Toyota Corolla (E120)
The Toyota Corolla is the ninth generation of compact cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate. In Japan, this series arrived to the market in August 2000; however, exports were typically not achieved until 2001 and 2002 depending on the market.
The sedan and station wagon arrived first in August 2000, followed by the five-door hatchback in January 2001, and the Europe-only three-door hatchback in 2002. Toyota supplemented the original styling with an edgier, hatchback-only styling treatment from 2002. Sedans and wagons sold in Japan adopted a new front-end design in 2004, although this version did not typically reach export markets. In other Asian markets and the Americas, the ninth generation Corolla had unique front and rear styling treatments with mild updates over the model's production run.
The E120/E130 model offered a longer wheelbase. It is built on a shortened V50 series Vista platform. From being marketed as a premium compact sedan, to an affordable hatchback, the ninth generation Corolla was designed as a "global" automobile to suit different market needs. This was one of Toyota's most versatile and most popular models ever produced.
The E120/E130 series Corolla has also spawned another separate hatchback model called the Matrix, sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which forms the basis of the Pontiac Vibe, which was in turn sold in Japan as the Voltz.
The E120 series was replaced by the E140 or E150 series in late 2006 or early 2007 but the E120 continued to be produced in China until 2017.
The E120 Corolla won the What Car? magazine's "Car of the Year" award for 2002.
Japanese/international version
Japan
For the Japanese market, trim levels for the Corolla Sedan were X Assista Package, X, G and Luxel. In 2003, 1.5-liter 4WD sedans were made available in the Japanese market.The station wagon model is called the Corolla Fielder in Japan and the five-door hatchback is called the Corolla RunX, launched in 2001. The Toyota Allex is a five-door hatchback that replaced the Sprinter sedan, a badge engineered version of the Corolla RunX. The Allex was exclusive to Toyota Netz Store locations, while the Corolla RunX was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations.
JDM Corolla RunX trim levels are: RunX X, RunX S and RunX Z as well as RunX Z Aero.
The first two of three JDM Allex trim levels were not differentiated with a visual badge, but offered similar packages to the RunX with the base model featuring the 1500 cc 1NZ-FE engine, the middle range featuring the 1800 cc 1ZZ-FE engine and the Allex RS180 featuring the 1800 cc 2ZZ-GE engine. Allex models offered a different colour range and had minor styling differences to the RunX, such examples include the plastic trim above the license plate area being chrome as opposed to body colour like on the RunX. Interior cloth patterns also differed from the RunX.
All RunX and Allex models featured ABS and driver/passenger airbags as well as all auto windows and tinted rear glass as standard.
The RunX X and Allex models featured 14" steel wheels with optional alloys, optional side, front and rear skirting, automatic or manual gearbox options, and manual A/C.
RunX S and Allex models featured 15" steel wheels with optional 16" alloys, optional side, front and rear skirting, automatic or manual gearbox options, optional front fog lamps, manual or automatic climate controlled A/C.
RunX Z, Z Aero and Allex RS180 models featured 15" steel wheels or optional 16" alloys, optional side, front and rear skirting and automatic climate controlled A/C as standard. These models offered an extra 4-speed tiptronic automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, opposing the rest of the lineup.
The Corolla Spacio moved on to the new platform, with later models adding a third row of fold-down seating in the back. The Corolla sedan sold in Japan also differed slightly as compared to the other markets with a slightly different headlamp and taillamp design.
