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The philosopher Santayana once said that those who forget history are destined to repeat it. For Toyota, that's not necessarily bad news. When a fuel shortage in the 1970's forced Americans to abandon their big cars, a new subcompact called the Corolla gained legions of devotees. Three decades later, the Corolla remains a fixture on the American highway. While styling and engineering have evolved over the years, the basic formula remains the same: affordable, reliable, and not half bad to look at.
This year, Toyota rolls out its tenth-generation Corolla. The subcompact sedan comes in five grades, the XRS being the sportiest of the bunch. At its heart is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine: the larger of two available blocks. A standard five-speed manual transmission has a large overdrive gear to maximize gas mileage when power demands are low.
Base price on the test car is $18,760, not including a $660 destination charge. Options include an all-weather package ($150), navigation system and audio upgrade ($1,490), leather trim ($1300), power windows with keyless entry ($635), power moonroof ($890) and floor mats ($199).
Though the new Corolla rides on the same wheelbase as the outgoing model, it's slightly longer and lower for a more aerodynamic profile. Wraparound headlamps and taillamps soften the corners of the sedan. The front and rear pillars are more angled to produce an aerodynamic profile with a more favorable coefficient of drag.
A body kit on the XRS grade adds rocker moldings, and front and rear spoilers. The XRS rides on seventeen-inch alloy wheels: an upgrade from sixteen-inch steel wheels on the base model. Other performance enhancements include a strut tower brace for better torsional stiffness, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, and vehicle stability control.
The 2.4 liter engine on the XRS produces 28 more horsepower than the base model. The difference in performance is quite noticeable since the engine also develops peak torque at lower speeds.
While the XRS can't match the fuel economy of the base model, thirty miles per gallon on the highway is nothing to sneeze at. Engineers used variable valve timing to maximize power and gas mileage. When power demands are low, the valves close sooner to save gas. When the driver drops the hammer, the valves stay open longer to make the engine breathe better.
A standard balance shaft eliminates the vibration that is the bane of small engines. Since the 2.4-liter block is a low compression engine, it runs just fine on 87 octane gas. Revised electronic controls help the car reach operating temperatures faster, improving gas mileage and reducing toxic emissions.
The manual gearbox gives the driver more control over engine power: the clutch pedal is light enough to be practical in dense traffic. Visibility around the car is excellent. I appreciate the fact that the C pillar is narrow: it doesn't obstruct rear visibility as the thick rear pillars on so many new cars do.
Four-wheel disc brakes stop the car quickly and evenly on wet and snow-covered roads. Since the base Corolla comes with rear drums, it's worth considering the upgrade for anyone living in climates where rain and snow are common occurrences.
Though it's not as spacious as the larger Camry, the Corolla has plenty of room for four adults. Small adults will be more comfortable in the second-row seats where head and legroom are limited. Leather trim dresses up the car's interior, and includes front seat heaters for the cold weather.
The touchscreen navigation system includes an audio upgrade that adds satellite radio capability. I'd recommend an aftermarket GPS system for anyone not interested in the audio upgrade: the aftermarket products have enough functions to satisfy most drivers' needs, and are a lot less expensive. A twelve-volt power point at the base of the center stack recharges electronic devices.
The tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows smaller drivers to maintain a safe distance from the front airbag. Redundant audio controls minimize driver distraction. Air conditioning controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position.
There are plenty of bins and cubbies up front for holding small electronic devices, and enough cupholders to meet the needs of thirsty endurance athletes. All four doors have map pockets and bottle holders. A two piece glovebox adds an extra covered space for extra paperwork or small electronic devices. A two piece bin in the center console holds smaller items on top, and compact discs below.
Both halves of the second-row seats fold flat to extend the trunk. Releasing the seatbacks is an easy operation: the release buttons are behind the seatbacks in the trunk. Designers thoughtfully placed the release levers at the trunk opening, so people of all heights can reach them. Four tie-down hooks on the trunk floor secure larger items.
Though it's possible to fit a bike in the extended trunk with the front wheel removed, those who regularly travel with bicycles should consider the Matrix: a five door hatchback that shares the same chassis. The cargo area is taller than the sedan's, and the tie-down system better designed for large, heavy items.
The Corolla XRS comes with standard front, side and side curtain airbags, active headrests and a tire pressure monitoring system. Four-channel antilock brakes and vehicle stability control help drivers to maintain directional control on wet, icy or uneven roads.
The Corolla is produced at Toyota's NUMMI plant in Fremont, California.
Likes: A fuel-efficient subcompact sedan with sporty performance, a well-appointed interior and a high level of standard safety. The pass-through extends the cargo floor, making it possible to carry a bicycle inside the car.
Dislikes: Floor mats and power windows should be standard on a car in this price range.
Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla XRS
Year: 2009
Base price: $18,760
As tested: $24,084
Horsepower: 158 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 162 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 22/30 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $660 delivery charge.
Join us every Tuesday as Nina Russin reviews the year's hottest rides.
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