2009 Toyota Corolla Review & Road Test
March 13, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Toyota Corolla Ultima Review & Road Test
Corolling in ultimate style
Model Tested:
- 2009 Toyota ZRE152R Corolla Ultima 1.8-litre, automatic, sedan – $31,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $350 (Fitted – Shimmer)
Pleasant & smooth drive, crisp instrumentation, roomy cabin
A touch pricey, asthmatic performance, conservatively styled
CarAdvice Rating: 
A lot of people refer to the humble yet popular Corolla as “white goods” motoring which, if you are to take the glass half-full attitude, translates to a reliable, affordable and necessary piece of household equipment – not such a bad thing.
That being the case then in our push-button, touch-screen world it could well be said that the Corolla Ultima is indeed white goods motoring in the truest sense of the meaning – albeit with a stainless steel finish.
Though it might be viewed as conservative stylistically, the Corolla Ultima does set itself rightly at the top of the model range with a few subtle styling cues lending the upper spec sedan a little more class than its poorer siblings.
Handsome 16-inch alloy wheels with front and rear mudflaps, xenon-bulbed auto headlamps with washers and height adjustment, front fog lamps and chrome bright work under the side glass all do their bit in adding to the car’s overall appeal, without that is challenging convention or making any elitist statements.
Inside the roomy and well laid-out cabin you’ll find all the mod-cons you would expect of a top shelf small sedan including leather upholstery, leather wrapped tilt/slide steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, single-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, smart card entry with push button starter, trip computer, power windows and mirrors and a six CD tuner with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and auxiliary input.
The instrumentation, known as an ‘Optitron Combimetre’ in Toyota speak, is a stand-out item for me as it is very attractive, crisp, and informative while at the same time being simple to navigate. All ancillary controls too fall readily to hand providing no challenge to those who might be challenged by the whizz-bang equipment levels found in some similarly spec’ed rivals.
While the gadgetary offerings from the Corolla Ultima are indeed rewarding, the performance on hand is anything but, and while it’s certainly not the worst performing car I’ve driven in this category, the 1.8-litre VVTi four-cylinder it is a little asthmatic, especially with four adults on board.
Developing 100kW @ 6000rpm (and 175Nm @ 4400rpm) the written down figure isn’t really the issue, it’s the car’s ability to utilise the power effectively which is hampered primarily by a dated and slow to react four-speed automatic.
Although the transmission is very smooth of shift it is reluctant to kick-down in a timely manner meaning overtaking opportunities need to be a long planned affair. But should you intend a more leisurely, city-based role for your own Corolla Ultima this may not prove such an issue.
The ride is above average, comfortably settled yet not so firm as to be bothersome, and despite the torsion beam rear end (strut front), the Corolla Ultima manages fairly confident handling that is now assisted by ESP (or VSC in Toyota terms).
Add to this dual front, side, curtain and a driver’s knee airbag, as well as ABS with EBA and EBD, then it is a given the Corolla Ultima will achieve maximum points when next ANCAP tested (Corolla has not yet been tested with ESP – previous model scored 34.96 out of a possible 37 points to achieve five-stars).
Light but true steering feel somehow offers the driver an unremarkable level of feedback from the front wheels once at highway speeds while contrarily braking is sure and progressive with fade evident only after repeated excessive application.
An ample boot allows 450-litres of cargo to be carried with the seats up though this can be nearly doubled thanks to a 60:40 split fold back seat. The boot also houses a full-size (steel) spare wheel under the floor.
So while it may not get your heart racing in terms of looks or performance the Corolla Ultima is a pleasant and smooth drive with enough in the way of comfort and kit to keep you abreast of modern small-sedan motoring.
Were it a little cheaper the Corolla Ultima would have scored higher in our ratings but with Korea’s top-shelf rivals offering the same level of spec’ for much less coin it’s a worthy 3.5 wheels.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1798cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 100kW @ 6000rpm
- Torque: 175Nm @ 4400rpm
- Induction: Multi-Point
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 192km/h
- 0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 173 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 7.4 litres per 100km (ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 8.5 litres per 100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
- Fuel Type: 91RON Petrol
- ANCAP Rating: New model TBC (previously five-stars)
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Driver’s Knee
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: 16-inch steel (Full Size)
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 450 litres (Seats Up)
- Tow Capacity: 1300kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
- Warranty: Three Year / 100,000 kilometre
- Weight: 1285kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 16 x 6.5-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Focus Sedan (from $21,990)
- Holden Viva Sedan (from $18,790)
- Hyundai Elantra Sedan (from $19,990)
- KIA Cerato Sedan (from $18,990)
- Mazda 3 Sedan (from $21,490)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan (from $21,490)
- Nissan Tiida Sedan (from $17,990)
- Renault Megane Sedan (from $25,490)
- Subaru Impreza Sedan (from $22,990)
- Suzuki SX4 Sedan (from $19,990)
- Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (from $32,990)
Print it: 
Yeah People dont realize..
When they say Toyota Corolla tops sales.
They dont talk about the “luxury” version.
People who buy corolla, MOST of them, buy the base spec auto.
Its for people who only wants to spend under 25K on an economic car.
Someone here brings up an XR5 Focus… Lol… Over your head!?
We’ll do comparison on “hot hatches” When Toyota has a Hot hatch… but they dont.
