For 2011 Toyota Corolla received a mild update in form of a subtle facelift, tweaked interior design, addition of standard Smart Stop Technology, and two new colors. All models of the 2011 Toyota Corolla, which comes in three Base, LE and S grades, are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, featuring VVT-i with 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque.

The car can be had with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) on the base Toyota Corolla, while the LE model features the four-speed automatic standard. The 1.8-liter engine on the Corolla S transmits power through the five-speed manual transmission or the four-speed automatic.

Fuel economy for this powertrain is rated at 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with the five-speed manual transmission, and 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the four-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Corolla is fitted as standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

All Toyota Corolla models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Seatbelt pretensioners retract the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision, and the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied to the passenger’s chest. Front seats integrate active headrests.

Toyota Corolla is widely known as a car with one of the most boring and dull drives in the world! But that means it’s very comfortable and relaxing to drive, specially if you get the automatic gearbox. This smooth ride is mostly due to the suspension geometry.

Front suspension is composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar. The Corolla’s torsion beam rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock arrangement that allows efficient packaging and excellent ride comfort. Brakes consist of 10.7-inch vented discs up front for all models and nine-inch drums in the rear. An electric power-assist steering system uses a compact motor, speed reducer and torque sensor built into the steering column.

As for the equipments, all models feature a standard all-weather package. The base 2011 Corolla feature standard kit including 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; P195/65 R15 tires; a color-keyed front grille and exterior door handles; a heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling; air conditioning with pollen filter; intermittent windshield wipers; daytime running lights; black folding power mirrors that are larger for improved rear visibility; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; multi-information display with outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat; four-way adjustable front passenger seat; 60/40 split folding rear seats and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.

Then there’s the LE grade, which adds ariable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle; color-keyed power heated outside mirrors; AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling; cruise control; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, trunk release, panic and remote illuminated entry; power windows with driver side auto down; tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with metallic accents and audio controls; and power door locks with shift-activated automatic locking feature.

And finally the S, which is supposed to be the sporty version and  comes with 6-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tires; multi-reflector halogen headlamps with black housing; color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, sport side rocker panels, unique S badge and rear mudguards; color-keyed rear spoiler, integrated fog lamps; front sport seats; chrome-tipped exhaust; an new tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio controls; chrome exhaust tip; sport fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat; metallic style interior trim and analog sport instrumentation.

As for the options, Toyota Corolla LE and S grades offer a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade; and an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM® Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The Corolla LE offers a Premium Package that includes 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires; integrated fog lamps; power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade; AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM® Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Toyota offers a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty for this car.