Toyota Launched the 2009 Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. In 1997, the Corolla was recognized to be the best selling car model in the world, with over 30 million sold as of 2007. The name Corolla is Latin for “small crown”. It follows the Toyotas naming tradition of using the name Crown for their cars.

The tenth-generation Toyota Corolla was launched for the 2009 model year. The 2009 Corolla is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 8 trims, ranging from the Base 5-Spd MT to the XRS 5-Spd AT.

“The Base 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 132-horsepower engine that achieves 27-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The XRS 5-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 158 - horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” The new Corolla has made many improvements to its power train, auto parts and chassis.

It’s evident that the new design has not evolved much from the old ones. One thing is sure that the new car's exterior is improved, only not as impressive as most of the competitors.

The exterior features 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.

Its interior is described as roomy, comfortable seats, simple, and has logically placed controls.

The drivers’ seat is extremely soft and comfortable with lower-back support as well as more thigh support.

All models will be equipped with a heavy
duty rear window defogger, a satellite-ready AM/FM/CD audio system with
MP3/WMA capability, auxiliary audio input jack, tilt and telescopic steering
wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.

Safety features 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. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on
all models of the Corolla, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard on
the XRS.

According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com the 2008 model received very good scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. So even though the 2009 Corolla has not yet been crash tested we all can rely on its road safety because all safety features for the 2008 is also featured for the 2009, only improved.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.