Corolla Generasi Ke-9

The 9th Generation COROLLA

Start from scratch in the creation of new value.

"Break the link with the past and target a global standard for the 21st century."


Takeshi Yoshida,
Development Leader of the 9th Generation COROLLA


Production Period (2000 – 2006)

*Production period in Japan. The period of introduction for this generation model may vary by region.




In 2000, new car sales in Japan were continuing to fall due to the continued sluggish economy, and each automotive manufacturer faced concerns about the inability to sell their cars. In the midst of these conditions, the 9th generation COROLLA was born and marketed with the catchphrase "New Century Value". Development leader, Takeshi Yoshida challenged the development team with a theme of "start from scratch". With this theme, developments proceeded by daringly breaking away from the "can't fail" image of the COROLLA, which had been fostered to become a worldwide brand, as the team accepted the challenge to create new value for the upcoming 21st century.

The major characteristics of the 9th generation COROLLA included interior comfort and high level quality and finish that rivaled that of higher grade vehicles, as well as ease of use and reliability. To begin developments, the team first wiped away the basic concept of the existing "COROLLA", and completely redesigned all areas beginning with the platform. Innovative approaches were adopted in all aspects including incorporating a European exterior design plan for the first time. The result was a COROLLA that transcended all other COROLLAs with high comprehensive performance and superior total balance. With this, the COROLLA brand was reborn as worldwide strategic vehicle suited for the 21st century standards with sufficient family car features. Competition in Japan intensified due to the impact of the economic climate in Japan and the emergence of tough competitors, but the COROLLA's world market share including market share in Europe, the US, and Asia, continued to increase, and in 2005, 1.39 million COROLLAs were sold worldwide, further reaffirming the brilliance of the COROLLA as a global car.

In 1997, the year that Takeshi Yoshida embarked on the development of the 9th generation COROLLA, the popularity of the sedan began to diminish in the domestic market with the emergence of the minivan, and it also became apparent that the class of consumers purchasing COROLLAs was getting older. To Yoshida, this reflected a loss in brand brilliance that had been enjoyed in the past.

During the development of the 9th generation, the drop in brand strength had reached such a serious state in the domestic market that the team even examined the possibility of changing the name "COROLLA". However, Yoshida did not approve of this proposal. His reason for not approving the change was that when he was involved in the development of the SOLUNA, a local production model developed as a strategic vehicle for Asia, he learned firsthand that the COROLLA was a historical brand fostered to the point that it had gained a favorable reputation worldwide. Thus, based on personal experience, Yoshida insisted that the name remain the same, and as a result, the vehicle name "COROLLA" continues to be used even today.

Although Yoshida elected not to change the name, he recognized that the car itself needed a huge change. Yoshida expounded on the mindset of that time. "I constantly heard about how the COROLLA was a 'can't fail' vehicle for Toyota. However, I believed that if a manufacturer is overly concerned about failure and ultimately places priority on cost and production ease, that manufacturer will end up making a product that is convenient for themselves. I pondered a great deal about how I could change this mindset." With this, Yoshida emphasized the need to "start from scratch" ― breaking away from the ordinary concept of the class, targeting high standards in a wide range of arrays including design, performance, and quality, and even forgetting about the name "COROLLA".

From the initial stages of development, a technique referred to as "Large Room Developments" was introduced to encourage cooperation between each department. With this technique, the development staff, representatives from the production plants, members of the Design department, and cooperative manufacturers gathered together in one room and proceeded with the tasks at hand. As a result, the intentions of each department were smoothly communicated, and each department and group assumed responsibility as the team pursued the same goal ― "creation of a global standard for the 21st century."

Three major items were targeted in the development of the 9th generation. First, "packaging, style, and quality that broke away from the conventional concept for this class." Yoshida believed that convenience was an obvious necessity for the 21st century, and that performance and quality that responded to the senses, such as comfort and beauty, would be highly regarded. The second area of priority was "an authentic ride that can be enjoyed by all". To enable everyone to enjoy a high quality drive that responds to the senses, the newest technology was generously introduced and no compromises were made in the area of fundamental vehicle performance. Finally, the third priority area was "safety and environmental performance demanded by the new century". For this area, the team aggressively tackled the necessities for safety and the environment that would be expected in future cars.

