Spied: 2014 Toyota Corolla

The next-generation 2014 Toyota Corolla is a big deal for the Japanese automaker. With rivals stepping up their game in the compact segment, Toyota must make sure the 2014 Corolla is still competitive with cars like the soon-to-be-refreshed Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, and Nissan Sentra to stay near the top of the sales charts.

A Motor Trend reader spied this 2014 Toyota Corolla prototype testing with a next-generation Lexus IS not far from Toyota’s Torrance, Calif. headquarters.

The 2014 Corolla looks like it’ll rely heavily on the Toyota Camry for styling cues – not the worst strategy for Toyota. The most obvious connection to the Camry is in the taillights, which appear to feature the same boomerang design seen on the Camry. We expect rounded sheetmetal as well as a profile not unlike that of the Camry.

Styling of the 2014 Corolla’s front end will borrow heavily from the Camry and the Avalon, and inside it’ll offer more an updated interior with the latest version of Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, which is already offered on the 2013 Corolla.

Not much is known about the next-gen Corolla’s powertrain, but it wouldn’t surprise us to see a slightly modified version of the current car’s 132-hp 1.8-liter I-4 carry over. With a six-speed manual replacing the five-speed, and a six-speed automatic or CVT replacing the dated four-speed slushbox, the current Corolla’s 27/34 mpg city/highway rating will likely approach 28-30 mpg in the city and 38-40 mpg on the highway.

Thanks to: Motor Trend