(TORONTO, Ontario) - Toyota Canada Inc. today announced the all-new 2009 Toyota Corolla - the Canadian-built compact sedan featuring an all-new body with a lean, muscular shape and more powerful, yet still economical engines. The 2009 Corolla benefits from increased interior space; an all new chassis and suspension system; and the same reputation for quality and value that has made the Corolla one of the most popular vehicles in the world today.

"Toyota offers a full range of vehicles - from subcompacts to full size pick-up trucks - but nothing says Toyota like a Corolla. We're happy to offer Canadians an all-new Corolla that enhances a global reputation for quality and value established over the past 40 years of Corolla manufacturing, by adding new levels of performance, styling, safety and comfort," noted Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "For the past two decades, the Corolla has been not only a Canadian success story, but a Canadian-made success story, and we're particularly pleased that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario provided so much input into the design of this, the 10th generation Corolla."

The all-new Corolla comes in four models: Corolla CE, Corolla S, Corolla XRS and Corolla LE. Regardless of the model, the 2009 Corolla combines Toyota's reputation for quality design and engineering with generous performance, comfort, styling, value and safety features.

Performance:

A choice of two all-new engines to enhance Corolla's reputation for fuel efficiency with additional power: a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder that produces up to 132 HP @ 6,000 RPM and up to 128 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 RPM, or a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder that generates up to 158 HP @ 6,000 RPM and up to 162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM;

A choice of three transmissions to maximize fuel efficiency and performance: a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed automatic with sequential multi-mode shifter;

Upgraded front and rear suspension for improved handling, contributing to driving confidence and fun;

New for the 2009 Corolla is rack and pinion electric power steering that eliminates hydraulic components that need oil, while delivering better cornering performance for superior control.

Comfort and Utility:

A roomier interior featuring increased head clearance and cabin width and a flat floor for rear leg space, enabling the new Corolla to accommodate up to five passengers in superior comfort;

Standard-equipped tilt/telescopic steering column enabling all drivers to find a comfortable position behind the wheel;

Redesigned interior storage spaces that provide superior storage and accessibility for maps, personal electronics, coffee cups/drink bottles, and other in-cabin necessities;

Standard equipped power remote and foldable exterior mirrors.

Style and Quality:

A restyled exterior that exudes style and strength and stands out, even on the streets of Turin, one of Italy's most fashion-conscious cities;

A new, "5 metre impression" styling standard that appeals to all the senses, thanks to attention to small details that are most apparent as the customer approaches the vehicle, gets into the car, and drives those first few metres away from the curb;

More demanding manufacturing tolerances improve a vehicle already internationally recognized for its quality of assembly, creating a "class-up" finish;

New global benchmarks for quality and durability, which adopt the most rigorous standards in the world to ensure the Corolla's reputation as dependable transportation that retains its value.

Safety:

All models feature world-class safety performance by adopting the most rigorous safety standards from around the planet;

A new, impact-absorbing body structure designed to achieve top marks in the compact class from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety;

All models are standard equipped with 6 air bags, including dual-stage driver and passenger air bags and front and rear side/curtain air bags;

Available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control for confident driving;

An impressive suite of braking technologies, including front ventilated disc brakes, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) fitted as standard equipment on all models;

Three-point seat belts in all positions, including front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters and adjustable "B" pillar shoulder belt anchors;

Standard equipment includes active headrests for driver and front passenger, designed to reduce whiplash injury caused by rear-end accidents;

Safety equipment for younger passengers, including child protector rear door locks, thoughtfully placed seatbelt guides which help adjust the shoulder belt to better improve comfort for smaller passengers like children, and anchor points for child restraint seats fitted as standard equipment on all models;

All models except CE are standard equipped with a direct tire pressure monitoring system to alert the driver to improperly inflated tires.

"The Toyota Corolla is widely regarded as one of the most successful vehicles ever. It's no easy task to improve one of the planet's best-selling cars, but we had to try ... and I'm confident Canadians will agree that we did," Mr. Wearing concluded. "The new Corolla is a high-quality compact car that continues to deliver impressive fuel-efficiency, safety and reliability. Meanwhile, the new Corolla also offers features and styling that one typically expects to find in a mid-size vehicle, making it the perfect set of wheels for smart consumers across Canada and around the world."

The 2009 Toyota Corolla goes on sale in Canada in February, 2008.