2015 Toyota Corolla

CHANGES FOR 2015:

- New colour: Evergreen Mica for LE, LE ECO trim

Is it any surprise that Canadians love the Toyota Corolla? Sensible, economical, reliable, and now a lot less boring to look at, Toyota’s Ontario-made compact charges ahead for 2015 without any major revisions.

You will, however, find a special birthday present from Toyota to celebrate its 50th year selling cars in the Great White North. These are based on the S trim and feature 17-inch wheels painted in gloss black, red interior stitching, rear disc brakes, and come coated in Absolutely Red – an exclusive colour that nicely matches the Canadian flag. An optional Moonroof package adds a one-touch sliding moonroof and automatic climate control. Birthday cake and colourful balloons are not, however, included.

Otherwise, the Corolla is offered in four trim levels: CE, LE, S, and LE ECO.

On CE, LE, and S, the Corolla features a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that develops 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. However, the LE ECO gets Valvematic continuously variable valve lift technology which makes it the most fuel-efficient variant of the lot. The upshot is it’s also the most powerful Corolla presently on sale with 140 hp, though torque drops slightly to 126 lb-ft.

Transmissions are varied. CE trims are offered with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic; both LE and LE ECO models feature Toyota's new CVT with intelligent shift; S models can be had with either the manual or the CVT.

In CE trim, features include 15-inch steel wheels, power heated mirrors, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with USB and auxiliary input, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, power locks and windows with driver's auto down, outside temperature gauge, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual vanity mirrors, map lights, remote trunk release, floor mats, LED headlights, body-colour door handles, and Bluetooth. Air conditioning is an option, but comes standard if the car is fitted with the four-speed automatic.

LE trim adds CVT transmission, 16-inch steel wheels, variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, heated front seats, premium fabric upholstery, fabric door trim, chrome interior door handles, air conditioning, six-speaker stereo system with 6.1-inch display and voice recognition, ECO indicator, rear-seat armrest, cruise control, keyless entry with trunk release, and a reverse camera. An upgrade package adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, moonroof, and fog lamps.

S trim replaces CVT transmission with six-speed manual and has the CVT with paddle shifters as an option. It also adds integrated mirror turn signals, sport front and rear fascias, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, fog lights, sport fabric seats with leatherette trim, simulated leather door trim, piano black instrument panel trim accent, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 3.5-inch TFT multi information display, and unique instrument cluster; removes ECO indicator. An Upgrade Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, climate control, and a moonroof. Technology Package builds on the Upgrade Package with satellite radio, navigation, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leatherette upholstery, proximity key with pushbutton start, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated compass. Also available are the aforementioned two Anniversary Special Editions.

LE ECO trim builds on the LE with the Valvematic motor, low-rolling resistance tires, automatic climate control, and a rear lip spoiler. The Technology package adds navigation, satellite radio, eight-way power driver’s seat, leatherette upholstery, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated compass, proximity key with push-button start, 16-inch alloy wheels, tire-pressure monitoring system, moonroof, chrome window trim, fog lamps, and automatic headlamps.