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.
