
Toyota has enhanced the
safety and value of the 2010 Toyota Corolla by making Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) standard on all models. The
addition of these two features allow all Corolla models to come
standard with Toyota's Star Safety System, which also includes an
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) and Brake Assist.
The tenth-generation Corolla was introduced for the 2009 model
year, 40 years after the first Corolla arrived in the United States. Since 1966, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide.
Corolla has long been synonymous with Toyota quality, style and
value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in
America. The 2010 Corolla offers more safety features, comfort and
performance while still returning up to an EPA estimated 35 MPG in
highway driving.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2010 Corolla is offered with a choice of fuel-efficient
four-cylinder engines, a 1.8-liter that was new for 2009 and a
2.4-liter that was re-engineered for the new-generation Corolla. The
2010 Corolla is available in five grades, Corolla, LE, SLE, S, and XRS.
The Corolla LE, S and XLE are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC
four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft
of torque at 4,400 rpm. Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust
camshafts to help optimize performance and fuel economy. Internal
components are optimized to reduce friction, while valve-train
components are downsized to provide a compact valve layout.
A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 1.8-liter
engine; a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission
(ECT) also is available. Its torque converter uses flex lockup for
enhanced fuel efficiency. Uphill/downhill shift control selects the
proper gear for conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking
during downhill driving.
Handling and Ride
The Corolla is built around a stiff body structure that relies on
high tensile-strength steel, gussets and crossmembers for its strength,
rigidity and lightweight construction. Front suspension is by compact,
rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar. The Corolla
XRS is equipped with a front sport strut tower brace, as well. The
Corolla's torsion beam rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock
arrangement that allows efficient packaging along with secure handling
and outstanding ride comfort.
Brakes consist of 10.8-inch vented discs up front for all models,
with 10.2-inch solid rear discs on XRS. An electric power-assist
steering system uses a compact motor, speed reducer and torque sensor
built into the steering column. The system varies the amount of
assistance according to engine rpm and vehicle speed. The result is
appropriate weight and responsiveness at higher speeds, and light
effort at low speeds.
Safety
The Corolla is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy
throughout the entire body structure. Strengthened door beltline
reinforcements help share the impact load, which in side impacts is
also directed to the underbody. The 2010 Corolla design addresses the
issue of collisions between compact and full-size cars.
As part of the Toyota Star Safety System, VSC automatically
adjusts engine output and the vehicles braking force at individual
wheels to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is
steering and where the vehicle is heading.
All Corolla models are equipped with standard advanced frontal
airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, plus front and rear
curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2010 Corolla upholds a 40-plus year heritage for providing
outstanding value in standard equipment. The Corolla grade features
P195/65 R15 tires; a heavy duty rear window defogger; satellite
radio-capable AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers; air conditioning with
air filter; driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side
airbags and side curtain airbags; intermittent windshield wipers; two
12-volt power outlets; daytime running lights; black manual folding
power mirrors; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; 60/40 split folding
rear seats; and much more.
Options
Options available on the Corolla grade include cruise control;
AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability; satellite
radio (subscription required) and six speakers; and an All Weather
Guard package. The LE grade also offers 16-inch alloy wheels, remote
keyless entry and a tilt and slide moonroof.
Exterior Design
The 2010 Corolla's design, created with input from styling studios
in Turin, Italy, strikes a sporty profile. Built on a 102.4-inch
wheelbase, the Corolla provides room for five, and its 16.6 cu. ft.
trunk rivals midsize cars' trunks in capacity.
The sporty profile is the result of pulling the A-pillar forward
and the C-pillar rearward, which also enhances aerodynamic performance
for optimal fuel efficiency.
Interior Design
The Corolla maintains similar headroom, legroom and shoulder room
of the previous-generation model, but is redesigned to provide improved
comfort, usability and storage. The driving position and front seats
are tailored to a wider range of driver heights. A standard tilt and
telescope steering wheel in all models makes it easy for taller drivers
to find a comfortable position.
The doubled-browed instrument panel bezel contains the tachometer, speedometer, engine-coolant temperature gauge and fuel-level gauge. The speedometer contains a digital odometer/trip meter and shift indicator. Toyota's Optitron gauges, which are illuminated with bright white light and red needles, are featured on Corolla XLE and XRS. Gauges in the other models have red needles illuminated with amber light.
-- Toyota.com
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