corolla

10th generation of one of the world’s most popular cars. The Corolla name plate has been with us since 1966 with around 30 million cars built since then.

This current version, which was unveiled in 2008 after initial predictions of a 2007 launch, aims to make up ground which Toyota has loss to the Korean manufacturers. There’s likely to be a hybrid version and maybe even a diesel to go along with the 1.8-litre petrol powerplant. Different bodies will include a hatchback and wagon.

From these sketches it’s clear that styling will be heavily influenced by cars such as the Yaris and Avensis.

For the American version of the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota has brought in the usual add-ons like DVD navigation with satellite traffic reports, Bluetooth® phone connections, audio input jack, and leather-wrapped steering wheels with audio controls. Toyota also supplemented the brand new 1.8 liter engine with a new-to-Corolla 2.4 liter powerplant boasting 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both are available with a five-speed manual transmission; the 1.8 has an optional four-speed automatic while the 2.4 has an optional five-speed automatic. Japanese models, and presumably those aimed at many export markets, get a 1.5 liter base engine with 108 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque instead of the 2.4 liter Camry motor.

The Standard, LE and XLE models have a new 1.8-liter engine with 16 valves, dual cams, and dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for both intake and exhaust); it produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, similar to the prior model, so we’d expect the change in design is to reduce assembly costs and increase gas mileage — which, according to tough 2008 standards, is 27/35 mpg (with or without automatic). The 2009 Corolla will start at US$15,910, in the Standard trim; the XRS will start at US$20,610 (including destination charges). The Matrix runs around $900 more.

The Corolla now looks less generic (perhaps Mazda-like) and sportier than in the past, with the Corolla S looking particularly aggressive - and further differentiated from its brethren. From the outside, it is hard to believe this is the same Corolla that many know and love. From the inside, many old-Corolla characteristics remain, though it's clear that some cost-cutting has taken place, perhaps to make way for the expense of a bigger interior. The climate controls feel cheap, and switch blanks are used in too many places. The white-on-black gauges and dashboard don't look sporty, unlike the exterior, but the 140 mph speedometer is overkill. Seats are moderately stiff but not uncomfortable, and there is plenty of space for driver and passenger, with good all-around visibility.