• The Car

• Seat Plan & Seats

• Dash & Controls

• Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

• What's Changed

• Features

• Our Opinion

• Other Opinions

• Mechanical

• Safety

• Data

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

The Car

The Car

It might be Corolla in name, but the appearance of the ninth generation Corolla indicates just how broad a brush Toyota has applied to the small car's nature. Adopting a European look, the Corolla uses a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a tall roof to maximise interior space while keeping the exterior as compact as possible. There are visual cues to the Echo mini car with large, angular headlights and a steeply sloping bonnet, while the rounded rump on the hatch bears more than a passing resemblance to the Audi A3. Chief engineer Takeshi Yoshida said his goal was to create a compact car with presence, advanced character and universal appeal.

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan

Corolla Ultima sedan seats five people, providing each with a three-point seatbelt and head restraint. Dual front and seat-mounted side airbags are provided, along with pretensioning and force-limiting seatbelts with sash height adjustment for the front occupants. Storage solutions include a tall, two-layer console box with fabric-covered lid and a separate lidded console box capable of holding up to 14 compact discs. Door bins, twin seatback pockets and a large glovebox also come into play.

Seats

Toyota claims the ninth generation Corolla improves in seat comfort, safety and style. The front seat design has been completely revised and now has varying firmness in the sides of the seatback pads and cushions to improve seat fit. The seatback design incorporates four supportive S-shaped springs designed to hold the occupant's hips and back, and therefore enhance comfort. The front seats have 240mm of fore/aft slide and a recline function that travels through two degrees for each of 25 steps. The driver's seat height adjuster has a range of 45mm. No lumbar adjustment is provided.

Dash & Controls

Dash & Controls

Dash

A flow-down from the prestigious Lexus brand is evident with the Corolla Ultima's use of backlit instruments, which offer superb visibility in all driving conditions. Central to the instrument cluster is a large speedometer (to 240km/h), with a tachometer (6500rpm redline) and fuel and temperature gauges in supporting roles. A small LCD strip at the bottom of the speedo arc shows the odometer and contains twin trip meters. The dash itself uses a two-tone colour scheme with the top portion constructed from soft-to-touch plastic. Control knobs and switches across the dash and down the centre stack have been enlarged for greater ease of operation.

Controls

There are no controls on the steering wheel of this range-topping Corolla, and there is no cruise control. But, for the main part, a large number of conveniences are provided - within simple reach of the driver. The steering wheel and driver's seat are height adjustable, electric mirror switchgear includes driver's auto up/down, remote fuel cap and boot levers are provided in the driver's footwell and the windscreen wipers include a variable intermittent function. Electric mirror adjustment is made via a control pad on the right-hand side of the dash.

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres

Corolla Ultima uses 15 x 6J alloy wheels with a six-spoke pattern and 195/60R15 Michelin energy tyres. This is the largest standard-fit wheel and tyre combination available on Corolla and is spread across the range with the exception of Ascent, which uses 14 x 5.5J wheels on 175/70R14 tyres. A full-size alloy spare is located underneath the boot floor along with tools and jack.

Luggage

The Corolla sedan's boot capacity has increased 20 litres to 437 litres overall with a 70mm increase in the depth of the boot. Boot access is gained via an internal remote release or the keyhole in the bootlid - there is no release button on the keypad or a rear handle. The bootlid uses hinges rather than space-saving struts and no luggage tie-downs or storage facilities for small items are provided. The sedan's rear bench seat has a 60/40 split-fold to increase boot length from 920mm to about 1730mm (depending on where the front seat is positioned), however the seat base does not fold, making a flat load space impossible.

What's Changed

What's Changed

A mere glance at the ninth generation Corolla at once shows that Toyota has made some radical changes to the stance and appearance of the popular small car, and improvements in interior space. The changes, though, go much further than improved packaging. The engine is a new 100kW VVT-i unit, the rear suspension is now a space and weight-saving torsion beam configuration and safety goes up a notch with improved body rigidity, braking performance and the inclusion of side airbags.

