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: The XRS model returns to the Toyota Corolla line for 2009, but this time it has the torquey 2.4-liter engine from the Scion tC instead of the peaky 1.8-liter from the old Celica GT-S.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: In addition to its bigger engine, the Corolla XRS has 17-inch wheels and 215/45R17 tires.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: Here you can see the strut tower brace that's standard for all XRS models.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: If you just want the look of the XRS, the 2009 Toyota Corolla S has all the same cosmetic adornments, but none of the go-faster hardware.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: A rear spoiler is standard on the Corolla S.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: Toyota says the base 1.8-liter engine is all-new this year, and it features variable timing on both its intake and exhaust valves.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: Perforated black-leather upholstery is optional for the Corolla S interior.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: Intended for more mature buyers, the high-line Toyota Corolla XLE has a clean profile reminiscent of the current Camry and Volkswagen Jetta.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: In keeping with its mission, the XLE has no extraneous styling elements in back.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: High-quality velour upholstery and rather attractive faux wood grace the cabin of the 2009 Toyota Corolla XLE.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

: A nice, deep bench and a near flat floor make the Corolla's rear seat adult-friendly. A 60/40-split-folding seatback is standard.
Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

2009 Toyota Corolla

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What is it?
2009 Toyota Corolla

What's special about it?
Nearly 400,000 people will buy a Toyota Corolla before 2007 is over. About one-quarter of these buyers are in their 60s; almost as many are in their 20s. Despite the huge age gap between these groups, they share one primary reason for buying a Corolla: reliability.

So it shouldn't surprise you that the 2009 Toyota Corolla, which will usher in the 10th generation of the company's top worldwide seller when it arrives at dealers in February 2008, is a conservative successor to what was already a conservative compact sedan.

It rides on the same 102.4-inch wheelbase as the ninth-gen Corolla and is only 0.4-inch longer overall. A 2.5-inch-wider body gives this Corolla a slightly more substantial look, as does its mini-Camry styling. It also translates to extra shoulder room in the cabin.

In an effort to reach out to younger buyers while maintaining the status quo for Corolla lifers, Toyota will offer its compact sedan with two different engines in five trim levels.

For the budget-minded, there's the standard Corolla, decently equipped with air-conditioning, an audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, ABS and side airbags. A full 25 percent of buyers will take the base car.

The volume seller at 43 percent will continue to be the Toyota Corolla LE, which has full power accessories and a slightly longer options list. About 20 percent of sales will be the popular S model, which returns with a blacked-out grille, foglights and sport seats. Then there's a new, upscale XLE model with electroluminescent gauges and faux wood trim.

Just 2 percent of buyers are expected to ante up for the top-of-the-line XRS model, but from an enthusiast's perspective, this is certainly the most interesting member of the 2009 Toyota Corolla family.

All other trim levels, you see, come with a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque; you choose whether you want a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. With the XRS, though, you get Toyota's 2.4-liter engine, good for 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. In addition to a five-speed manual gearbox, you have access to a more modern five-speed automatic.

Under full throttle, the difference between these two engines amounts to a couple of seconds. Whereas Toyota's internal estimates show a 10.4-second 0-60-mph time for an automatic-equipped Corolla with the 1.8-liter engine, an automatic XRS model should need just 8.8 seconds to reach 60 mph (or 8.1 seconds with the manual). Unfortunately, there's also a significant trade-off in fuel economy. A Corolla with the 1.8-liter carries an impressive EPA rating of 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. With the 2.4-liter, you're looking at a 22 mpg/30 mpg rating with the automatic and 22 mpg/29 mpg with the manual.

Stability control is a new feature this year. It's standard on the XRS and optional on other 2009 Toyota Corollas. Also new is an optional navigation system capable of displaying XM-based real-time traffic.

What's Edmunds' take?
As expected, Toyota plays it safe with the Corolla redesign, and the new sedan will undoubtedly satisfy consumers seeking a refined and fuel-efficient small car — just like every Corolla before it. — Erin Riches