Toyota Corolla (E120)
The Corolla E120 was the ninth generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate.
The ninth-generation Corolla (NZE120/ZZE120) first appeared in November 2000 (Japan) with edgier styling and a longer 2600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase. It is built on a shortened Toyota Vista platform—the Vista being a mid-sized, rather than compact car. From being marketed as a premium compact sedan, to an affordable hatchback, the 9th generation Corolla is a large ‘family’ of cars to suite different markets needs.It was designed as a 'Global' automobile to suite different market needs. This was one of Toyota’s most versatile and most popular model ever produced.
The Corolla has also spawned another multi-purpose vehicle, the Matrix, sold in Canada and the United States, and forms the basis of the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe, which in turn was sold in Japan as the Toyota Voltz.
Europe
Most European models are wider than the Japanese counterparts.
European market engines:
- 2002–present — 3ZZ-FE — 1.6 L (1598 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 109 hp (81 kW)
- 2006–present — 2ZZ-GE — 1.8 L (1796 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, supercharged, FI]], VVTL-i, 215 hp (162 kW) — Compressor
- 2004–present — 1ND-TV — 1.4 L (1364 cc) I4 diesel, 8-valve SOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 89 hp (66 kW)
- 2003–present — 1CD-FTV — 2.0 L (1995 cc) I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 114 hp (85 kW)
Japan
Like the Vista, the Corolla's width is limited to 1705 mm (67.14 in).
The station wagon model is called the Corolla Fielder in Japan and the five-door the Corolla Runx launching in 2001. The Allex was also launched to replace the Sprinter.
The Toyota Corolla Spacio (Verso in Europe) moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back.
North America
The North American model is bigger compared to the Japanese Corolla, and is based from the Corolla Altis distributed in Southeast Asia. It came to the United States in Spring 2002 as model year 2003. Offered trim levels are CE, S, and LE. 2008 is the last model year for the ninth generation Corolla.
The torsion bar suspension and drum brakes in the rear are anachronisms, however. The sporty XRS model, introduced for 2005 & 2006 only, features the high-revving 127 kW (170 hp) 172 nm (127 ft-lb) 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual from the Toyota Celica GT-S and Lotus Elise. The 2ZZ-GE motor was actually developed with collaboration from Yamaha motors, and uses similar technologies found in its sibling motor the 1ZZ-FE. The XRS was very similar to its Corolla S cousin, but the 2ZZ-GE, and other structural changes set it apart. Notable features include the X-Brace, which increases structural rigidity in the rear. The XRS also featured special seats with more aggressive bolsters, and also a fixed rear seat. The standard Corolla had 60/40 split folding seats, while the XRS had none.
North American market engines:
- 2002-present — 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L (1794 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 130 hp (97 kW) — CE, LE, S (TRD 1.8L Supercharger is available for this engine)
- 2005 & 2006 — 2ZZ-GE — 1.8 L (1796 cc) I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i, 170 hp (127 kW) — XRS
Safety information: ABS is an option and may be difficult to find. Side impact airbags (seat mounted in 2003, with curtain airbags available in 2005) are an option, and may be difficult to find. The ninth generation Corolla was rated Good in the IIHS frontal offset crash test.
Audio electronics information: Stereo radios may be AM/FM single disc player, or AM/FM six CD disc in-dash player. Typically the six disc radio comes with six speakers as opposed to the four speakers. The two additional speakers are on the door inside by the mirrors. The factory installed radio in the Corolla typically does NOT have an XM or Sirius satellite radio button or connection. Toyota had no plans to offer an XM or Sirius adapter kit for factory Corolla radios as of January 2007. However, there are aftermarket SAT button emulators that may work. Factory radios are reportedly manufactured by Panasonic (Matsushita A51813 and A51814 on radio face) and Eclipse (Fujitsu Ten) or JBL(A51815 on the radio face) depending on procurement of parts by the factory. No iPod adapter kits are available for Corolla from Toyota for the factory radios. Some upgrades for equipment may be in the works, however this is backstage to new model development.
South & Southeast Asia
An upmarket version of the ninth-generation Corolla, dubbed the Corolla Altis, is manufactured in Thailand and sold across Southeast Asia and South Asia (including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, India and Thailand). It debuted in late 2001 as model year 2002 as a bigger and more luxurious variant of the Japanese Corolla, featuring unique interior and exterior panels that separates it from the basic Corolla. The Corolla Altis is targeted at consumers who prefer more comfort than the current Corolla but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Camry. Two versions of engine are available, the 87 kW (116 bhp) 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine and the 100 kW (134 bhp) 1.8 1ZZ-FE engine, both with VVT-i technology.