The COROLLA was the constant pushing force for motorization in Japan. And in overseas markets, the COROLLA had become a hallmark for quality, customer satisfaction, and value for money provided by Japan-made products. With this history, in addition to complying with the needs of the ripened market in Japan, satisfying needs in overseas markets had become a theme that could not be set aside. As developments progressed and as the team searched for a "21st century global standard", Yoshida became aware of the COROLLA's origin. Each successive COROLLA had always been a product that did not betray the needs of the era. This included quality, ease of use, and high versatility that allowed the car to be driven anywhere. Providing the customer with this type of "reassurance" was an incredibly important role of the COROLLA as a global family car. Another element that could not be set aside with the COROLLA was enabling even more people to experience the COROLLA quality, and gain a high degree of satisfaction.

At the end of June 2006, the total number of COROLLAs produced exceeded 31.6 million units, giving the COROLLA the record for the greatest number of vehicles produced and sold worldwide. And thus, the DNA of the COROLLA will continue to be inherited in the future as new history is engraved.

The release of the 9th generation COROLLA began with two body variations including the sedan and wagon (Fielder), and with the release, the coupe model (Levin) was discontinued. Later, a 5-door hatchback (RunX) was added to the lineup, and a 3-door hatchback model was also made available for the overseas market. Also, continuing from the previous generation, the minivan type Multi Purpose Vehicle (Spacio, COROLLA Verso in Europe) with 3-row seats was added to the 9th generation lineup. In Japan and in the US, a light cross country model (Voltz / Matrix) was released as a derivative model, bringing the total number of body type variations to six.

Engine variations were renovated, and all gasoline engines were a part of the "New Generation BEAMS (Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System) Engine-series" and adopted the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) system. Four types of gasoline engines were available including the 1.3-liter 2NZ-FE, the 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE, the 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE, and the new 2ZZ-GE sports engine. For the diesel engine, the 2.2-liter 3C-E engine was continued from the 8th generation, bringing the total number of engine types to five. In addition, the 1.4-liter 4ZZ-FE and 1.6-liter 3ZZ-FE gasoline engines, and the 1.4-liter 1ND-TV and 2.0-liter 1CD-FTV diesel engines were made available for the overseas markets.

The exterior design of the 9th generation COROLLA was based on flowing, perpetual styling that utilized advanced packaging with characteristic features that included a long wheelbase, wide treads, and big cabin. The front and rear overhangs were shortened and the sense of vehicle status was increased, skillfully balancing youthfulness and a refined image. Even with its increased overall height, the new model portrayed a carefree image.
The interior design adopted a simple, lasting design with an emotional, youthful image. A sense of massiveness and elegance were skillfully balanced with a form that expanded freely and created gradual curves in the crosswise direction from the center of the instrument panel, and the stately form that expanded widely in the vertical direction of the center cluster. A bright, top and bottom 2-tone color scheme was adopted to complete an interior trim that was comprehensively coordinated in color and form. As a result, a high quality space comparable to that of a class above was achieved within a compact body size.

All gasoline engines for the 9th generation COROLLA were newly designed with the generous use of advanced technology, such as VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system)*, and both higher output and better fuel economy were achieved.
* The 2ZZ-GE engine adopted the VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift-intelligent) system.

VVT-i is a valve timing mechanism that incorporates electronic control in the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) system adopted by the 4A-GE engine of the 7th generation. The conventional VVT system altered the opening and closing timing of the intake valves during low speeds and high speeds and used a condition based switching method. In contrast, the VVT-i system targeted higher output, better fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, and used a method that constantly controlled the intake valve timing. With the adoption to this model, the VVT-i system evolved from a mechanism that focused on a sporty drive to one that focused on overall performance and efficiency, and is now widely used in many engines.

For the NZ series and ZZ series engines, various new technologies were adopted, such as a slanted squish combustion chamber for stabilized combustion, and an offset crankshaft to reduce engine friction loss.

