Not My Mother’s Corolla

There has been a great deal of excitement since Ottawa Life Magazine tweeted from the launch party of the 2014 Toyota Corolla at the Museum of Science and Technology earlier in June. Just before the launch, OLM test drove the last of the 2013 models. It was great to discover the robust history of one of Canada’s most beloved vehicles. At the launch party, Toyota executives took a captive audience through Corolla’s historic achievements. Personally, this reviewer has his own history with Toyota vehicles. My mother, a retired schoolteacher, drove Toyotas across weathered country roads throughout her career, including a Camry in the eighties, a Sienna in the nineties, a Corolla for the next 10 years, and a Rav4 today. Toyota vehicles have a demonstrated reliance. National Capital Region Toyota dealers offer a customer experience second to none. This review will highlight the achievements culminating in the 2013 Toyota Corolla. The totally redesigned 2014 Corolla promises to be more than just the dependable schoolteacher’s car of choice. Stay tuned for OLM’s review of the 2014 Corolla in a future blog.

First Impressions:

The styling of the 2013 Corolla speaks more to safety and commuting than to speed freaks. This compact sedan is all about passenger comfort. Vehicle space is mostly dedicated to its roomy interior and ample storage. The Corolla is the car you’d picture your mother driving. An amazing 80% of all Corollas sold in the past 20 years are still on the road today. A design change will herald a new era of Corolla excitement and further promote Toyota’s reliable vehicle as the compact sedan for Canadians.

Power and Performance:

The fuel-efficient Corolla engine offers an estimated 6.8 litres per 100 kilometers. The vehicle is the perfect commuter car from home to downtown. When it’s time to hit the highway, this little gem can push it to the fast lane with horsepower to spare.

Handling

Steadfast and sure, the driving experience is ideally suited for navigating the commute. The Corolla handles well in all seasons; its chassis provides a reliable platform for the suspension.

Comfort

It seems the Corolla design team first identified the maximum comfort capacity of a compact sedan and then built a car around it. Long trips in the Corolla are easily bearable.

Specs

Engine

• 1.8 Litre, 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), Direct Ignition System (DIS), Electronic Throttle Control System with Intelligence (ETCS-i), Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• Compression Ratio 10.0:1
• Horsepower hp (kW)
• 132 (98) @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque lb.ft. (Nm)
• 128 (174) @ 4,400 rpm

Suspension

• Front: Independent, Macpherson Gas Struts, Coil Springs, Stabilizer Bar
• Rear: Torsion Beam Type, Coil Springs, Stabilizer Bar

Drivetrain

• Front Wheel Drive, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC)

Transmission

• 5-Speed, Manual
• 4-Speed, Automatic, ECT

Brakes

• Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Drums, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Steering
• Electric Power Steering, Rack & Pinion

Tires

• P195/65R15 Tires, Temporary Spare Tire
• P205/55R16 Tires, Temporary Spare Tire

Storage Space

Storage space is well supplied in the Corolla. The trunk can accommodate much more than a load of groceries, the kids’ sports equipment, and a pile of work from the office.

Car or Computer

Toyota delivers on tech. The Corolla’s dash has everything you need to stay charged, keep connected, and concentrate on the road. The technology is easily to understand and to use.

• Display Audio with Navigation
• Bluetooth Steering Wheel Controls
• XM Satellite Radio
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Woodgrain Trim

Highlights

The simply designed reliable 2013 Toyota Corolla is the car you are happy to see your retired schoolteacher mother driving. The lasting impression of the Corolla experience: it is a car for everyone. It is safe, fuel-efficient, and has earned its place as Canada’s compact sedan of choice. Test drive a Corolla today. Call your local Toyota Dealer. Visit www.toyota.ca