Toyota introduces new LE Eco grade with new 2014 Corolla; 42 mpg highway
27 August 2013
Toyota in introducing a new LE Eco grade with the updated MY 2014 Corolla compact sedan. The all new Corolla LE Eco trim level offers enhanced fuel economy due to a 140 hp (104 kW) Valvematic-equipped engine, improved aerodynamics, and unique CVTi-S (continuously variable transmission) tuning.
The Corolla LE Eco will offer an EPA rating of 42 mpgUS (5.6 l/100 km) on the highway (3 mpg better than the LE), 30 mpgUS (7.8 l/100 km) in the city and 35 mpgUS combined (6.7 l/100 km). The LE Eco is also certified to California LEV 3 standards.
The LE Eco enters the market at $18,700; entry price into the 2014 Corolla lineup is $16,800 for the L grade.
The 1.8-liter engine is a DOHC in-line 16-valve 4-cylinder, with Valvematic, aluminum alloy block and head; the 1.8-iter unit for the L/LE and S models uses Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The compression ratio in the LE Eco unit is slightly higher: 10.6:1, compared to 10.0:1 in the L/LE/S models.
The 140 hp output of the LE Eco is 8 hp above that of the L/LE/S, and at a higher rev point (6100 vs 6000). Peak torque is slightly less: 126 lb-ft @ 4000 vs 128 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm.
An excellent/fuel efficient car for the price?
Of course, it will be further improved in 4 or 5 years?
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 August 2013 at 08:41 AM
I think that you would be better off with the Chevy Cruze Eco. You would have a smaller more modern turbocharged engine with a chain driven cam and you would not have that continuously slipping, continuously wearing transmission.
Posted by: sd | 27 August 2013 at 08:00 PM
sd...it would be OK if you change every 3 or 4 years. A Corolla can last 15+ years.
Posted by: HarveyD | 28 August 2013 at 06:13 PM