slideways…
As the generations have progressed, so has the car but not its premise. The 2014 Toyota Corolla carries this vocation and in a way that has never been stylized and aimed at a slightly large audience. The car’s strength and weakness are one and the same: It’s a Corolla.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota Corolla
In an effort to draw more love and attention from younger crowds, Toyota endowed the completely revised 2014 Corolla with a meaner front fascia, sleek bodylines, and some jazzier rear details. The end result is the best looking Corolla -- ever -- which is not saying much.
The completely rethought cabin does little to heighten enthusiasm. As though taken from a Tundra, shrunken and clad with odd colours and questionable materials, the dashboard does not fit the “dainty” nature of the car. Ergonomics are good, on the other hand, and despite the lower trim, equipment levels were fair.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla’s driving position is far from the greatest as the steering wheel is off-centre and the front seats are short on lateral support. The rear bench and trunk are among the largest of the group.
Why the car landed in 5th position is explained by the sum of its parts. No more, no less.
Driving the 2014 Toyota Corolla
It does drive and it’s not all that bad. In fact, as with the 2014 Corolla’s looks, this is the best driving Corolla we’ve ever sampled. It’s tighter, better built, and an all around better performer.
The 1.8L 4-pot is getting long in the tooth yet it remains a competent performer. When matted to the CVT transmission, it handles its weight well with solid initial acceleration that runs out of breath quickly. When in “S” mode (sport), the CVT actually plays ball with a more eager right foot.
The ride is generally good however the Corolla is also afflicted with a solid rear torsion beam (solid axle) setup. Lateral movements over road bumps are rather noticeable and on the country roads we traversed, marred what could have been a pleasant drive.
Steering assistance is well weighted and the brakes faired very well during our day of occasional spirited driving.
There’s no doubt that Toyota’s Corolla is a massive force to be reckoned with in this segment. It is, bar none, the world compact car champion and is so because of its stellar reputation.
Never was the Corolla intended to be anything else besides a tool for human transport. An exception could be made for the AE86, although its reason for being was never to turn up on the Touge going slideways…
As the generations have progressed, so has the car but not its premise. The 2014 Toyota Corolla carries this vocation and in a way that has never been stylized and aimed at a slightly large audience. The car’s strength and weakness are one and the same: It’s a Corolla.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota Corolla
In an effort to draw more love and attention from younger crowds, Toyota endowed the completely revised 2014 Corolla with a meaner front fascia, sleek bodylines, and some jazzier rear details. The end result is the best looking Corolla -- ever -- which is not saying much.
The completely rethought cabin does little to heighten enthusiasm. As though taken from a Tundra, shrunken and clad with odd colours and questionable materials, the dashboard does not fit the “dainty” nature of the car. Ergonomics are good, on the other hand, and despite the lower trim, equipment levels were fair.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla’s driving position is far from the greatest as the steering wheel is off-centre and the front seats are short on lateral support. The rear bench and trunk are among the largest of the group.
Why the car landed in 5th position is explained by the sum of its parts. No more, no less.
Driving the 2014 Toyota Corolla
It does drive and it’s not all that bad. In fact, as with the 2014 Corolla’s looks, this is the best driving Corolla we’ve ever sampled. It’s tighter, better built, and an all around better performer.
The 1.8L 4-pot is getting long in the tooth yet it remains a competent performer. When matted to the CVT transmission, it handles its weight well with solid initial acceleration that runs out of breath quickly. When in “S” mode (sport), the CVT actually plays ball with a more eager right foot.
The ride is generally good however the Corolla is also afflicted with a solid rear torsion beam (solid axle) setup. Lateral movements over road bumps are rather noticeable and on the country roads we traversed, marred what could have been a pleasant drive.
Steering assistance is well weighted and the brakes faired very well during our day of occasional spirited driving.