“Don’t tamper with a best-seller,” seems to be the mantra at Toyota where the Corolla is concerned and this can clearly be seen in the latest 2009 version of this car.
For years consumers have looked to the Toyota Corolla for the best combination of fuel economy, safety and interior room for the price and the latest release religiously sticks to that identity.
There is no mistaking the Corolla signature in the design, handling and features of this new model. Admittedly it is a tad larger and a little more comfortable to drive than previous models but if truth be told there is nothing really new to speak of. This may not be necessarily a bad thing for the hordes of faithful Corolla fans that have grown to expect a certain character.
This crowd will certainly not be disappointed by the 2009 Toyota Corolla. From the base LE to the sporty-looking XRS there are 5 different trim levels. All are powered by Toyota’s 1.8L dual WT-I four cylinder engine. This engine boasts of 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft torque. However the S and XRS 2009 models can come with a 158 horsepower 2.4 WT-I four cylinder engine and a five speed manual or automatic transmission for those who want more power under their hood.
On closer scrutiny, it emerges that the new Corolla has a body that is a wee bit longer and wider despite having the same 102.4-in wheelbase of earlier models. The outcome is that the feel is not that of a small car. Indeed there is enough room to comfortably accommodate four adults and a child. Other new features include the rear seats having a 60/40 split allowing you to carry longer objects, a DVD navigation system, vehicle stability control to improve control in unusually adverse situations and an XM satellite radio for real time traffic information.
The final verdict here is that those who were expecting a Honda Civic fighter will be disappointed but Toyota Corolla fans will love this 2009 offering for sure.
