Toyota unveils the next generations Corolla largely influenced by Furia Concept

While developing the 11^th generation Corolla, Toyota designers and engineers relied on consumer feedback to help shape key elements of the product on a global scale. Customers emphasised the overwhelming importance of vehicle design on product perception in the marketplace. Bearing this in mind, the new Corolla wears a more expressive, chiselled exterior design that elaborates on the 'Iconic Dynamism' theme first seen on the Corolla Furia Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show.

Sleek, compact LED lamp assemblies were adopted to reduce the corner mass and help accentuate the Corolla's tapered, rounded-corner, front-end design theme. In addition, the low heat generated by the LED lamp enabled the use of a lighter weight PES resin lens instead of conventional glass.

The door handles have been sculpted into the body to align with a character line that spans the length for a vertically asymmetrical door handle design. The new Corolla's C-pillar features a longer sloping angle that blends in to the rear deck more athletically.

Around the back a large, sharply-sculpted rear taillight assemby is accompanied by an optional rear deck-lid spoiler that highlights the sportier nature of this new compact.

The interior portrays a greater sense of craftsmanship in its design, use of materials, and attention to detail. A horizontally oriented dash structure helps enhance the interior's sense of spaciousness while providing a more wider, intuitively functional space for interface with vehicle controls. The interior offers a premium aesthetic with its use of piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Colours like blue, black or amber accents are used in conjunction with the dash and door panel ornamentation to enhance the premium appeal of the interior. Ornamental stitching along the leading edge of the dash pad adds a sense of craftsmanship to the interior's upscale nature.

The lengthened wheelbase benefits rear seat occupants. Compared to the outgoing model, the rear seat hip point has been moved back 75mm, and additional legroom was gained by adopting a slim front seat back. The rear passenger floor was also made flatter by re-routing exhaust pipes beneath the vehicle to offer better middle position foot room.

A quiet commute is achieved thanks to an acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad.

Standard equipment across the board include LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an internal radio antenna, colour-keyed exterior door handles and mirrors, power door locks with auto lock feature, power windows, air conditioning with pollen filter, standard Bluetooth connectivity and eight airbags.

The Corolla's underbody features a flat, smooth design to help reduce turbulent airflow. Both the LE Eco grade and S grade are designed with under covers that are strategically placed to help manage airflow under the vehicle for improved efficiency.

The 2014 Corolla is powered by either of two efficient 1.8-litre, all aluminum four-cylinder engines. The base 1.8-litre is rated at 132bhp. The Valvematic equipped powertrain in the LE Eco trim offers more than a five percent improvement in fuel economy and a higher engine output at 140bhp.