Australasia
The E120 Corolla sold in Australia was available as a sedan, wagon and five-door hatchback. Trim levels offered were the Ascent, Ascent Sport, Conquest, Levin and Ultima. A small number of models were built in South Africa, with the high-performance Sportivo built exclusively in South Africa. South African-built Corollas will carry a vehicle identification number starting with A; Japanese-made examples have a VIN starting with J. The Sportivo was powered by the 2ZZ-GE engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the other models had the 1ZZ-FE. Minor changes in 2004 included the grille and replacing the headlights with a "tear drop" type. 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 had their engine power and torque reduced with October 2005 production from and from to comply with Euro IV. From May 2006, the Ascent and Ascent Sport models were upgraded with standard front power windows and passenger airbag, while the Conquest models had ABS as standard. The equipment upgrades were not applied to the wagon, which ceased production in August 2006.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Corolla hatch was offered in three trim levels: GL, GLX & T Sport. The GL proved most popular and differed from the GLX only by a lack of woodgrain trim, rear electric windows, passenger airbag and alloy wheels. GLX models mostly featured tan coloured interior with woodgrain trim, front fog lights and alloy wheels as standard. The T Sport model offered a sportier look with spoiler, side skirts, front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. All models had the 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE, offered either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual and had manual A/C as standard. The Corolla sedan was offered only in the GL and GLX trim level, whilst the station wagon offered in the GL trim only.Europe
For the European market, the Corolla was offered in 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, sedan or saloon, and wagon or Kombi / Estate forms. The high-performance Corolla T-Sport with 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE engine was available in certain countries.European/Israeli/Moroccan market engines:
- 2002–2007 — 4ZZ-FE – 1.4 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 95 hp
- 2002–2007 – 3ZZ-FE – 1.6 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 109 hp
- 2001–2004 – 2ZZ-GE – 1.8 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i,, 180 Nm @ 6800 rpm - Valve Lifters 147kW @ 7800 rpm
- 2004–2005 – 2ZZ-GE – 1.8 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i,, 180 Nm - Valve Lifters 147kW @ 7800 rpm
- 2005–2006 – 2ZZ-GE – 1.8 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, supercharged, FI, VVTL-i, 224 hp – Compressor
- 2004–2007 – 1ND-TV – 1.4 L I4 diesel, 8-valve SOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 89 hp
- 2003–2007 – 1CD-FTV – 2.0 L I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 90 hp – without intercooler
- 2003–2007 – 1CD-FTV – 2.0 L I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 110 hp – with intercooler
- 2003–2007 – 1CD-FTV – 2.0 L I4 diesel, 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged, D-4D, 116 hp – with intercooler
- 2003–2007 – 2C – 2.0 L I4 diesel, 8-valve, 73 hp
Safety
Asian/Americas version
Asia
An upmarket version of the ninth generation Corolla, dubbed the Corolla Altis, is manufactured and sold in countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. It debuted in mid 2001 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 standard Corolla but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Camry. Two versions of engines are available: the 81 kW, 1.6 L 3ZZ-FE engine and the 100 kW, 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE engine, both with VVT-i technology.In 2004, the Corolla Altis received its first 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. Two years later, to keep up with its 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 new audio switches on the steering wheel. A new aerokit and new wing mirrors with signal indicators 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 Malaysia, the Corolla Altis was introduced in mid 2001. Notably in Malaysia the models sold had tail lights that are identical to the models that are sold outside of Asia and Southeast Asia. It features three-round insets for the tail lamps instead of the standard single round inset used in other Asian markets. These were later replaced with the standard single round insets. Both the 1.6 L and 1.8 L models were sold in Malaysia.
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 2004 with 1.6L and 1.8L variants in automatic transmissions only. The 1.8L model offered optitron display for the speedometer clusters, rain sensors and a zig-zag automatic gearshift layout over the 1.6L model.
In terms of product lifespan and number of units sold, the Corolla Altis easily outlived its Corolla predecessors, making it currently the most popular Corolla generation in Southeast Asia.
ASEAN engines:
- 3ZZ-FE — 1.6 L I4, 16 Valve, DOHC, VVT-i, EFI with 3-way catalytic converter, Maximum Output: 110 hp / 6,000 rpm and Maximum Torque: 150 Nm / 4,400 rpm.
- 1ZZ-FE — 1.8 L I4, 16 Valve, DOHC, VVT-i, EFI with 3-way catalytic converter, Maximum Output: 134 hp / 6,000 rpm and Maximum Torque: 171 Nm / 4,200 rpm.
