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The small economy sedan is alive and well in America. It lives in the form of the all-new 1998 Toyota Corolla, a four-door that has been redesigned so it’s faster, lighter, more powerful, more fuel-efficient, handles better and is quieter than its predecessor.

As long as you are going to build a new car, you’ve covered virtually all the bases with that criteria. And as Toyota’s best-selling compact, the company’s engineers have improved every key area.

It’s a little hard to know just where to start in describing the ’98 model. Maybe from the ground up is best, with the new sedan giving promise of being the best Corolla yet.

With exterior dimensions smaller than some two-seater sports cars, this four-door offers lively performance courtesy of a new aluminum dual overhead cam engine, a five-speed manual gearbox, and 2,414 pounds of weight that lets the heavy-footed contingent play road racer with considerable verve.

Available in three trim levels, VE, CE, and top-of-the-line LE, you are dealing with a front-drive that stands on 97 inches of wheelbase and has 174 inches of overall length. That qualifies for a compact sedan category, and all the variables such as interior room, comfortable ride and the like that go with it.

The VE with a five-speed probably is the quickest, because all three models have the same engine, a 1.8-liter (109.4 cubic inches), 16-valve four-cylinder that is rated at 120 horsepower, and the VE is the lightest.

The 120 horsepower is 15 more horses than the previous Corolla. Torque also is improved over the predecessor, 122 foot-pounds, a gain of 5 foot-pounds.

That 120 horsepower comes from 109-cubic inches, which represents some pretty fair output. If you were to transfer this horsepower-per-cubic-inch ratio to a big V-8 you would have a flying machine, and probably one that would pass everything but a gas station.

However, the performance of the ’98 Corolla is not accomplished at the expense of fuel economy. Mileage is improved approximately 10 percent over the ’97 model, with the five-speed versions being rated at 31 miles per gallon city/38 mpg highway.

Corolla is in an unusual position in that it offers three transmission options instead of the customary five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. There is an optional three-speed automatic available with the VE and CE models.

The five-speed is standard across the line, with the four-speed automatic being offered only in LE model form. The four-speed drops the fuel mileage just slightly, nothing to get excited about. It’s still 28 mpg city/36 highway.

Stylewise, the new Corolla is sort of a matter of form following function. The lines conform to an aerodynamic design that dictates a low front end and high rear deck.

Designers implemented a flush-surface design that lowers the height variance between the glass and pillars along the doors. This characteristic, along with minimized flush-mounted mouldings, improves the sedan’s aerodynamics and reduc es wind noise.

In addition, a redesigned rear door opening makes the car easier to enter and exit. And an 8.4-inch increase in width to the trunk opening makes loading luggage and other cargo items easier.

One of the prime objectives of a sedan is to transport occupants in as comfortable and convenient a manner as possible. In this light, an all-new interior has been developed with emphasis on comfort, quietness and convenience.

With an interior that is user friendly, controls are within convenient reach and seats are easily adjusted. There even are such mundane items as cup holders that can hold larger cups, a glove box that is three times larger than the previous generation Corolla, and a cup holder for rear seat passengers.

Front seating is state-of-the-art, with a center console dividing two individual seats. A tachometer is available with an optional Touring package.

The Corolla may be an economy-type automobile, but it still offers a number of accessory items that are s tandard or optional depending on the model. Some features like power windows and locks, cruise, and tilt and slide sunroof are not available on the entry level VE.

In providing affordable transportation, the ’98 Corolla starts out at about $13,000 and rises through the CE and LE levels. Toyota says it’s more car than it’s ever offered, and will take a dominating position in its class.”