Features

Features

Stand Out Features

At this premium end of the new generation Corolla range, the Ultima leaves an impression with its lavish interior - plush seat trim, backlit instruments and an effective use of plastic timber-look panelling on the steering wheel and transmission lever - as well as its improved packaging. Boot space is particularly generous. While the 100kW engine does indeed take performance to another level, the result is one best described as acceptable rather than sparkling.

Climate Control

Air-conditioning is standard equipment on Corolla Conquest, Levin and Ultima grades. The overall HVAC system has improved markedly over its predecessor with greater capacities, increased efficiency ratings and reduced noise among the benefits. The new system includes side defroster nozzles to de-fog the side windows; a long butterfly door to enhance efficiency and operational ease of directing airflow; a lighter and more compact air-conditioning compressor; a semi-centre type HVAC unit to increase front passenger room; and snap-in units in each HVAC link to improve recyclability. Large rotary dials for the major controls make adjustment a simple process.

Sound System

Corolla uses dedicated audio systems for each model grade, plus the option of satellite navigation (as pictured here) on Ultima as a factory option. When sat-nav is specified, the controls are incorporated into the main AXV (audio-visual with external navigation processor) head unit and use a combination of buttons and knobs around the main screen and touch-screen controls. The standard Ultima stereo unit is a three-in-one (AM/FM radio, cassette, CD) system with a six-CD in-dash multi-changer. There are four main speakers and two front tweeters.

Satellite Navigation

In a first for small non-luxury cars in Australia, Corolla Ultima has a touch-screen DVD-based satellite navigation system available as a factory-fit option, with other models offering it as a dealer-fit accessory. The system replaces the standard audio for a head unit operating the radio/cassette, single-CD, fold-down 6.5-inch screen and touch-screen menu selection. It features a points-of-interest library, a user-friendly route preview function as well as a dual-map function that can provide both a route overview and a close-up of the turns. Additional destinations can be added to the route at any time while the vehicle is stationary. The driver can pre-program up to 106 locations.

Security

Corolla Ultima has a number of convenience-cum-security features including (one-stage) remote central locking, an illuminated ignition key lock, driver's window automatic up/down and automatic interior light illumination when unlocking the doors via the remote keypad. Furthermore, an engine immobiliser, door-ajar warning and security-coded radio are provided.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Upscale interior decoration, voluminous boot, four airbags fitted standard, reassuring braking performance

We Don't Like:

Unremarkable engine performance, no standard cruise control, distracting noise levels, dash rattle in test car

No other car has had quite the same influence as Corolla, with more than 750,000 delivered to Australian homes before this all-new ninth generation - and more than 29 million sold throughout the world. But how times have changed. Once the all-conquering constructor in the Australian small-car segment, Toyota has come under enormous pressure from a number of fronts, most notably Holden with its outstanding European-built Astra.

While Corolla held down the number one spot in 2001 with more than 30,000 cars rolling out of showrooms, that number was lineball with the previous 12 months. Holden, on the other hand, increased its Astra sales in the order of 10,000 cars to end the year a mere 1850 short of the "world's biggest selling car".

Corolla is still breaking records of its own, of course. And it is still the one to beat. But has it got what it takes to keep its nose in front? Yes. That nose might look as if it's been punched in, such is the radical appearance of the tall, "cab forward" new generation car. Yet significant improvements across the board have emerged in a line-up comprising no less than 18 models across sedan, five-door hatch (Seca) and, for the first time since 1994, wagon body styles.

At the top rung is the Ultima, which brings quasi-Lexus ambience with hints of chrome throughout the cockpit, "timber" panelling, plush seating, leather on the steering wheel and T-bar, and an appealing two-tone colour treatment across the dash and doors. There are some high-grade - and quite startling - features, too, such as fabulously clear backlit instruments, optional satellite navigation and a strong quartet of disc brakes with a supporting cast of acronyms: ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (brake assist). In a Corolla? You must pay handsomely for the privilege - and even then the dollars fail to bring cruise control, climate control, a trip computer, rear maplights and, on the hatch variant, a centre-rear lap-sash seatbelt. But add to this four airbags, fog lights, alloy wheels, 100kW engine performance, a six-speaker/six-disc CD stereo and mandatories such as air-conditioning, remote central locking and electric windows/mirrors, and it all starts to add up.

