We compare three top compact cars
The Toyota Corolla is the best selling small sedan, but will its redesign be enough to keep it on top?
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan is one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide, nearing 40 million units sold since its debut in 1966.
Now entering its 11th generation, the Corolla has seen some significant styling changes and added a new, more fuel-efficient variant for 2014.
Though the 2013 Corolla is getting long in the tooth, it's still been crushing the competition: So far this year in the United States, 2013 Corolla sales are at 132,514, while the Honda Civic is 128,980 and the Ford Focus trails at 111,641.
But with the Honda Civic and Ford Focus getting alternative fuel powertrains, fresh in-vehicle technology and cutting-edge designs, Toyota knew the Corolla needed a redesign to stay in the game. Let's take a look at how the new 2014 Toyota Corolla compares to the Honda Civic and Ford Focus.
2014 Toyota Corolla
The lightweight champion of the world, the Corolla is Toyota's second-best-selling U.S. nameplate behind the Camry.
Design
The 2014 Corolla features a fully updated exterior design. The four-door sedan sports more athletic proportions with a wider and lower stance. The front end is changed to reflect the brand's new styling theme introduced on the larger Avalon sedan, while the rear end is tapered and adds LED taillights.
The Corolla is also lower and wider than the previous generation, with a 4-inch longer wheelbase.
The Toyota Matrix is the hatchback version of the Corolla, but there is a strong possibility it will not be renewed for the U.S. when the new Corolla goes on sale this fall.
Powertrain
The 2014 Corolla offers two 1.8-liter four cylinder engines, including a 132-hp version for the L, LE and S trims.
The new LE Eco trim is rated at 140 hp, and makes use of Toyota's Valvematic variable-valve timing and lift system. It increases horsepower and fuel economy by at least 5 percent.
The base L models can be equipped with a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, while the other three trims are equipped with a CVT.
The 2014 model hasn't been officially EPA fuel-economy rated, but the 2013 Corolla returned 27 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg with the five-speed manual, and 26 city/34 highway/29 combined with the four-speed automatic.
Standard features
All new Corolla models feature Bluetooth, a pollen filter and power-operated features such as locks and windows. Basic models don't contain too much else, but we like that Corolla offers Bluetooth standard.
What's new
Exterior and interior design, an LE Eco Trim with a more efficient engine and aerodynamic kit and a quieter interior through the use of acoustic glass and noise-cancelling materials.
Pricing
Base price: N/A; the 2013 model base price is $17,025 including destination charges, and if the 2014 model stays the same the Corolla could be the best value in our comparison.
Trims include base L, LE, sporty S and new LE Eco grade.
2013 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has maintained a strong following since its introduction to the U.S. in the 1970s, but had to be quickly redone for 2013 to address criticisms of a cost-cutting 2012 redesign.
Design
Available as a sedan, coupe, aerodynamically enhanced Civic HF or performance-oriented Civic Si, Honda's compact appeals to a broad list of buyers.
For 2013, the Civic takes on more of an Accord look, with premium design elements such as chrome trim and stretched LED headlights. The interior was updated for 2013 with stitched vinyl, an update to the 2012 redesign's stripped down, plastic-laden cabin.
Powertrain
The Civic has the best range of powerplants in our comparison. A re-engineered 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 140 hp is the standard mill. It can be mated to a five-speed automatic (28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg), or a five-speed manual (28 city/36 highway/ 31 combined).
There's also the performance-oriented Civic Si model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 201 hp (22 city/31 highway/25 combined mpg), a compressed natural gas (CNG) option that uses a variant of the 1.8-liter engine (27 city/38 highway/31 combined mpg) and the Civic Hybrid that is powered by a 1.5-liter engine with a 20 kW motor, coupled to a CVT (44 city/44 highway/44 combined mpg).
Standard features
Standard features include a multi-information display, EcoAssist driver feedback system and vehicle stability assist.
What's new
Now in its 10th generation, the 2013 Civic has a refined design, increased fuel economy and added optional convenience features.
Pricing
Base price: $18,955 including destination charges
Trims include LX, EX and EX-L.
2014 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus sports the most tech-laden interior of the bunch along with a modern exterior design intended to appeal to younger drivers. It comes at a price though: a fully loaded Ford Focus can cost up to $26,000.
Design
The Ford Focus can be had in sedan or hatchback variants and an aerodynamic Super Fuel Efficient (SFE) model. We think it's the best looking of the bunch with a modern exterior design and premium interior with high-end materials and plenty of technology.
Powertrain
Ford offers a 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injected four-cylinder engine rated at 160 hp. It can be mated to a five-speed manual (26 city/36 highway/30 combined mpg) or a six-speed automatic (27 city/38 highway/31 combined mpg).
A Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package maximizes fuel economy with an aerodynamic kit, returning 28 city/40 highway/33 combined mpg.
The performance-based Focus ST has a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual rated at 252 hp. It returns 23 city/32 highway/26 combined mpg.
Finally, the all-electric Focus Electric is powered by a 107-kilowatt electric motor paired with a one-speed automatic, with a mpg equivalent rating of 110 city/99 highway/105 mpge.
Standard features
Electronic stability control, six airbags and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.
What's new
The Ford Focus was last updated in 2012, improving overall performance and the addition of high-end features.
Pricing
Base price: $17,105 including destination charges
Trims include S sedan, SE, SE Sport, Titanium sedan and hatchback.
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