Automobile Blog

Toyota corolla 2009

Toyota is now Introducing the all-new 2009 Toyota Corolla. Designed for those who want more out of life, the Corolla comes loaded with features that will make your CPA curious what tax bracket you are really in. Corolla has always been a car that doesn’t call attention to itself, which, on the plus side, means no complaints, no criticisms and no fuss. Just boat loads of customers who, year after year, return for more.

But people will likely be taking more notice of the new Corolla that showcases more of just about everything, starting from available content and more optional horsepower, all wrapped in a more spacious package. Compact doesn’t appear so compact anymore, both in terms of size and the list price of the loaded-to-the-hilt models.

Driving impressions are similar to what we found in the Matrix, with the XRS standing out as the drivers’ choice, thanks to a better-tuned suspension and electronic power steering, as well as four-wheel disc brakes. Unlike the Matrix, all Corollas use a torsion-beam rear suspension design rather than independent double wishbone; the Matrix XRS is the way to go if you are looking for the most driving fun.

At the bottom of the ladder is the “Standard” array, which should appeal to the budget-minded of both groups. While hardly a luxury car—with crank windows and manual locks—the base Corolla features such good stuff as a telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, and an exterior temp gauge.

More significantly, perhaps, are the Corolla’s six standard airbags, ABS, and available stability control (on all trims), which bring the humble sedan into the realm of safety once reserved for family and luxury cars. From there, the LE and XLE trims will continue to appease the conservative, older set, with power accessories and other comfort items, as well as a lengthy options list that now includes a navigation system.

Consider Toyota’s estimated 0-to-60-mph times: 10.3 seconds for the 1.8-liter with four-speed automatic, under 10 seconds for the 1.8 with a five-speed manual, and 8.8 seconds for the big 2.4-liter four with five-speed automatic. Both of these smooth, modestly powered engines are new to the Corolla. The 2.4-liter, which is the Camry’s standard four, comes only with the XRS package, which features sport seats, leather-trimmed shift knob, some blackout trim, a tailpipe diffuser and finisher, spoilers, and rocker cladding.

The XRS’s automatic is a five-speed, while the 1.8s get only a four-speed autobox-possibly the only reason to buy this car with a 2.4. The extra cog isn’t enough to make up for a five-mpg city and highway EPA fuel-mileage deficiency though, comparing 2.4-automatic with 1.8-automatic. The 1.8-liter Corollas come in base (roll-up windows standard!), LE (the volume model), XLE, and S trim.

All test Corollas at the introduction drive had automatics, save a single S with a five-speed manual. The S comes with the same front spoiler, rocker moldings, and rear spoilers as the XRS, and mostly because of that five-speed stick, proved more fun than the 2.4. Base and LE run on P195/65R15s, the XLE and S have P215/45R16s, and the XRS P215/45R17s.