All engines were developed and tuned with emphasis on performance in the practical range. The 1.3-liter 2NZ-FE was designed for a maximum output of 65kW / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 123Nm / 4400rpm, while the 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE reached a maximum output of 81kW / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 143Nm / 4200rpm. The 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE engine generated a maximum output of 100kW / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 171Nm / 4200rpm and provided a high quality drive and excellent fuel economy.

The Sports twin cam 4A-GE engine, which for 17 long years had supported the COROLLA Sports models, finally reached the end of its important role, and the 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE engine was newly adopted beginning with the 9th generation COROLLA. This engine shared the basic concept of the 1ZZ-FE but was developed to display sportier characteristics. In addition to the continuously variable intake valve timing offered by the VVT-i, a VVTL-i mechanism was also adopted to control the amount of valve lift on both the intake and exhaust sides. Furthermore, high rotation and higher output were pursued by adopting a short stroke design, a higher compression ratio, and larger diameter valves, and a maximum output of 140kW / 7600rpm and a maximum torque of 180Nm / 6800rpm were achieved.

On the other hand, the 2.2-liter 3C-E diesel engine was inherited and adopted from the 8th generation COROLLA. Minute modifications were made, such as adopting a cross flow intake and exhaust method and an electronically controlled fuel injection pump to generate a maximum output of 58kW / 4400rpm and a maximum torque of 147Nm / 2400rpm.

For the transmission, a newly developed, electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission called the Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) was adopted. This transmission incorporated high precision hydraulic control for smooth shift quality and good response. Other highly advanced control technologies included an ascending and descending control and a flex lockup control. The flex lockup control, together with the reduced operating friction of the transmission itself, contributed to fuel economy, and equipping the 9th generation COROLLA with this Super ECT resulted in good fuel efficiency with excellent response suited for the next-generation global standard.

With the adoption of a new platform, a MacPherson strut suspension was adopted for the front, and an ETA-beam or a double wishbone suspension was adopted for the rear. A MacPherson strut suspension with an L-shaped lower arm similar to that of the past was adopted for the front suspension but was entirely redesigned, and the suspension geometry was optimized. Also, stabilizers were adopted in all vehicles to ensure roll rigidity and superior riding comfort. The ETA-beam suspension adopted on the rear of FF models was a type of torsion beam suspension. This suspension uses the changes in the camber angle and toe angle that occur due to the toe-correct bushing and torsion of the axle beam to achieve riding comfort and stability both when turning and when driving in a straight line. The rear suspension used in the 4WD models was a compact double wishbone suspension with optimally positioned arms and a sub frame. This suspension was also equipped with a stabilizer, an ideal suspension configuration for 4WD properties.

The steering mechanism was also completely redesigned, and a power steering system was adopted in all vehicles. In some models, the newly developed column-type electric power steering system was adopted. This power steering system calculated the amount of assistance necessary based on vehicle speed and engine speed, used a motor and speed reduction device to generate the assist torque when steering, and provided a natural steering feeling. Also, because assist force was only generated when steering, better fuel efficiency performance was achieved and the structure was simplified with fewer component parts.

In addition to the attractive appearance, aerodynamic characteristics were also pursued for the 9th generation COROLLA, and smooth air flow was ensured along the underbody. Also, wind noise was reduced and aerodynamic performance was improved with a flush surface design for the merging points of the glass, pillars, and roof, and by adopting a fender liner spats.

In the development of the 9th generation COROLLA, excellent quality that responds to the senses and can be felt by all was pursued, and comfort and features that exceeded its class were provided. Optitron meters with excellent visibility were adopted in the combination meters, and silhouette meters that are gentle on the eyes with a luxurious image were made available. The navigation system and audio unit were positioned in the center of the instrument panel in an easy to see location to ensure visibility and operability while driving. The heater control panel was available with either digital push buttons or dial type switches, and consideration was given to the color and size of the lettering to achieve easy to use, easy to see, highly functional switches. The operability of each of the switches was also improved and a good operation feeling was achieved. Storage spaces were designed for ease of use, practicality, and functionality. The glove box in particular was equipped with an air damper so that it opened slowly in the same manner as luxury vehicles.

Also, a high level of quietness comparable to that of a class above was achieved by expanding the use of sound insulation material and adopting structures to suppress wind noise around the outer mirrors and doors.

