Toyota West

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Walk Around

Toyota is not immune to humans getting bigger and desiring more space, so the new Corolla is bigger than the outgoing version, and from a distance with no size reference handy, you're forgiven if you think it's a Camry. The light housings are the most similar, driven by both styling heritage and modern safety standards, the shoulders over the wheel openings are more pronounced, and the roofline as it drops behind the rear door is more formal. However, it's immediately recognizable as a Toyota, and from behind as a Corolla.

Messing with success is difficult, so after selling more than 30 million Corollas around the world Toyota kept the update conservative. Buyers who seek more edge in styling without giving up the economy and reliability reputation will drift to the Toyota Matrix or over to Scion. Others will appreciate the simple lines. Those same simple lines help keep collision repair prices from extremes, which means lower insurance rates.

Both the S and XRS receive different lower nose and tail sections, the area around the fog lamps bearing a distant similarity to the Lexus IS, and trunk spoilers. It's a look that works better on the XRS by virtue of its larger wheels. It also works best on darker colors because the added panels appear more integrated. Fit and finish both appear to a high level for such an inexpensive car.

The basis for the Corolla also forms the base of the Matrix, and the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The Corolla is within a few inches of most of its competitors, the Mistubishi Lancer being among the longer and the Honda Civic amongst the shorter. Nissan Sentra is noticeably taller and bigger, but the Nissan Versa is as likely to face off against lesser-priced Corolla models.

Interior

2009 Toyota Corolla

With such a large audience, the 2009 Toyota Corolla skips the fringes and focuses on a pleasant interior designed more to offend no one than to excite just a few. Hop in and everything seems rental car simple without the all-too-frequent guilt that comes from not popping for an upgrade from this week's special. As one example, the cloth upholstery appears two-tone at first between bolsters and cushions, but it's just an illusion caused by the texturing.

Materials and patterns are understated, speaking to the practical side without ignoring basic needs for tactile comfort, and they vary appropriately by model. The wood grain trim on the XLE adds warmth not often seen in compacts and helps break up color monotony. We're surprised that the leather upholstery option, available on the S and XRS models with their sport seats, is not offered on the XLE, especially since some competitors like Honda's Civic do. On the other hand, the other trims aren't subject to glare reflections that the faux wood is.

A conventional dash frames speed and engine revs with fuel and ancillary data, the XLE and XRS employing electroluminescent Optitron gauges popularized by Lexus for utmost clarity. Controls used often are on the tilt/telescoping steering column stalks, with others on dash and center stack. Basic three-ring climate controls bring the desired temperature and you can add a high-capacity heater with rear-seat ducts if you live north of the 49th parallel.

Navigation is available but with two caveats: First, you can not get the top-of-the-line JBL sound system in conjunction with it, and second, it lacks voice recognition and Bluetooth to help keep pricing in line with the Corolla's economy-oriented mission. On cars so equipped, especially with a manual transmission, the sliding top console will be appreciated on long drives.

Front-seat headroom is down slightly over previous versions but you won't hit your head and virtually every other usable dimension is bigger. Front seats mix comfort and ease of entry and egress nicely, though the sporting models' heavier bolsters will be appreciated by anyone not shopping at the big 'n tall store. The rear seat is apropos for the class and the floor is flat except for a small incline to the back of the console; the split fold puts the narrow section behind the driver so you can carry long objects and still put two riders behind the passenger.

Outward visibility from the driver's seat is quite good, the narrow pillars paying dividends in lane-change over-the-shoulder glances. A low dashboard and windshield base mean beginning drivers who may not yet be full height won't have any trouble, although they will join most drivers in having a hard time seeing where the front ends.

Storage spaces are well thought-out, even to details like a cord slot so your personal electronics connection doesn't get pinched.

A remote trunk release opens trunk lid, which springs from the top of the bumper and bisects the taillights for a wider loading space. Space of 12.3 cubic foot is about average and isn't hindered by black boxes and big speakers hanging down under the back window. A temporary-use spare is under the floor.

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