Toyota Corolla 09

Toyota Corolla 09: Toyota's redesigned Corolla is a little bit like the healthy-fare part of a dining establishment food selection: Theoretically, its qualities should attract plenty of left-brained buyers, but like the overcooked tilapia you're always stuck forking through, its total allure is missing out on something. If small cars attracted only on prudent sensibilities, this Corolla can have risen to the top-- and also, without a doubt, with climbing gas costs, it still might. Considered that today's ideal tiny cars take care of to ignite both sides of the mind, however, Toyota's latest entry underwhelms.

The Corolla can be found in Requirement, LE and also XLE trim levels; most consist of an automatic transmission. Go here to see a comparison with the 2008 version. A sportier version is supplied in S or XRS trims, while the upgraded Toyota Matrix as well as Pontiac Ambiance work as hatchback offshoots. I drove a Corolla XLE.


Toyota Corolla 09


How it Moves

The majority of trim degrees, consisting of the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I've generally found to be the norm amongst compact cars, the Corolla's accelerator responds with a light touch, giving the engine an excited feeling around town. Highway acceleration is less energised, where the Corolla's four-speed automatic comes to be something of a liability, particularly if you're carrying passengers. Prompting the transmission to kick down from 4th to third takes a collective prod on the gas, as well as increasing from 30 to 50 mph occasionally needs second gear-- as well as quite a bit of engine noise-- to obtain up to speed. The Honda Civic, which we had in the Cars.com fleet the week prior to the Corolla, has a five-speed automated, and its drivetrain really feels decidedly much more up to the task of high-speed passing away.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Corolla XRS. Below's how both engines contrast:

Though I really did not drive the Corolla XRS, I have actually driven that engine in the new Matrix, and also it's an extremely versatile powertrain. Its gas mileage penalty is significant, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automatic, as compared to 27/35 mpg with the 1.8-liter engine and either transmission. The gas mileage figures for the base engine are specifically remarkable:

Anti-skid brakes are conventional, though all trims however the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my examination car appeared a little bit mushy, especially compared with the stopping feedback from four-wheel-disc automobiles like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rainfall, and also he discovered in one circumstances that ABS started prematurely as well as led to an unsettling side lurch as the auto came to a stop.

Suspension hardware includes an independent front and semi-independent, torsion beam of light rear-- again, inferior to rivals with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Specific Matrixes have an independent back suspension, but even the Corolla XRS sticks with the torsion light beam; a Toyota representative claimed that's because the Matrix is an inherently sportier auto.) Freeway trip top quality is acceptable, with limited wind and road noise, however otherwise the Corolla conveys a sloppy driving experience. Strike an expansion joint while rounding an offramp, and also the wheels shimmy sideways dramatically. The steering wheel has a comfy on-center feeling, yet it transforms with a numb, distant feeling, as well as hard edges evoke lots of body roll.

The Civic and Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, seem extra precise in all three regards. The Corolla XRS could prove sharper, too-- it has a quicker guiding proportion and a suspension-stiffening strut-tower support, so if you're searching for much better handling, it's most likely worth having a look at. Note that the XRS has a disappointing 36.3-foot turning circle, while various other trims make it in 35.6 feet. The last number is affordable with the Civic and Sentra, though it sheds to the Elantra (33.9 feet) and Lancer (32.8 ).

Just how it Looks

The Corolla's newest expression, which Toyota says it established with the help of design workshops in Italy, seems a lot more hostile compared to that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular headlights and an impression in the grille for Toyota's logo make it just like the larger Camry, while the tail recalls the outbound Corolla's. It's an orderly appearance that takes few dangers, and also I question it will certainly discover many fans or critics.

Tires range from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. The Corolla S and XRS add haze lights, bumper extensions and a rear spoiler, raising the styling mercury to someplace around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You can decide whether that's an advantage.

