Next-gen 2014 Toyota Corolla spotted testing in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motors Limited (TKML) has begun testing the 2014 Corolla in India. The 2014 Toyota Corolla sedan has already been launched internationally and an Indian debut for this car is likely in the next year or so. Although Toyota India's deputy managing director, Mr Sandeep Singh, has stated that there won't be new launches from the Japanese car brand until 2015, the commencement of the 2014 Corolla's testing hints otherwise. 

The 2014 Corolla's exterior design sees a big change with the car embodying a much more curvier form factor inspired by the Furia concept. The new design language comes at a time when the Corolla's rivals come with contemporary designs. Apart from the design changes, LED headlamps and tail lamps, and new alloy wheels are the other visual changes on the 11th generation Corolla. Notably, the car is in its 48th year of serial production and has been a best selling model for the Japanese car brand for many decades. 

On the interiors front, Toyota has outfitted the 2014 Corolla with a completely new dashboard and instrumentation console. Soft touch interiors and other additional features such as a touch screen infotainment module give the interiors of the car a decidedly premium yet functional appeal. The rear seat gets more spacious with the wheelbase improving by a full 75 mm over the outgoing Corolla Altis. Push button start, Bluetooth hands free calling and improved sound insulation are the other highlights of the car. 

Under the hood, things remain familiar with the 1.8 liter naturally aspirated petrol VVT-i and a 1.4 liter turbo diesel D-4D engines being retained. A new CVT automatic gearbox with 7 speeds in manual mode is offered with the petrol engine, in addition to the 6 speed manual gearbox. The diesel engine makes do with a 6 speed manual gearbox. ABS+EBD and a full complement of 8 airbags are the safety features offered on the international versions of this car. 

The 2014 Corolla's CVTi-S automatic transmission is optimized for better performance as well as fuel efficiency. Also, the car's new electric power steering system is said to improve fuel efficiency by 3-5 %. The Corolla is no longer the best selling C+ segment car in the Indian market, with that title now belonging to the Hyundai Elantra Fluidic. It remains to be seen whether the all new 2014 Corolla can do anything to reverse this position. 

Spyshot courtesy AutocarIndia