2014 Toyota Corolla adds a bit of automotive flair

While car enthusiasts want their vehicles to drive fast, handle with precision and deliver exuberant performance, most drivers consider their cars to be little more than a major household appliance with four tires -- one that consumes gas, devours oil and requires a vast amount of money each month for financing, insurance and maintenance.

To them, excitement comes from a car that lasts a decade without muss, fuss or bother. In other words, vehicles that deliver an exceptionally unexceptional experience.

This is how Toyota has sold more than 40 million Corollas. It is the Corolla's raison d'être. So it came as a surprise when Toyota unveiled the amazingly hip Furia concept car at auto shows last year. The revelation implied that a bold new Corolla was coming.

Now that the 2014 Corolla has arrived, fans of the nameplate will be happy to know that, Furia's styling influence aside, the Corolla is the same as it ever it was, if with a bit more life and styling that is inoffensively more dynamic.

The success of its newfound style comes from the Corolla's significantly larger size. Its wheelbase has increased 3.9 inches when compared with the 2013 model's, while overall length is up by 2.6 inches. This pays big dividends in the rear seat, where legroom has increased by 5.1 inches, better than some midsize sedans. Meanwhile, front-seat passengers get an extra half-inch of legroom and cargo space increases by almost 1 cubic foot.

The new interior is a notable improvement, but it still trails its American rivals in overall quality. That said, the infotainment system was easy to use, which is rare.

Most models get a 1.8-liter, double-overhead cam four-cylinder engine that produces a reasonable 132 horsepower -- enough grunt to perform with a livelier feel than last year. Fuel economy ranges between 27 and 30 mpg in city driving, and between 36 and 42 mpg on the highway.

The Corolla's handling is improved, although it's still not as sporting as a Ford Focus or Mazda3. And not only is the Corolla comfortable, it's quiet as well. Road, wind and tire noise are held mostly at bay, even if engine noise is noticeable at high revs.

Add it up, and it seems a remarkable, if unexciting, value, starting at a budget-friendly $16,800.

To its legion of followers, the arrival of a new Corolla, one that's more stylish, significantly roomier and a tad more powerful, is enough to get pulses racing. No, it's not for those seeking small-car thrills. Instead, it's aimed at those who appreciate its dependable, practical nature.

2014 TOYOTA COROLLA

Base price: $16,800

Price as tested: $22,870

Engine: 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder

Power: 132 horsepower

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length: 183.1 inches

Weight: 2,865 pounds

Cargo space: 13 cubic feet

EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 29/37 mpg

Bottom line: Improved, with a dash of style