The Inside

For the most part, the Corolla's cabin appears affably neat-- the two-tone dashboard in my test automobile had regular, otherwise impressive, high quality, and whatever from the facility regulates to the evaluates seemed tailored for straightforward functionality. The turn indicator and also home window switches run with exactly fitted movements, and though a lot of plastics are difficult to the touch, general fit and coating is reputable. Storage areas are plentiful, with two piled handwear cover areas, a sufficient center console and even tiny pockets flanking the center controls.

I'm unsure mere cleanliness cuts it, however. The Civic's cabin elevates control precision to one more realm-- the Corolla's A/C dials really feel clumsy in contrast-- as well as the Elantra flaunts soft-touch products and upscale features. The Lancer and also Emphasis opt for braked with indoor designing. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems typical-- dumbed-down, also-- and that may not be an area Toyota could afford to be.

Front-seat headroom suffices, though my test cars and truck had no moonroof, which would certainly eliminate regarding an inch of overhanging area. The cloth seats were the subject of much dispute at Cars.com: I discovered the upholstery comfy as well as well brushed, yet editors Mike Hanley and also David Thomas believed it was dated and low-grade. The motorist's seat changes won little favor-- a height-adjustment jack is standard, yet the seat has restricted rear activity for taller chauffeurs.

Probably that's a good idea; if the pole positions took a trip any farther back, rear legroom would become untenable. As it stands, legroom and headroom in back are simply sufficient for grownups. Kudos to Toyota for keeping the flooring in between the rear seats hump-free, which means a 5th guest could in fact be able to tolerate a short trip in the center seat there.

Trunk volume totals 12.3 cubic feet, which is at the reduced end of this sector. Here's just how indoor quantity compares:

Security

The 2009 Corolla earned the greatest rating, Great, in frontal accident tests from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Safety And Security. IIHS has actually not yet examined the vehicle for side-impacts. The Corolla's 6 standard air bags consist of side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain air bags for both rows. Active front head restraints and antilock brakes are also basic; a number of competitors make ABDOMINAL optional.

Grip control and an electronic security system run as a $250 plan on all trims however the XRS, where they're conventional. The option is well worth the cost, given that numerous rivals book security control for higher trim levels or do not supply it in all. The outward bound Corolla billed $650 for the function. Toyota states it's installed on just 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, however, so it could take some browsing to locate one with it.

Functions & Prices

Without the location charge, the Corolla begins at $15,250. Basic features consist of a/c, power mirrors as well as a CD stereo with a complementary jack. Note that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Successor, Toyota's brother or sister nameplate, provides.

The Corolla LE adds power home windows and locks, while the XLE obtains phony wood trim, backlit assesses as well as keyless entry-- a $245 alternative on the LE that actually should be standard. Both the LE and XLE consist of an automatic transmission. The S and also XRS sporting activity different exterior add-ons, along with sportier seats as well as a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Both designs revert to hands-on door locks and home windows, however-- especially frustrating for the XRS, which sets you back more than the better-equipped XLE. Power accessories, warmed leather seats, a moonroof and also a navigating system are optional.

Lots an XRS to the handle, and the sticker shows up simply shy of $25,000. All told, the Corolla does not flaunt quite as much value for the money as some of its rivals do. Take a look at exactly how a comfortably geared up model contrasts:

Corolla out there

Gas gas mileage and safety credentials lend the Corolla lots of book allure, as well as if the car's 40-year background is any type of sign, the current version must confirm as trustworthy as the sunrise. Disallowing any type of top quality snafus-- a substantial unknown, taking into consideration the latest Camry V-6's performance history-- these aspects could be enough to drive the Corolla's success.

As a compact vehicle that appeals all fronts, nonetheless, the Corolla disappoints. It's the type of option born out of your inner sense of duty-- a solid choice, probably, for parents looking for their teen vehicle driver. The problem for Toyota is that a great deal of rivals have actually taken care of to package textbook sensibilities with engaging styling as well as fun-to-drive charm. Evaluated versus these rivals, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.