Any car that sells 40 million around the world must have something going for it apart from affordability.

There are lots of cars out there that may seem like a bargain but once driven for a few weeks you realise that in most cases you get exactly what you pay for…mediocrity on wheels or worse.

The Corolla has always been the exception to that rule.

The fact that is has been around for 47 years has helped it become the best-selling car on the planet, but the main reason is that 10 generations of the Corolla have proved that it is actually a very good car, offering reliability, the aforementioned value for money, decent comfort and solid quality.

Astonishingly, 26 million of the Corollas sold are still on the road.

However, as time marched on it did have one major problem…it was soooo boring, both to drive and look at.

The compact sedan market is now overcrowded with modern, decently designed cars all jostling for position, trying to attract young and affluent new customers so, not before time, Toyota decided to give the Corolla a makeover.

The result is that the 11th generation Corolla is completely transformed.

This is now a very nice looking car indeed.

Boring has been given the boot and replaced by something that looks modern and sleek.

Toyota’s Chief Engineer Shinichi Yasui has succeeded in integrating the DNA that has been behind the Corolla success story over the years with a sophisticated new design that has shifted the whole feel of the car upmarket.

The purpose of the exercise was to make the Corolla more dynamic and therefore appealing to discerning young families who want something with a bit of style.

So, full marks to Toyota for producing a car that looks good, particularly from the front, and it’s the same story inside where the designers have again triumphed in giving the Corolla the feel and comfort of a more expensive car.

The classy instrument cluster, design of the horizontally orientated dash and the soft-touch materials and metal-like accents, succeed in giving the cabin a more prestigious feel than the previous Corolla.

I was surprised there was no built-in sat-nav, and it is not even an option in the UAE.

However, it’s fair to point out that Toyota have something called T-Connect where you can download voice-guided sat-nav to your smartphone.

There is a very impressive air conditioning system and the audio has been improved.

Because the wheelbase of the new Corolla has been extended by 10cms the interior is also impressively spacious with more legroom for backseat passengers.

The good news is that the Corolla comes, for the first time, with a two-litre engine in the top-of-the-range Limited.

The bad news is that it’s not very responsive.

The top-end models also come with smart entry and push button ignition.

The handling is good for a car in this class and has been improved with a more body rigidity and by lowering the height of the vehicle by 5mm to give it a lower centre of gravity.

Safety is high priority and the use of lightweight, high-strength steel offers reassuring protection in the case of collision.

There is also ABS and electronic brake force distribution which ensures stability under braking.

Overall, this a basic but brilliant car.

A starting price of just Dh59,000 and its new look should ensure that the Corolla’s popularity continues.

If Toyota want to bring more excitement to the party maybe they should bring out a sporty hatchback version.

Just a thought.

Why Buy It

• Outstanding value
• Looks great
• Spacious
• Economical
• Reliable

Why Not

• Despite being outstanding in its class and having a two-litre engine it is still a bit too sluggish for my liking.

 

Toyota Corolla 2014 – Specifications

Manufacturer : Toyota
Production : 1966 to present
Class : Compact Sedan
Body style : Four-seater
Layout : Front-wheel drive
Engine : Four cylinder 2-litre
Output : 143bhp
Torque : 187nm
0-100km : 9 secs (approx)
Transmission : Four-speed
automatic
kerb weight : 1350kg
Top speed : 195kmh
Price : Dh73,900 as driven

Rating out of 10: 8

 

Here is the official advert for the Toyota Corolla 2014