2014 Toyota Corolla to start under $17,000

Toyota announced the price structure for the restyled 2014 Corolla, and the base price for the L model with a six-speed manual transmission falls at $16,800 -- about $600 more than the 2013 five-speed L model.

Substituting a four-speed automatic transmission bumps the starting price to $17,400.

The new Corolla goes on sale next month and features a redesigned power train along with its "edgier" look.

The 2014 Corolla's standard features including LED lowbeam headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, and eight airbags on the base model, while the LE model, starting at $18,300, adds a backup monitor, keyless entry, an Entune Audio system, and climate control.

Available models include base L, LE, S and the new LE Eco trim. A revised version of the 2013's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on L, LE and S trim levels.

The LE Eco, starting at $19,510, uses a modified version of the same engine to deliver greater efficiency and return 42 mpg on the highway.

In a statement, Toyota said the new LE Eco specs would give the model "the best highway fuel economy in the class for a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission," excluding electric vehicles, hybrids and diesels.

For those wanting a sportier car the Corolla S model starts at $19,000, and available options include a leather steering wheel cover, paddle shifters, an "aggressive" lower front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an "ornate" piano black instrument panel.