Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Corolla LE with Moonroof Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$21495

Performance: There are 2 powertrains available in the new Corolla. The garden-variety models are powered by its proven 1.8 liter 16-valve DOHC with dual VVT-i, while the sporting XRS is powered by a 2.4 liter with 156hp and 162 lb/ft of torque. Because our tester is a luxuriously loaded LE, which is classified as a mainstay instead of sporting model in Corolla profile. It has that tried-and-true 1.8 liter underneath the bonnet. Despite of its dual VVT-i technology, it only provides 132 horses and 128 lb/ft of torque. Both in seat-of-the-pants and on paper are nothing spectacular consider most of its rivals have at least 20 more ponies. The luxuriously-packaged LE only comes with 4-speed automatic gearbox. This gearbox always seems to be hunting for the right gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd because of the spaced out gear ratios. This Corolla desperately needs a 5-speed auto gearbox to better match with this motor. Its also unacceptable in 21st century when all of its competitions are standard with 5-speed. To add forst on the snow, its over 2800 lb curb weight doesn’t help neither! If you are looking for the entry-level CE or the sporty-looking S, you are better off with the 5-speed manual gearbox because its better use of the engine. Its hard to hit the sweetspot with the slushmatic, nor the gearbox has the proper work ethics to keep it working smoothly. Both of those are what we are always expected in a Toyota. When it comes to refinement, this engine is up to Toyota’s usual standards. That means refined and smooth for most of the time, except when its time to push the automatic gearbox around.

Handling: Corolla’s ride and handling compromise have been tuned to those who prefer the right mix in the appliance world. The ride quality is very comfortable, which means absorb most of the patholes and roughness with ease. The electric power steering is completely devoid of driving feel. As with most Toyotas, its chassis feels detached while isolated. On the other hand, it handles confidently with the reassuring driving qualities that Corolla’s target audience always wanted. There are plenty of understeer and body rolls. We are a bit disappointed that Vehicle Dynamic Control only standard on the sporting XRS. Toyota should make it standard on its most popular models.

Brakes: With standard front discs/rear drums and standard ABS, Corolla’s pedal feel is much better than expected. The stopping distance is short and modulation is a surprise even on a rainy day.

Interior: Despite of those leather seats and wood trim, Toyota have drastically cut corners with latest Corolla’s interior. The door panels are all one-piece cheap hard plastic. Another obvious area is the glovebox covers. The center console is well layout with knobs for climate control and stereo, despite some of the switchgears aren’t as well put together as its predecessor. The climate control knobs feel more cracky than its outgoing car’s tactical feel. The leather quality also feels thin and grain not supple enough. However, its not without merits. Everything else is extremely user-friendly and logically placed. You can even wear gloves to use all the controls.

When it comes to interior space, latest Corolla isn’t as spacious as previous car. The overall spaciousness have taken a backseat to its forebears nor its peers.

The cargo space is well layout with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats even with high liftover. The biggest surprise is Toyota actually put carpeting on top of the trunk with all those corner cutting.

Conclusion: Its hard to replace a car that is no longer consider a benchmark in the small car segment. But Toyota is still be able to continue the tradition of keep refining the world’s favourite car on each iteration. Unfortunately, given Corolla’s reputation as an affordable small car with top-notch use of materials, Toyota’s latest corner cutting will certainly laid down lots of controversies for years to come.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Toyota Corolla
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5