Safety performance and environmental performance demanded by the new century were targeted, class top level safety performance was pursued, and multiple aspects were considered for the environment.

First, in the area of active safety, a good range of vision was ensured by adopting multi reflector lamps with excellent light distribution performance and mirrors with good visibility. In addition, fundamental safety performance was pursued by enhancing the hardware, including a newly designed suspension, a high rigidity body structure, and a brake mechanism that exhibited superior braking force. Efforts were also made to enhance safety on a software aspect by introducing numerous safety devices including VSC (Vehicle Stability Control system), TRC (Traction Control system), ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), and Brake assist function.

On the other hand, for passive safety, a collision safety body structure was achieved by adopting an impact absorption body structure and a high strength cabin. In addition, various types of safety equipment were introduced to contribute to the maintenance of top level collision safety performance. Examples included SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, head impact alleviation structures for the interior garnish, and WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept seat structures that alleviated impact on the neck area in a rear end collision.

For environmental performance, CO2 emissions, which cause global warming, were considered, and efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency. Drastic improvements were made to fuel efficiency by adopting VVT-i for the gasoline engine and the Super ECT automatic transmission, and by implementing thorough weight reduction measures. In addition, efforts were made to improve the warming properties of the catalyst and to achieve cleaner emissions. Furthermore, considerations were made to increasing overall recyclability and reducing environmentally burdensome materials. Highly recyclable TSOP (Toyota Super Olefin Polymer) material was aggressively adopted and materials that do not contain lead were used.


Other Technologies and Equipment

● Grip type outside door handles
　　
● Multi reflector rear combination lamps

● Gated AT shift lever

● 6-speed manual transmission

● V flex full time 4WD

● EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

● ISOFIX compliant child seat anchor

● Package tray trim using kenaf materials

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Major Specifications
*The specifications listed here are for the displayed vehicle (shown in the photo on the left) at the Corolla 40 year anniversary event held in August 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.


Specifications of displayed vehicle : 9th generation
Model code : DBA-NZE121-AEPEK
Grade : 1.5G sedan
Model year : 2006
Vehicle price (JPY) : 1,617,000
Vehicle weight (kg) : 1060
Minimum turning radius (m) : 4.9
Overall length (mm) : 4410
Overall width (mm) : 1695
Overall height (mm) : 1470
Wheelbase (mm) : 2600
Min. ground clearance (mm) : 160

Interior dimensions:
length (mm) : 1925
width (mm) : 1430
height (mm) : 1230
Passengers : 5
Engine type : 1NZ-FE
No. of cyls & arrangement : Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valves
Fuel : Gasoline
Engine displacement (cc) : 1496
Fuel consumption (km/L) : -
60 km/h constant speed driving : -
10 mode fuel efficiency : -
10.15 mode driving : 17.2
Transmission type : 4-speed automatic Super ECT
Drive train : FF
Max. output : 110PS / 6000rpm (NET)


Vehicle Diagram and Dimensions



Secret of COROLLA

Redesigning the COROLLA in half the time
In the development of the 9th generation COROLLA, the design team listened to ideas from overseas, and design studies were done at overseas offices as well. In the end, determining the design was quite an event. Initially, developments advanced based on the ideas given from design bases in Japan. However, when the in-house screening stage was reached, a certain executive indicated that "the design was no different from the COROLLAs of the past." The design was thrown out, and the team was instructed to redesign the COROLLA within what was now a very strict deadline with almost half of the development period already exhausted. So once again, designers went back to the drawing boards, and new designs were examined by both domestic and overseas offices. The team targeted a universal body design for all markets, and to do so, corrected the design direction to gain support on a worldwide scale. As it turned out, ideas from the European design offices were chosen, and the COROLLA took on an overseas design for the first time.


World famous Hollywood star in a world famous car
The 9th generation COROLLA sedan developed for North America included the sports grade "XRS" equipped with the new sporty 2ZZ-GE engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and flashy aerodynamic parts for greater spice. The person appointed to promote the appeal of the vehicle's driving excitement in advertisements was the famous Hollywood star, Brad Pitt.