In 2004, the Corolla Altis received its first major facelift. Changes include a new grille design, a sleeker front bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights, different alloy wheels and minor interior updates (auto climate control became a standard feature in lower end variants). Two years later, to keep up with much newer competitors, the Corolla Altis received its second facelift. Exterior changes include another redesigned grille, redesigned chrome rear license plate ornament, a new third LED brake light, and a new steering wheel audio switch. A new aerokit and new wing mirrors with signal indicators (similar to the 2007 Camry) is available as an optional package in Malaysia.
A low end variant of the Corolla Altis is also branded as the Toyota Limo, featuring lower spec and intended for taxi business in Thailand. It is not to be confused with the low end taxi version of the Toyota Vios which is also called Toyota Limo in Indonesia.
In Singapore, Toyota's exclusive authorised dealer Borneo Motors originally sold the Japanese version of the Corolla, but later replaced it with the Corolla Altis.
In terms of product lifespan ( production lasted for seven years ) and number of units sold, the Corolla Altis easily outlived its Corolla predecessors, making it currently the most popular Corolla variant/generation in Southeast Asia.
ASEAN engines:
- 1NZ-FE VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), 4-Cylinder in-Line, DOHC, 16 Valve, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with 3 way catalytic converter, Maximum Output: 145 hp / 6,000 rpmand Maximum Torque: 188 nm / 4,200 rpm, Rack and Pinion with power assist.
- 3NZ-FE VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), 4-Cylinder in-Line, DOHC, 16 Valve, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with 3 way catalytic converter, Maximum Output: 116 hp / 6,000 rpmand Maximum Torque: 160 nm / 4,400 rpm, Rack and Pinion with power assist.
20th Anniversary Edition (2008)
To commemorate 20 years of building Toyota Corolla in Canada, Toyota Canada offered 20th Anniversary Edition Corolla CE for the 2008 model year, which includes power door locks with keyless entry, cruise control, power windows with driver's side auto down, special edition badging, aluminium alloy wheels, power moon roof on top of Corolla CE.[1]
Rest of the world
In Brazil, the Corolla sedan and the Corolla Fielder are built locally. It is available with the 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine (sedan only) and the 1ZZ-FE. The sedan is externally identical to the US model, but the Fielder has a different styling from the Japanese version. Starting from the 2008 model (released May 2007), the 1.8L engine has flexible fuel technology. Unlike most other flexible fuel vehicles in Brazilian market, the Corolla Flex has the same power ratings either with ethanol or gasoline.
The Corolla sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (Seca) sold in Australia are sourced from Japan, while a few years ago, some hatchbacks were sourced from South Africa. Trim levels are Ascent, Ascent Sport, Conquest, and Ultima (Auto sedan only). The sporty Levin (hatchback and wagon) and high performance Sportivo was available in hatchback only and was built in South Africa. The Sportivo is powered by 2ZZ-GE engine and a six-speed manual gearbox (also used in the Celica) , while the other models have 1ZZ-FE. The Sportivo was discontinued in Australia from 2006 due to the prohibitive costs involved in modifying the engine to comply with Euro IV emissions. All the other models all had their engine power and torque reduced to 93 kW and 161 N•m from 100 kW and 171 N•m respectively from October 2005 production to comply with Euro IV. From May 2006 production, the Ascent and Ascent Sport models were upgraded with standard front power windows and passenger airbag, while the Conquest models had ABS brakes as standard fitment. The equipment upgrades only apply to the sedan and hatch models as the Corolla wagon ceased production in August 2006.
In China, when Toyota introduced its locally-made Corolla, it is named as Toyota Huaguan, Huaguan being the translation of the word corolla.
Gallery
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Toyota Corolla Altis G 2006-2008 (ASEAN)
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Toyota Corolla Altis G 2006-2008 (ASEAN)
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2003-2004 Toyota Corolla CE (US)
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2005-2008 Toyota Corolla LE (US)
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2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)
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2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)
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2005 Toyota Corolla S ZZE122 (North American model)
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2005 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 T3 with roofbox fitted (UK model)
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Toyota Corolla Verso 2.0L D-4D
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Pre-facelift Corolla (Japanese model)
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Facelifted Corolla (Japanese model)
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Facelifted Corolla Runx
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Facelifted Corolla Spacio
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Toyota Corolla (E12U - European Version), 2006, Manufactured in Derbyshire England, Color Collection
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Toyota Corolla (2nd Photo) Same as Above
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2005-08 Toyota Corolla XRS (North America)