Detroit graffiti artist Antonio “Shades” Agee created a unique brick-wall tag in Minneapolis’ warehouse district for the 2014 Toyota Corolla. With the 11th-generation compact sedan parked in front of a Shades original on Oct. 1, 2013, invited media learned details about the car’s physical and technical attributes. The four-door’s new Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligent Shifting (CVTi-S) provides a sport driving mode for S grade Corolla models. On the LE Eco Plus and Premium trim levels, an Eco driving mode correlates to improved fuel efficiency. The 2014 car’s cabin emphasizes spaciness and upscale materials. Another notable change is the steering column angle is now 22 degrees versus the previous model’s 24 degrees.

Corolla L, LE and S grades use a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with dual independent Variable Valve Timing intelligence (VVT-i). The LE Eco model’s 1.8-liter 4-cylinder has dual independent VVT-i and Valvematic technology. Toyota’s computer-controlled Valvematic system means continuously variable timing and lift on the intake valves. Toyota’s internal testing shows that the 4-cylinder engine fitted with Valvematic technology tallies a 6% increase in peak output and a 5% fuel economy uptick. When fitted with 15-inch wheels, Corolla LE Eco has estimated mpg of 30 city/42 highway. Top-of-the-line Corolla ECO Plus with CVTi-S carries a $20,100 MSRP. The 106.3-inch wheelbase Corolla left a splendid first impression on the daylong ride/drive program in Minnesota. Stay tuned for a future report.