2014 Toyota Corolla Sport Plus: A Reliable And Stylish Compact Sedan

Highlight: The Corolla is the only compact, offering a model that can achieve up to 42-mpg on the highway.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $22,870 (Sport Model starts at $17,610)

Seating Capacity:  5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front passenger, seat-mounted, curtain); vehicle stability control; traction control; electronic brake distribution; and ABS

Standard Equipment: 15-inch wheels; 6-speed transmission; LED daytime running lights; air condition; cloth seats; and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel

Standard Audio: 4-speaker AM/FM/CD

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder/184-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 29-city/37-hwy (Sport model with an automatic)

Trim Levels:

L
LE
LE Eco

What’s New:  The 2014 Corolla offers an expressive design, which mimics that of the brand’s current-generation flagship vehicle, the Avalon. The 2014 Corolla wheelbase rides on a longer, wider and slightly lower platform. To complement the new design, the compact vehicle offers a few segment exclusives and a host of must-have technological features.

Pros: Not only is the 2014 Toyota Corolla sporting a more curvaceous design, the 2014 Corolla offers more legroom than others players in the compact segment. The Corolla is available with either a manual or an automatic transmission and a choice of powertrains. The restyled Corolla is now available with an automatic ventilation system, two-tone interior trim, Bluetooth capabilities, a rear deck lid spoiler, a rear camera, a navigation system, the second-generation Entune audio infotainment system with Apps and a one-piece instrument panel, which helps to reduce squeaks and rattles.

We were fortunate to get our hands on a the no frills base L model with an automatic transmission, which stickered under $20,000 and a fancier Sport model which was just a few thousands more.

Both the L model and the Sport models were considered best buys in our opinion. However, for those folks, who aren’t on a tight budget, it’s worth the extra investment to step up to the sportier Corolla. The Sport trim distinguishes itself from a typical Corolla by offering a firmer suspension system, 17-inch wheels, paddle shifters, a new CVT engine, a Sport mode which alters the steering and transmission response and two-tone seats.

Our Sport model was optioned out with a Driver Convenience Package, which consisted of such must-have features as a push-button keyless starter, a remote keyless entry system, a navigation system, a 6-speaker audio system, HD radio, streaming radio and XM satellite radio. Moreover, our vehicle was accessorized with an optional power moonroof. After years of neglect, Corolla fans no longer have to sacrifice style and some of the latest technology for what has become known as dependable compact. Buyers can have it all!

Cons: Unlike a number of its competitors, the interior design and layout in the Corolla isn’t as contemporary as what we were expecting, especially with the one-piece instrument panel, when compared to the Chevy Cruze’s upscale interior design. While it’s obvious that Toyota definitely invested more money and time crafting the instrument panel layout than Honda did with the Civic -- even after reworking the vehicle twice within a short time frame -- many critics believe there is still an opportunity to push the envelope.

Moreover, unlike many of its segment competitors, the Corolla lacked a rear center armrest and real leather seats. Some of the compacts like GM, Ford and Mazda offer such advanced safety features as electronic blind spot mirrors, rear audible parking sensors, a rear traffic alert system and a forward collision alert system.

For now, Toyota has decided to shy away from some of the latest costly autonomous safety driving aids on their compact, while literally riding with pseudo-leather seats, which are known as Soft-tex. Ironically, the Koreans -- Hyundai and Kia -- not only offer real leather, they give consumers the option of having rear heated seats, a ventilated driver’s seat and power folding exterior mirrors. Yes, these features along with the advanced safety driving aids push the pricing of the competitive vehicles in the segment to $25,000 and beyond. That type of pricing steps right into the midsize car segment. Toyota believes that folks can step up to the Camry for some of the features we noted.

The Verdict: After eleven generations, the Corolla continues to be a credible player in the compact segment. After years of neglect, Toyota has finally invested the time and resources required to truly make this a world class vehicle again, with its contemporary styling and latest creature comforts. Corolla loyalists no longer have to sacrifice styling and technological enhancements for long-term durability. With the eleven generation Corolla, loyalists and those seeking their first Toyota compact can now have it all ---at a price that won’t break the bank.

Competition: Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and Subaru Impreza