2009-2012 Toyota Corolla (see 2009 Matrix)

2009 Toyota Corolla XLE review
2018 Toyota Corolla

For the American version of the 2009 Corolla, Toyota brought in the usual add-ons like satellite navigation, with traffic reports, wireless phone connections, auxiliary audio, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Buyers could also move up to the Camry’s 2.4 liter powerplant, boasting 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both were available with a five-speed manual transmission; the 1.8 had an optional four-speed automatic while the 2.4 had an optional five-speed automatic. Some markets had a thrifty 1.5 liter base engine with 108 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque instead of the Camry motor. See the 2018 Corolla or continue reading...

2009 toyota corolla

The new 1.8-liter engine had 16 valves, dual cams, and dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for both intake and exhaust); it produced 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, similar to the prior motor, but had been redesigned for lower costs and higher gas mileage — which was 27/35 mpg (with or without automatic). The 2009 Corolla started at $15,910; the XRS started at $20,610 (including destination charges). The Matrix ran around $900 more.

engine with VVT

The Corolla S looked particularly aggressive, and better differentiated from its brethren. From the outside, it is hard to believe this is the same Corolla; from the inside, many old-Corolla characteristics remain, despite some cost-cutting. The climate controls felt cheap, and switch blanks are used in too many places. Seats were moderately stiff but not uncomfortable, and there was plenty of space for driver and passenger, with good all-around visibility.

The 2.4 liter twin-cam engine, retuned for the Corolla XRS, returned gas mileage of around 22/30 mpg; it produced more “usable performance” for the average driver than the old rev-happy 1.8 liter XRS model.

2.4 liter corolla - matrix engine

While the 2009 Corolla kept the same headroom, legroom, and shoulder room as the 2007, it felt larger. Easy-to-reach storage spaces included center console side pockets, a storage box above the usual glove box, a console box with a large main tray and a smaller accessory tray, an overhead console for sunglasses or garage-door openers, and a rear-seat center armrest with an integral drink holder.

2009 corolla

The wide, low profile was created to make the Corolla seem sportier. The bottom of the A-pillar was moved forward and the bottom of the C-pillar aft, increasing the angle of the window glass and improving the Corolla’s aerodynamic performance. A standard body kit on S and XRS included a front underbody spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and engine undercovers.

Safety features included front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags, with active front-seat headrests — in a rear collision, a cable-actuated mechanism moved the headrest upward and forward to limit head movement. Anti-lock braking was standard, while stability and traction control were optional.

Corolla S interior

All 2009 Corollas had a rear window defogger, satellite-capable AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, filtered air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and more.

Mistic wrote: “In Europe, Toyota has introduced the Auris, a follow-up-model for the Corolla, to take on hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Civic Type R; it will have a 2.2 liter VVTI-Twin Turbo-version with optional flap-paddles.”

The S had P205/55R16 tires with wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers. The XRS added a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.

Options include an AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Other options included JBL Audio, six-disc CD changer with eight speakers, navigation, CD with MP3/WMA playback capability, and satellite radio with traffic, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, and a tilt and slide moonroof..

2009 Corolla XLE

The Australians got a version close (if not identical) to the Japanese car in both sedan and hatchback form, but restricted to the 1.8 liter dual VVT-i engine. In other parts of the world, the Corolla may be sold as the Auris; or Toyota may take advantage of the “world’s favorite car” status and move it to the Corolla name.

Tenth-Generation Japanese Toyota Corolla (only sold in Japan)

2008 corolla fielder wagon

Body notes: 2009 Corolla

New Toyota four-cylinder engine and CVT

 
(cc)
Peak
Horsepower

Torque
(lb-ft)

Mileage*
(km/l)
mpg*
2ZR-FE 1,797 134 @ 6,000 129 @ 4400 17.2 40.5
1NZ-FE 1,496 108 @ 6,000 103 @ 4400 18.2 43

* Figures for Corolla Axio (front-wheel-drive model with Super CVT-i) under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.

Safety and Environmental Performance - 2009 Toyota Corolla

2007 toyota corolla interior

Welcabs: Specially equipped with for disabled people (not available in the US)

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