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Toyota's Corolla has offered great mileage in an affordable package ever since it was introduced to the U.S. in 1968. The 2009 Corolla continues that legacy with an all-new, contemporary design and impressive economy.
"Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, the 2009 Corolla continues to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "In style and substance, the tenth-generation Corolla has a strong, new identity, all its own."
The 2009 Corolla offers a lean shape developed by Toyota Design in collaboration with styling studios in Turin, Italy. It has increased interior and luggage room, new chassis and suspension, and a more powerful yet economical engine.
The Standard, LE and XLE models are equipped with an all-new 1.8-liter engine. The 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine has Dual Variable Valve Timing. It produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Corolla models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine get an estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27/35 mpg.
Toyota offers a 2.4-liter engine for drivers who crave a bit more horsepower and torque. It is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 16-valve DOHC engine with VVT-i produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 22/30 mpg.
The 2.4-liter engine is paired with standard five-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic transmissions.
The rear suspension system employs a coil-over-shock arrangement with a newly developed torsion beam. The improvements give the 2009 Corolla stable handling and outstanding ride comfort.
The 2009 Corolla's interior was designed for comfort and convenience. Standard equipment includes a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XMÆ satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and 60/40 split folding rear seats.
A variety of easy-to-reach storage spaces add convenience to the 2009 Corolla's interior. These include a storage box above the usual glove box, door pockets that can safely hold 20-ounce bottles, an overhead console useful for storage of sunglasses or garage-door openers and a rear-seat center armrest with drink holder.
Map lights are supplied for both driver and front passenger. Toyota offers an electrochromic rear-view mirror that automatically lowers the reflectivity of the mirror surface if it detects bright conditions. Other options include remote keyless entry and power moon roof.
For drivers who want the latest technology, Bluetooth and voice-recognition switches may be added to the steering wheel. They also can get an integrated GPS navigation system, which features a large screen placed snugly into the dashboard.
The Corolla XRS and XLE models offer a multi-information display featured that shows current fuel mileage, clock, outside temperature gauge, average fuel mileage and fuel consumption gauges, current driving range, average speed and elapsed time.
Safety features on the 2009 Corolla 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. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant's head.
Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System is standard on all grades of the Corolla. A tire sensor illuminates a warning light when air pressure drops to a hazardous level.
Toyota offers a 36-month/36,000 mile new-vehicle limited warranty, which applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Maita Toyota offers sales, parts, repair, and service for Northern California and the Greater Sacramento area including Roseville, Elk Grove, Woodland, Davis, Auburn and Folsom.
Content provided by Sensible DriverSM, the e-magazine for people who care about their cars.SM
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