If offering a 4-speed transmission is a cost-saving move, then i don't really understand it. How keeping manufacturing such outdated technology just for one model could be even cost efficient? Unless Toyota still supplies other models with the same transmission. Whatever the reason, it's simply unacceptable. Makes you think who's the dummy that approves this for production.

 

FFS even a base Kia Rio has 6AT!! Putting 4AT in a new-generation car is plain insulting and utterly unacceptable no matter the trim level. This is the US of A, not some third-world country Toyota!

 

Amazingly a 3-spd WAS the base trans as recently as the early 2000s. The real strippo versions of the Corolla/Prizm had a 1.6L/3-spd while the higher spec models bumped up to 1.8L/4-spd. Has to be the last 3-spd sold in the USA.....

 

4spd? This will help their competition sell more cars.

 

They've must taken notes from Honda. Offer less for more!

 

Does Honda sell any model with a 4 speed auto still?

 

They have a 5 speed auto in a "luxury" badged ILX and TSX. Its called "pulling a Honda" since they have the worst transmission offerings from anyone. Toyota should be ashamed putting a 4 speed again in the Corolla.

 

Nope. At least in the US. The Fit has a 5 speed, worldwide. A CVT is available in other markets.

It's sad, I actually was expecting a leap to a 6 speed for the new Corolla. A very reasonable expectation when even a $15K Hyundai Accent comes with one.

 

I really REALLY hope that 4-speed rumor is false. I will enleash a HUGE amount of hate at Toyota dealerships and to Toyota corporate if they stick with a 4 speed for the new Corolla. I don't care what the reasoning would be, but it would simply be UNACCEPTABLE.

6 speed should be the MINIMUM, and maybe have a few trims get a CVT.

As for the Valvematic rumor, I really REALLY hope it's true! Valvematic is LONG overdue for Toyota in North America.

 

Make sure you record it all on video and put it on youtube.

 

i dont get why if it is a "problem" if 7-speed CVT is optional and 6 speed manual is base?

 

Chrysler installed a three-speed automatic in the Neon until 2001. That too was critically derided, yet sold quite well none-the-less. The Versa 1.6S is still available with a four-speed automatic. The CVT is available on higher trim levels.

 

For all we know the 4-speed auto will only be on the Base model car, with everything else getting a CVT or 6MT. A 4-speed automatic can be either just fine or horrific all depending on how well the 4 gears are matched to the engine and its powerband. I had a Corolla for a rental a few years ago and was so impressed with how it drove that I had to pop the hood to see if it wasn't really the 2.4L engine in there. Nope it was the base 1.8. A Dodge Avenger rental I had in the past year or two though, omfg.... that car drove terribly. Its 4 gears were way too wide and long, and completely mis-matched to that peaky engine. It was pathetic and you seriously had to floor it to make even basic maneuvers. Only the rental fleet base Avengers got that transmission though. The mid to upper trim ones that real people actually buy all got 6-speed automatics. I'm sure it drove better with that, but it was pure crap with the 4-speed. GM 3800 Series II/III powered cars back when they made those, combined with the 4T65E Hydramatic 4-speed auto was always a beautiful combination - drove wonderfully.

Anyways, yeah it'll look really bad on paper if they intro the new Corolla with a 4-speed, base trim or not. It's 2014 not 2004 or 1994, and the market and everybody else has moved on from 4-speeds.

 

 

< already looks miles away from the cool concept pics, still can't wait to see it though.