Toyota has officially unveiled its 2009 Carolla and Matrix at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Earlier this year, Toyota released a teaser image of the next-generation Matrix, but has kept the new Carolla under wraps. General Motors will unveil the Matrix’s sister vehicle — the Pontiac Vibe — at an event in Detroit early next month. The models shown below are actually tuner concept versions of the new Corolla and Matrix, but show what the 2009 models will look like.
For 2009, Toyota will offer the Corolla in five different trim levels: Standard, LE, XLE, S and performance XRS model. Standard, LE and XLE models will be equipped with Toyota’s 1.8L Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine — rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque — and will return an EPA estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway. Transmission choices will include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.
Corolla S and XRS models will be equipped with a 158 horsepower version of Toyota’s 2.4L VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Although the sport models will give the Corolla a bit of added performance, the larger engine does affect the car’s thriftiness, dropping mileage to 22/30 city/highway. Corolla S and XRS customers will be able to choose from a five-speed manual or automatic. The sport models will also feature a unique body kit.
The 2009 Toyota Matrix will be available in three trim levels: Standard, S and XRS. The Matrix will mirror the Corolla’s engine choices, although any model — including the Standard — can be equipped with the 2.4L four. In Matrix guise, the 1.8L returns about 26/31 city/highway, with the 2.4L achieving ratings of 21/29. Also new for 2009 is an all-wheel drive option, which is only available on S models.
As with the Corolla, the S and XRS models add a bit of sportiness to the range. Sport models come with 17 inch wheels — 18s are optional — and will feature front and rear underbody spoilers. The XRS package also adds a rear deck spoiler.
Check back for more live images of the production models — including interior shots — as well as more details.
09/26, 10:26 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
Isn’t SEMA for modders?
09/26, 10:35 AM
posted by:
autonut
Corolla is introduced all over the world and looks like larger version of Yaris. After Civic intro Toyota scattered plans to bring that car to US making a brave decision and calling it too ugly to compete with Civic. Hence new models, but only for local(US) market and maybe by another moniker worldwide. How can you introduce new model after only 1 year in production on international arena? Hence SEMA.
09/26, 10:45 AM
posted by:
Commodore
We already know what the Corolla looks like, I am curious what the Matrix/Vibe will looks like
09/26, 11:52 AM
posted by:
jamaicandude
Aston Martin:
SEMA is for modders, but a lot of manufacturers always debut models @ the SEMA show… most times pre-production models given to tuners to tinker with in the weeks/months before the show. It’s just a marketing ploy, to show the tuning and customization potential of the car, in the hopes of attracting buyers to the respective brands.
09/26, 12:11 PM
posted by:
Bryce
I think that the Vibe would do well with a GM interior. Toyota interiors look so damn cheap. Throw in one of the Black Tie radios, a GM steering wheel with cruise control mounted ON the wheel, eliminate all the large black plastic buttons and the cheap headlight switch, throw in one of the auto-dimming mirros and add OnStar. That would at least mask the Toyota stench.
09/26, 12:17 PM
posted by:
sik59rt
this is one booth i wont be stopping at to see. they can get me there if they stuff 15 mexicans in the new Corolla.
09/26, 12:37 PM
posted by:
autonut
It is indians (from India) who are stuffed into Corolla. Mexicans are for VW. Please pass insults appropriately.
09/26, 1:18 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Will they slap an “L” on one and call it a “compact luxury sedan?”
Too any way better alternatives out there to care about the Corolla
09/26, 1:34 PM
posted by:
sik59rt
not here in NJ…in NJ Mexicans LOVE their Corollas with 11″ rims and coffee can mufflers…and 20 speakers running off of one amp or one radio mounted on a pieces of plywood.
09/26, 1:47 PM
posted by:
A4
well at least toyota realizes their key market for the IS-F… ricers.
09/26, 2:51 PM
posted by:
sik59rt
i cant wait to pull up next to a ISF with my truck’s new plates. IH8RICE
09/26, 4:10 PM
posted by:
shumpy
sweet.
these debuting at SEMA would be like someone walking around selling sleeping pills at a rave party..
lol..
09/26, 5:09 PM
posted by:
affliction
Even though the corolla isn’t anything to get excited about, you gotta give toyota credit for building a car for 14k yet it’s very reliable. I’ve seen lots of OLD A55 corollas out there still running strong.
09/26, 7:39 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I thought I saw a ’70s toyota last week. Was a datson 210.
where do you live affliction?
09/27, 12:53 AM
posted by:
younggun
could have sworn sema was for exciting cars that make actually want to buy and thus tune them. can’t say that feeling has ever been encountered when buying a corolla unless you’re talking about the lovely ae86 >_
09/27, 3:18 PM
posted by:
rompn4x
Ugly car so who cares
09/27, 4:02 PM
posted by:
meanpants555
It’s a ghost. The Matrix is pretending to be a ghost, that’s kind of funny.
09/27, 4:14 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
I haven’t seen the new Corolla. I know they had a design but they rethought the design bc they didn’t feel they could compete with the new Honda Civic.
It’s ashame that the domestics cant come up with a good entry level car. They could have stolen some sales from Toyota. The current corolla was introduced in 2000! Hyundai jumped all over the opportunity with the Elantra
09/27, 4:18 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
sik59rt
Nice comments. How do you drive with the hood on your head lol
09/27, 6:21 PM
posted by:
///m
should be an interesting car if they want to compete with the honda civic which in my eyes is waayyy ahead of the competition in that segment. nissan didnt even seem to try cause the sentra is fugly…
09/27, 6:43 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Nobody will go to see this worthless car anyway, so stop wasting time Toy Ota.
09/27, 9:30 PM
posted by:
Commodore
1115
Cobalt has done a decent job holding whatever marketshare GM had in that segment until the Astra arrives. Also, Ford is bringing the next generation EURO focus to America so that will probably be a sales success (judging by the Focus’s performance in Europe).
Until then, the Civic Si is the only car in that segment I would consider (aside from the Cobalt SS)
09/27, 10:25 PM
posted by:
tbay
RAV4 and Highlander are uninspiring, I don’t hold much hope for the Matrix. If Ford brings over the KUGA the battle in this segment will be fun to watch.
09/28, 6:21 AM
posted by:
Get Real
Has that UGLY euro-trash people saver hood.
09/28, 8:06 AM
posted by:
autonut
tbay, you are correct RAV4 & Highlander are uninspiring to enthusiast who can afford to drive Lotus Elise, however at least quarter of million families in US buy those light SUVs every year. Toyota is basically leader in this segment. Just FYI Lotus Elise in USA is powered by Toyota engine (tranny is from Toyota as well).
09/28, 1:00 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
tripleonefluffer: I’m tired of this crap. i’ll just say “you’re wrong” and leave it at that.
I’m Iago here.
09/29, 2:36 PM
posted by:
BLISS
CAR IN DISGUISE………I WOULD LOVE TO SEE.