No doubt Toyota over charge for their cars down under… because they can….
when sales show they have to price lower to compete.. then they do it… law of business 1.01
Dan Says:
March 15th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
“Realist, there are so many responses because as usual, toyota stirs passion with plenty of people on here haha.”
I think they’re actually closet Toyota fans, especially Bavarian Missile. She may drive a BMW 318 Ti but she aspires to the six cylinder goodness of TRD!!
:-D
CB said – “I think they’re actually closet Toyota fans, especially Bavarian Missile. She may drive a BMW 318 Ti but she aspires to the six cylinder goodness of TRD!!”
Serious? 318 Ti?? Now that sure is a bavarian ‘missile’!! ROFL!
But yes, I agree. They are closet toyota lovers. They pounce on every toyota article making emotional comments, so my guess is deep down, they love toyota. I wouldn’t be surprised if they ordered one of these Corolla’s already either. :P
Spot on Dan and CB!!
Wheelnut Says: “I have seen a number Toyota Dealers in Perth”…. bet he was like a kid in a candy store!! :-)
Dan, Its not a 318, but a 12year old M3….
Probably even makes this corolla look more desirable!!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
LOL, that’s just gold, Tomas! :)
CB Says:
March 16th, 2009 at 9:53 am
“I think they’re actually closet Toyota fans, especially Bavarian Missile. She may drive a BMW 318 Ti but she aspires to the six cylinder goodness of TRD!!”
I don’t know what she drives – perhaps care to enlighten us BM? We know your *man* Wheelnut drives Holden…
Wheelnut drives a Subaru Impreza RS not a holden.
This car is for people who want to show off their wealth:
“Look, I could just spent $30K for a Corolla, and this is what real rich people do.”
(They also wash hands with red wine, use silk as toilet papers)
Wow, i have seen a lot of complaining so far. Complained all you want people, Toyota will still be the #1 Automaker on the market today.
I don’t understand why a lot of people keep complaining about the Corolla or it’s just they want to be known as Toyota haters . It’s a small car that has above average in every areas ; cheap to run,handling is OK, 5 stars safety,has good resale value and mot importantly very reliable. I have an Impreza hatchback myself and I regretted that I have bought it,lot body roll, unbearable tyres’ noise, rattles and squeaks..etc… I would buy the corolla over it anytime for my next upgrade.
i love how ppl just bag out toyota coz their cars arent high tech/super handling/ultra quiet/super comfortable blah blah blah…
this is the reality of the world….
u gotta get what u can for your money.. for all ur demands and wants of a 30k car ud better save up a few more years for a decent second hand euro car and stop complaining and start working hard….
this car was made to suit a particular group of ppl with a particular cost in mind with a particular use in mind.. not to track/race, speed around corners, having a chaffeur or to enjoy zomg amazing in-car entertainment… this is a GOOD QUALITY and RELIABLE cat to get u from point a to point b…
I’ve now had two Honda Civics both of them did 200,000kms and did not have a single thing extra go wrong in their servicing over that period. Basically the day you bought the car you knew exactly what all your servicing costs are going to be right up to 200,000kms. Honda’s are also great fun to drive and they have better fuel economy than the Toyota. If it wasn’t for their new dash design I wouldn’t even be looking at a Corolla. All reports coming from Mazda 3’s tho are good. Those cars seem to be reaching 150,000kms in the reliability reviews not many reporting they have hit 200,000kms yet. Every report says they are fun to drive. No I don’t buy a car to get from point A to point B Toyota. If I wanted that I would go on public transport. There is huge market for fun to drive cars and Toyota have completely missed out. It’s between Honda and Mazda for me.
We will have to wait until the end of this year (2009) for the 2 litre Corolla to be released – initally in the upspec models, the 2 litre will more than likely be pushed accross the range, I WOULD HOPE.
Corolla does NOT need a 2L
What it needs is 5 speed auto, elec. windows in rear, TCS, ASC and 15,000km service interval on the Acent/base
PS NOTHING can touch the Japanese built ES Lancer at the moment @ the low $20’s
Cheers
F-0
Corolla needs 2 litre and 5 speed box and it will get both of these at the end of the year (only i top spec models now). TCS and ASC it has in some models, but what it really needs is decent REAR suspension and not that sill torsion bar set up that make the car bounce everywhere. However, with the 2 liutre it will be a decent car to drive and I cannot wait.
Face lift Corolla will be available around mid / end Sep 09 and will be better.
My friend has this Corolla except in ascent model. Exterior looks very rushed & seems like they couldn’t be bothered to make it good. Interior, pretty ordinary. Mazda 3 & Holden Cruze looks heaps better. Overall, i don’t like it. IDK why maybe, its me, but i get sick of it beating Mazda 3,among other reasons. I’d buy Mazda 3 over this any day. I’d even buy a Holden Cruze over this. Can’t wait for the day when Toyota isn’t No.1 Manufactor in Australia. Go HOLDEN!
The 2 litre is coming Dec 09 / Jan 10 and it will only be in the Uiltma sedan. However I understand that the 2.4 will be available in the ZR hatch – cannot wait. The 1.8 will continue in the base and Conquest models. The 4 speed auto will conitiue in 1.8, with 5 speed auto standard in 2.0 and optional in 2.4. Bring it on pse ..