New Corolla impresses with features, room

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

THE 2014 Toyota Corolla is here and, much to my delight, I was given the opportunity to test-drive the GLI model on Monday.

If you happened to be around Spanish Town Road, Weymouth Drive, Meadowbrook Estate or Forest Hills that day and witnessed an all-new 2014 Corolla cruising along the road, that would have been me at the steering wheel enjoying every moment while co-pilot Kevin Jackson (sales consultant) gave me a tutorial on the new features.

With its reputation of being the bestselling car in the world intact, the new Corolla fulfilled my expectations. Inspecting the newest models makes it obvious why for the past 40 years a Corolla has been completed and sold every 40 seconds, according to the manufacturers.

11th-generation model

It is the 11th-generation model of the car many of us have grown to appreciate over the years. For the new model, there are two grade choices, the GLI and XLI, which are equally appealing. However, the former is my preference.

Unique to the GLI are traction control, vehicle stability control, seven airbags, fog lamps, alloy wheels and Bluetooth connectivity. Among the features both models share are anti-theft immobiliser, factory alarm, wing mirror indicator lights, four-wheel disc brakes and 60/40 split rear seats.

The new models are longer and wider than their predecessors, evidenced by the remarkable space in the the GLI. I was really impressed with the rear legroom, which is vastly improved.

The remote trunk opener, which is not usually found on this class of car, also makes its debut on the 2014 Corolla and is located on the key. You just hold down the button and the trunk opens. Also making its debut on the new Corolla is a system that individualises the doors to notify the driver which is open, without him or her guessing.

Another welcome debut feature on the new Corolla is the Optitoron instrument cluster, which makes seeing the controls easier. The Corolla also provides an improved steering, with an upgrade to its electronic power steering design. It now offers eight per cent faster steering gear ratio, for improved agility.

The 2014 Corolla gives fuel economy feedback, with the addition of an eco drive indicator to encourage economically friendly driving. The car offers 42 miles per gallon from its 1.6 dual VVTI engine.

The GLI is being sold for $3,761,371 at full duty, and $3,001,816 at 20 per cent concession. The XLI is priced at $3,405,707 at full duty, and $2,660,312 at 20 per cent concession.

My birthday is weeks away, so take a guess what I would like my gift to be.