Autoblog

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota has finally announced pricing for the 2009 Matrix and Corolla that made their unceremonious debut back in November at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Both models get a bump in their sticker, with the Corolla costing $845 more than the outgoing 2008 model, while the Matrix increases by $680.

The base Corolla, whose nomenclature has been changed from CE to "Standard", starts at $15,250 sporting a five-speed manual, while an automatic model will set you back another $800. The LE and XLE models start at $16,650 and $17,550, respectively, both equipped with an automatic tranny and the 132-hp, 1.8-liter four. Care to upgrade a bit? You can now get the new 2.4-liter four producing 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the XRS version starting at $18,760 with a manual or $19,950 with an automatic that Toyota notes can be "shift sequentially."

The Matrix, which Toyota claims redesigned the crossover segment, but in reality is just a five-door Corolla, comes in three flavors: Standard, S and XRS. You can equip the warmed-over hatch with either the same 1.8-liter or 2.4-liter four found in the Corolla, mated to either a five-speed manual or a four- or five-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be an option on S-trim models that will come standard with the 2.4-liter four-pot and "Super ECT" four-speed gearbox. Pricing for the standard matrix starts at $16,190 if you row the gears yourself, while the max'd out XRS models shoots up to $21,850 with an auto 'box. None of the prices listed above include the $650 destination fee.

All the details and trim levels are available in Toyota's press release after the jump.

UPDATE: Video of the Corolla and Matrix tuners is available after the jump

Click the image above for a dozen live high-res pics

It's got to be the shortest tuner turnaround time ever. Toyota unveiled the new Corolla and within minutes took the wraps off this SEMAfied version, dubbed the S3. Much like the Matrix Rally that shared the stage, the S3 is fitted with a supercharger and an intercooler, a set of awkwardly sized and horrendously designed dubs, plus some body adornments and interior trim that makes it everything a Corolla isn't.

Check out our full gallery of images below and compare it to its sedate sibling here.

UPDATE: Video of the 2009 Corolla unveiling has been added after the jump.

click above image to view more high-res shots of the 2009 Toyota Corolla

Finally got official shots from Toyota of the 2009 Corolla added to the gallery. While we're waiting for live shots of the car to arrive, we'll tell you a little bit about Toyota's new small car. The 2009 Corolla will come in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, the "sporty" S and even "sportier" XRS. The car is about the same size as the last model, but the A- and C-pillars have been pushed out to give the greenhouse a more rakish look. Meanwhile, S and XRS models get a body kit that includes a chin spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, spoilers and even an underbody engine cover to improve airflow beneath the car. Engines include the base 1.8L four-cylinder with dual-VVT-i producing 132 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of twist. The XRS alone gets a 2.4L producing 154 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of torque. Cars like the Honda Civic Si sedan shouldn't worry. S models also get 16-inch wheels that are unfortunately capped with wheel covers, while the XRS sports 17-inchers that are pure alloy.

There's no word on pricing yet, but the 2009 Toyota Corolla will be available in dealerships this February. Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details.

Check out the simultaneous debut of the Corolla's sibling, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix, by clicking HERE.

UPDATE: We figured it out. The car below is the Australian Corolla sedan, though what's to say the 2009 model destined for U.S. shores won't share the same front end?


Stranger things have happened, you know. We're about a week and a half away from the 2009 Toyota Corolla's official debut at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, and media will get to preview the new small car this week. It could just be, however, that a dealer somewhere spilled the beans by accidentally publishing a pic of the new Corolla in its weekly circular. Do we think that's the case? Hardly. It's probably just a Toyota model of which we're not aware, perhaps a Camry derivative. But hey, we've been wrong before. Muchos gracias to anyone who can correctly identify the car if it is, in fact, a current model.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Carspace]

While the SEMA show in Las Vegas used to be a venue exclusively for aftermarket firms to show their wares to other industry types, it has quickly evolved in recent years as yet another place for automakers to take the wraps off exclusive models and concepts. This year's show in November is turning out to be yet another automaker-heavy affair, with Toyota set to unveil the 2009 Corolla and Matrix to the throngs of enthusiasts in attendance.

Both models are getting long in the tooth, and although the Corolla remains one of the best selling compact cars in the U.S., it may prove to be less compelling fare than what the automaker wants to reveal at a major show like Detroit.

Toyota's press release can be viewed in full after the jump.