North America
In 1998, Toyota Masao Saito's E120 design proposal was chosen and frozen for production in early 1999, with patents filed on 22 July 1999 at the Japan Patent Office under patent number 1120997. The North American model was designed to be bigger than the Japanese Corolla, and was based on the Corolla Altis distributed in Southeast Asia. It came to the United States in March 2002 for the 2003 model year, following its unveiling at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in January. Trim levels offered are CE, LE, and S, continuing from the previous generation. Production for the ninth-generation Corolla ended in December 2007, with the tenth-generation Corolla introduced in January 2008 as a 2009 model. The Corolla carried over the 1ZZ-FE of the previous generation, but updated with a plastic intake manifold. Power output was increased to 130 hp. The Corolla grew in height from the previous generation, and used larger 15-inch wheels, which resulted in increased size and weight compared to the previous generation. The S trim level featured sportier front and rear bumpers and side skirts, but maintained side skirts and fog lights like the previous model.For the 2005 model year, the exterior styling was refreshed with a new front bumper and grille, clear rear turn signal lenses, and updated wheel covers for the CE and LE trims. Interior differences include white on black Optitron gauges for the LE trim, a rear center headrest, and an updated radio head unit. Certain models were updated with Electronic Throttle Bodies and an Anti-Lock Braking System. The Manual transmission was dropped for the CE and LE trims, and was only available on the S.
This was the first generation of the Corolla to be available in Mexico, and was offered in 3 trim levels: the base CE, the mid-range LE and S, the latter the only trim to offer a manual transmission.
The base CE or “Classic Edition” trim came standard with manual windows and locks, but was available with optional power windows and locks. The mid-range LE or “Luxury Edition” came with blue gauge faces with dark blue numbers and orange needles. It was also fitted with mock-wood interior accents. Some models came with a 2-compartment center console and leather seats. On the exterior, the LE and above models came with color-keyed mirrors and door guards, and blacked out B-pillars. 15-inch 6 spoke Alloy wheels were optional, as well as a rear spoiler. The S or “Sport” trim adds side skirts, front and rear ground effects, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch 6 spoke aluminum alloy wheels as standard. Some models were available with blacked out headlight housings. On the interior, the color scheme is changed to black, with subtle chrome accents. The S trim also adds a gauge set with white numbers and red markings and needles for a sporty appearance.
North American market engines:
- 2002–2008 — 1ZZ-FE – 1.8 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVT-i, 130 hp – CE, LE, S
- 2005 & 2006 – 2ZZ-GE – 1.8 L I4, 16-valve DOHC, FI, VVTL-i, 170 hp – XRS
The rear drum brakes from the S were replaced with the drum in disc brakes from the Celica GT-S and the ABS system was upgraded to a four-channel with EBD. Absent are Traction Control and Stability Control Systems. The Corolla XRS was given 5 spoke 16-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels and shod with Michelin Pilot Primacy P195/55-R16 summer performance tires and equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The wheels are the most noticeable difference in exterior appearance from the Corolla S that features 6-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior differences being the key colored grill surround, XRS badge at the back, rear discs, and the slightly lowered appearance.
The interior features a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel from the Celica, and leather shift knob, and leather shift boot from the Matrix XRS. Optitron gauges like those found in Lexus vehicles replaced the standard red on white gauges. The interior has dark blue plastic with silver accenting and beige pillars from the bottom of the windows to the beige headliner. The dashboard is black. The front seats were replaced with manually adjustable sports seats with more side bolster. The 4 main seats are black cloth with a blue hexagon pattern and black cloth sides. The front floor mats are from the Corolla S. Due to the rear X-brace, the rear seats do not fold 60-40 like those found in the other Corolla trims. Color choices for the Corolla XRS were: Super White II, Silver Streak Mica, Phantom Gray Pearl, Black Sand Pearl, Impulse Red Pearl, and Indigo Ink Pearl.
The Corolla XRS was on sale in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Toyota estimated to sell approximately 5,000 Corolla XRS per year. Production numbers have not been released, however it has been speculated that less than 7,000 were produced. Unofficially, Toyota Canada has disclosed that 818 were sold MY 2005 and only 279 MY 2006, bringing a total of 1,097 Corolla XRS being sold in the country over the 2 model years. This limited production and minimal exterior differences resulted in the Corolla XRS being a unique sleeper hiding among the extremely common Corolla S and is the final outright performance designed model from Toyota that was targeted towards "single male buyers" before the complete switch to the Toyotas' Scion youth oriented brand.
The Corolla XRS introduced in 2009 as a successor used the 2.4L 2AZ-FE from the Toyota Camry and Scion tC and was available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. While the 2009 Corolla XRS caters to a greater range of customers with the available automatic transmission, it is also significantly slower and although its design intentions are similar, it is a different car from the original 2005–2006 Corolla XRS.
To commemorate 20 years of building Toyota Corolla in Canada, Toyota Canada offered the 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 and power sunroof.