The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla was launched for the 2009 model year. It features a redesigned exterior and revampted interior. For 2009, Toyota will offer the Corolla in five different trim levels: Standard, LE, XLE, S and performance XRS model. Standard, LE and XLE models will be equipped with Toyota’s 1.8L Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine – rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque – and will return an EPA estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway. Transmission choices will include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.
Corolla S and XRS models will be equipped with a 158 horsepower version of Toyota’s 2.4L VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Although the sport models will give the Corolla a bit of added performance, the larger engine does affect the car’s thriftiness, dropping mileage to 22/30 city/highway. Corolla S and XRS customers will be able to choose from a five-speed manual or automatic. The sport models will also feature a unique body kit.
Safety
Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags.
Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant’s head.
Toyota’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and an off switch is available.
Standard features
The all-new Corolla will come with a long list of standard performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and 60/40 split folding rear seats.
The sporty S grade will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.
Options
Optional comfort and utility features include AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Additional options on select grades include JBL Audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth, Navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability and XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capable with six speakers, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, tilt and slide moonroof, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch.
- 1.8L DOHC SFI 16-valve VVT-i 4-cyl engine
- 5-speed manual transmission w/OD
- Front wheel drive
- Independent MacPherson strut front suspension
- Torsion beam rear suspension
- Front & rear stabilizer bars
- Electronic pwr steering
- Front disc/rear drum brakes
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes w/brake assist & electronic brake force distribution
- 15″ steel wheels w/full wheel covers
- P195/65R15 tires
- Temporary spare tire
- Blackout sport grille
- Multi-reflector halogen headlamps
- Daytime running lamps
- Pwr mirrors
- Intermittent wiper
- Color-keyed door handles
- 4-way front cloth bucket seats
- Driver seat height adjustment
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Center console-inc: side pockets, storage
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Instrumentation-inc: tachometer, twin tripmeters, outside temp indicator
- Direct tire pressure monitor
- Digital clock
- (4) cup holders
- Remote trunk release
- Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
- AM/FM stereo w/CD player-inc: MP3 capability, satellite radio capability, auxiliary audio input, auto sound leveling, (4) speakers
- Air conditioning w/air filtration
- HD rear window defogger
- Front & rear door pockets w/bottle holder
- Dual glove compartments
- (2) 12V auxiliary pwr outlets
- Trunk lamp
- City 26/hwy 35 (1.8L engine/5-speed manual trans)
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes w/brake assist & electronic brake force distribution
- Dual front airbags
- Front seat-mounted side airbags
- Front & rear side curtain airbags
- ALR/ELR 3-point front & rear seatbelts w/front adjustable shoulder belt anchors, pretensioners, force limiters
- Child restraint system w/LATCH anchors
- Child protector rear door locks
- Internal trunk release
- Front seat active headrests
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Side-impact door beams
- Daytime running lamps
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes w/brake assist & electronic brake force distribution
- Dual front airbags
- Front seat-mounted side airbags
- Front & rear side curtain airbags
- ALR/ELR 3-point front & rear seatbelts w/front adjustable shoulder belt anchors, pretensioners, force limiters
- Child restraint system w/LATCH anchors
- Child protector rear door locks
- Internal trunk release
- Front seat active headrests
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Side-impact door beams
- Daytime running lamps
Based on a number of conversations we have had with consumers, many are not attracted to a car that is capable of laying down big black tracks in the street.
They may not need one that has a turbo, or one where the driver can recite on demand the horsepower of the engine. And, they think pounds-feet of torque are something their teenage son should exert in his Saturday chores.
While we had fun with the recent Rolls-Royce and love Corvettes and the Lotus, we realize that there are folks out there that just want to get to work, run some errands and not stop at the gas station or the repair shop very often.
Toyota Motor Corp. realizes that too and now offers the redesigned 2009 Corolla. Truth be told, it is a nifty way to get around. (See slide show.)
It is a little bigger than the previous model and felt solid and comfortable in our weeklong test. As long-term readers know, we love cars that do not require an all-night tutorial program to change the interior temperature or the radio station.
The Corolla is all that. Sit down and, if you have ever driven before, you will recognize all of the controls. It was easy for us to get comfortable with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and the seats that not only go back and forth but up and down. You can get a navigation system in your 2009 Corolla, but our test car did not have that option.
All of the key controls are within easy reach, the lone exception being the outside mirror controls that are buried to the left and below the steering column.
Our test car had a cheery interior that was well constructed, but with a good amount of hard plastic and a roof liner that felt very much like cardboard. None of that is unusual in a sub-$20,000 car. Two adults could fit in the back for short to medium distances, with headroom a bit tight for someone 6′ or over. A neat twin cup holder folds out of the back center console and there is room for bigger bottles in the back door storage area.
Out on the interstates, the Corolla was a quiet ride with wind noise well controlled, and road noise that was less than we would expect at this price level.
Under the hood of our test car was the standard 1.8-liter I4 that cranks out 132 horsepower. With the standard 4-speed automatic, the Corolla carried an EPA rating of 27-35 miles per gallon. We got 25 miles per gallon in mostly parkway and interstate driving.
The Corolla felt nimble and easy to handle in heavy city driving, and was more than able to keep up with interstate traffic that often cruises at 70 or above on I-95. Just remember that quick acceleration is not its thing: zero to 60 in about 8.5 seconds.
Instead, slam the door shut and hear a solid thunk. And know that when the odometer hits six figures this little tank will still be chugging along with just routine maintenance.
With cruise control, a remote keyless entry, and vehicle stability control as the major options, our test car would sell for a reasonable $18,453.
We would have no hesitation recommending the new Corolla to anyone — well, maybe not Carroll Shelby!
Hmm, add a little turbo to that nice smooth four, some work tightening up the suspension, and bigger tires and…
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