The new Corolla has handed off its “entry level” badge to the Yaris, and is now positioned just notch below the company’s best-selling Camry. And while the previous-generation Corolla was on the way to shedding some of its econobox status when it debuted in 2003, Toyota designers understood styling would be a key component for this Corolla to fulfill its new, more upscale role. Although Toyota has sold 30 million Corollas worldwide, this redesign is important because marketing research indicates that one of every three Corolla buyers move up into another Toyota.

However, even in spite of its clean-sheet design, the new Corolla looks so much like its predecessor, it’s difficult to tell there’s been much of a change. All I can say is it’s great that Toyota has built its reputation on rock solid dependability, because it will never win any awards for styling innovation. The Corolla is nowhere near as stylish as competitors such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, Chevy Cobalt, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Mazda3, among others.

Walkaround: The Corolla is available only as a four-door sedan, and comes in five different trims: Standard, LE, XLE, S and XRS. Our test vehicle was the S version. The new body sports a lower profile and somewhat sleeker look than previously. A wider track improves both stability and aerodynamics, as well as increasing interior room. Both our test model S, and the top-of-the-line XRS sport a more aggressive front bumper treatment, integrated fog lights, a lip spoiler, side skirts and an upgraded rear fascia.

Interior: Like all Toyotas, the quality of the interior materials are excellent, as is the overall fit and finish. The interior is roomy, and features lots of upscale touches — power windows, door locks, mirrors, etc., as well as a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with optional audio controls, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a highly configurable center console, and lots of storage. Options include a navigation system — unusual in a car this size — and an available JBL sound system.

Safety-wise, the 2009 Corolla features six strategically placed airbags, and an innovative active front-seat head restraint system that provides additional whiplash protection. Other safety features include a tire-pressure-monitoring system, available traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution, and “Brake Assist” for emergency situations.

Under The Hood: The 2009 Corolla offers two powerplant options — an all-new 132-horse, 1.8-liter four banger, and a 2.4-liter, 158-horsepower four cylinder. These are the same engines under the hood of the Toyota Matrix and some Scions. The 1.8 comes with the Corolla, Standard, LE and XLE versions, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The S and XRS feature the bigger 2.4-liter engine that can be coupled with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox — a first for the Corolla lineup. The 2.4-liter is optional on the S trim and standard on the XRS.

Behind The Wheel: While it may look relatively the same, the new Corolla has a more upscale feel than previous models. The improved driving position and increased visibility are the most immediately noticeable changes. Our test model featured the i.8-liter with the automatic. Acceleration is adequate, and braking is relatively good. Unfortunately, only the XRS is equipped with rear disc brakes. All other models have a front disc-rear drum setup.

The two-inch wider front track and 2.9-inch wider rear track deliver smoother cornering in sharp curves. Steering feedback is sufficient, and responsive without being too heavy, as some front-wheel drive cars tend to be.

The overall quietness of the interior at highway speeds gives the Corolla an edge in this segment. However, unless you only listen to AM talk radio, I’d highly recommended the optional JBL audio system.

Whines: I wasn’t able to figure out where the clock was. I know it was a digital display, but it eluded me.

Bottom Line: The sporty S and XRS models far exceed the term “basic transportation,” which has been the hallmark of the Corolla for its four decades on the road. Taking a page from its successful Scion line, the Corolla’s five different trim levels ensure that economy-minded buyers interested only in gas mileage and Toyota’s legendary reliability still have their needs met, while the more fashion and/or power-conscious can equip their Corolla to make a much bolder, more personalized statement than any previous version in the past four decades.