Claims about significant improvements in crash performance cannot be discounted either, nor can the fact that the decidedly un-Lexus-like shape brings an impressive amount of space for bodies and bags. Resting on a Celica-derived 2600mm wheelbase (up 135mm), Gen IX offers excellent comfort and abundant clearance in the critical areas - head, legs, shoulders and feet - for two adults, whether up front or across the 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The boot, too, is now a generous size with a wide (1060mm) aperture leading to a deep (920mm) and wide (up to 1500mm) luggage area. A full-size spare wheel lies under the floor, though we hasten to mention that practical aspects in other respects are in short supply. We had hoped for a boot handle or a boot-release button on the remote keypad, space-saving boot lid struts, luggage tie-down hooks, storage bins and a flip-up rear seatbase to provide a flat floor when the seatback is folded. We were, it seems, a little optimistic. Driver's seat lumbar adjustment, steering-mounted audio controls, an electric aerial and steering wheel reach adjustment are also nowhere to be seen, though in other respects the driver is quite well catered for. High-mounted, upright seats help with egress and exit, and in providing a fine view of the road ahead, while good seat travel and steering wheel and seat height adjustment should enable most drivers to find a natural position behind the wheel. A driver's footrest, right-hand indicator stalk, well-positioned temperature controls and variable intermittent windscreen wipers are included. While the accurate and informative sat-nav unit (which includes the stereo) becomes a breeze to use after a breaking-in period, it can demand an uncomfortable lean forward for adjustment.

As we alluded to earlier, engine performance has improved with a new 1.8-litre VVT-i engine - a retuned version of the unit first seen in the MR2 sports car - lifting power 18 per cent to 100kW at 6000rpm and torque 11 per cent to 171Nm at 4200rpm. Furthermore, a weight loss program has helped even the fulsome (1185kg) Ultima achieve a power to weight ratio of 84kW per tonne. It all bodes well for a cracking drive but on the road performance is acceptable rather than sparkling. Though the engine is smooth and turns the car into quite a strong little sprinter, it requires a large dose of revs - and determination to keep it in a lower gear - to reach its full potential. Ultima owners, we suspect, will not be inclined to do such a thing and left in drive around town, where it will spend most of its time, the sedan rewards with lean fuel consumption, low emissions (it meets the stringent Californian LEV parameters) and adequate pulling power. What becomes apparent, however, is that despite its smooth and decisive nature, the tall-geared auto takes the edge off the engine. While good response is achieved with revs piled high, the associated noise tends to send the driver back to a more sedate level. 

Unbecoming noise emanates from other areas, too: tyres across coarse-chip bitumen, wind whistling across the front pillar at freeway speeds. A dash rattle also emerged on our test car. For all that, the new Corolla (now with a torsion beam rear suspension) remains confident in its handling - a fair amount of pushing is needed before understeer and wheelspin arise - and composed and comfortable in its ride, though stuttering over a series of small bumps is a factor to contend with. Kickback can rise up through the tiller during corners but it does not detract from the crisp, reactive steering. And at 9.8 metres, the turning circle is excellent.

While this particular model will not get Toyota off the hook in the sales race, it is without doubt the one that most embodies the new spirit to be found within this popular little car. Safe and dependable motoring will still be the clinchers for many people, particularly those with more than $30,000 to spend. But more room, features and a touch of class are sure to bring the swinging voters back for a closer look.

