2007 SEMA - 2009 Toyota Corolla and Matrix

There is a temptation to playfully tie-together Halloween and Toyota's debut of the redesigned 2009 Corolla and Matrix in this report from the SEMA show floor. Thing is, though, there isn't really anything scary or shocking about these cars. Toyota sold 390,000 Corollas in the United States last year, even though the current generation has been around since 2002. Only scary, perhaps, for the Corolla's competition.

Solid and sensible define the Corolla. Consequently, you don't see a lot of modded Corollas in the halls at SEMA. (That spot in the corporate portfolio is filled by the ubiquitous Scion xBs and xDs.) No bother--the Corolla provides reliable and economical transportation for many buyers, and it looks like it should continue to do so for another generation.

The 2009 Corolla and Matrix don't stray far from the current product. Despite the same displacement, the revised 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine has many revisions that should aid fuel economy and response. The top-of-the-line XRS sporty version shares the 158-hp, 2.4-liter engine found in the Camry and Scion xB. That's slightly down on power compared to earlier Corolla and Matrix XRSs (which last had 164 hp in 2006), but this engine doesn't need to be revved to nosebleed levels to wring out power. While the XRS has a 26-hp upgrade from the lower trim levels, it pales in comparison to other factory sportsters like the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Honda Civic Si, and Subaru WRX. After a brief absence from the lineup, AWD will again be available on the Matrix.

As expected, safety gear has been improved. Curtain air bags, active front head restraints, and ABS are standard. Stability control is standard on the XRS models and available on all other models. (Toyota was clear to state that the ESC system was defeatable, in case you wind up being one of the handful of owners to take your XRS to the track.) Given that ESC was almost impossible to find on previous Corolla and Matrix models from regional distributors stocking limited build configurations, we're hoping it's more available this time around. Toyota will make ESC standard by the end of 2009 -- 18 months from now. While this is well ahead of the 2012 federal mandate, the Corolla is a popular car for young drivers, increasing the need for ESC's benefits. It should be standard now.

A brief sit in each car suggests similar passenger space to the current cars. A telescoping steering wheel is a plus; the current Corolla and Matrix have an awkward driving position with the pedals too close and the steering wheel too far away. The Matrix's already small third-quarter window is now reduced to a slit, creating a big, thick blind-spot-making roof pillar.

For the first time, the Corolla will offer a factory navigation system. XM real-time traffic will also be available, marking a first in this segment. Of course, you can get a portable navigation system with real-time traffic for $500, a considerable savings over factory systems.

So, all in all, there aren't too many tricks to detract from the new Corolla's treats. We plan to test the Corolla against other competing small cars when it goes on sale next year.

--Tom Mutchler

Discuss the Corolla and Matrix in our Toyota forum.