Other Opinions

Other Opinions

Wheels: "Styling is pretty radical for a Corolla but generally a purveyor of current trends"

The Age: "Improved performance hasn't come at the cost of fuel efficiency"

The Australian: "Marked improvement over its predecessor"

Mechanical

Mechanical

Plan Views

Like most small Japanese vehicles, Corolla is a front-wheel drive car with a transversely mounted inline four-cylinder - a formula that presents the best packaging solutions in a small vehicle. This wasn't always the case, however - prior to 1985 Corollas were rear-drive.

Engine

All Corolla models are powered by a new 1.8-litre, VVT-i, four-cylinder engine that produces 100kW at 6000rpm and 171Nm of torque at 4200rpm. Featuring variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and two overhead camshafts, the engine is claimed to propel the vehicle (variant not specified) with automatic transmission from 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds, crossing the 400-metre mark in 17.8 seconds. Claimed fuel consumption for Ultima is 7.8 litres per 100km on the city cycle and 5.4L/100km on the highway.

Suspension

Corolla has a revised MacPherson strut suspension with wide-based L-shaped lower arms at the front and an all-new torsion beam configuration at the rear (instead of the MacPherson strut system formerly employed at rear as pictured). Borrowing from the Celica upon which it is based, Corolla now uses linear control valve dampers up front that are designed to keep changes to damping force constant at low damper velocities, reducing bodyroll and providing a better response to steering input. The rear suspension consists of a U-shaped torsion beam and two long trailing arms. The arrangement saves on weight and intrusion into the cabin.

Transmission

Where all other models offer a five-speed manual transmission as standard, the Ultima goes it alone with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic with a "super-flow" torque converter and engine torque compensator (during gear changes). Codenamed A245E, the auto is matched to a shorter final drive ratio (now 2.962:1) than the previous model for improved step-off and acceleration. Ratios are: 3.643 first, 2.008 second, 1.296 third, 0.892 fourth and 2.977 reverse.

Brakes

All Corollas are fitted with disc brakes and a single-piston floating calliper front and rear, the front (ventilated) discs measuring 255mm x 25mm and the (solid) rear discs 269mm x 9mm. Ultima has a four-channel, four-sensor ABS braking system with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA). EBD varies the front to rear brake bias depending on vehicle load, while BA applies maximum pedal force when required to obtain the shortest possible braking distance.

Steering

Corolla has engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering fitted standard across the range. The turning circle on Ultima is 9.8 metres and 3.3 turns are required from lock to lock. The four-spoke steering wheel is tilt-adjustable and, on Ultima models, wrapped in leather.

Safety

Safety

Corolla Ultima has the full complement of safety equipment with dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front occupant pretensioning and force-limiting seatbelts, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist all fitted standard. As expected, the car was built with Toyota's Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body and includes the manufacturer's patented Safe-T-Cell as well as side door anti-intrusion beams. The Ultima sedan has three-point seatbelts and headrests throughout, however the centre-rear position in the hatch misses out on the former.

Data

Data

Engine:

• 1.794-litre front-mounted transverse DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder

• Power: 100kW @ 6000rpm

• Torque: 171Nm @ 4200rpm

• Compression ratio: 10.0:1

• Bore x stroke: 79.0mm x 91.5mm
  
  

Transmission:

• Four-speed auto only
  
  

Suspension:

• Front: independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar

• Rear: torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
  
  

Steering:

• Engine-speed sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion

• Turning circle: 9.8 metres

• Turns lock to lock: 3.29
  
  

Dimension:

• Length: 4365mm

• Width: 1695mm

• Height: 1470mm

• Wheelbase: 2600mm

• Front track: 1480mm

• Rear track: 1460mm

• Kerb weight: 1185kg
  
  

Standard Equipment:

• Air-conditioning

• Remote central locking

• Electric windows/mirrors

• Height adjustable steering wheel

• Six-speaker six-disc CD stereo

• Driver's seat height adjustment

• 60/40 split-fold rear seat

• 15-inch alloy wheels

• Front foglights

• Dual front and side airbags

• ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist

• Front seatbelt pretensioners

• Five lap-sash seat belts

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