The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

Most of us would like a Lexus ES300, even if all we can afford is a Toyota Corolla.

If you think this is a bad thing, you haven’t driven the 2003 Corolla.

Now in its ninth generation, the Corolla represents Toyota’s philosophy of offering up-market features and a larger car for a lower price, according to Don Esmond, Toyota Division’s senior vice president and general manger. This is evident everywhere in the new Corolla.

There are three trim levels, base CE, sporty S and top-of-the line LE. Toyota supplied an LE with four-speed automatic for testing. A five-speed manual also is available.

The styling of the car is more sophisticated, with a look that mimics the larger Camry and ES 300. It’s 3 inches taller than the 2002 Corolla, making entering and exiting the car easier.

The car itself is larger and heavier than the model it replaces.

The wheelbase is increased by 5 inches, from 97 to 102, while the overall length increases from 174 to 178.3 inches. That pays dividends in passenger space, especially in the rear seat. Leg and foot room are exceptional for the class, with good seat height. You never feel like you are sitting on the floor. The cloth seats are supportive, with a leather-trimmed interior available as an option for the first time.

Weight is up by about 70 pounds. The front disc brakes are larger for 2003 to help cope with the added bulk.

But Toyota claims the car is faster than last year’s model, thanks to a modest bump in horsepower. While the twin-cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine carries over from last year, internal improvements have yielded 5 more horsepower for a total of 130 hp. Torque remains unchanged at 125 foot-pounds.

It is more than enough for the Corolla to keep in the thick of things in traffic. The engine sounds refined, with a bit of noise as more power is sought. There is no engine vibration, quite a remarkable feat. While not as much fun to drive as the Matrix, the Corolla still proves to be a willing partner.

The steering offers little in the way of feedback, but it is quick enough to make this car maneuverable. Body lean is manageable. The car displays a solid, substantial feel that is rare in the econo- car league. Braking distances are short. Front disc/rear drum brakes are standard. Anti-lock brakes are a $250 option on all models and I wouldn’t buy a car without them. The four-speed automatic is the same one used in the larger Lexus RX300. Shifts are smooth and prompt.

It adds up to a a very refined ride that is quiet, solid and capable. The feeling is reinforced by the interior, especially on the LE-spec test vehicle.

The dashboard is high with large, easy-to-read gauges. The gauges have a white background with translucent pointers, giving a very Euro-chic feel. The center stack adds to this sophisticated, modern design with textures that be lie the hard plastics that make up the majority of the trim.

An optional AM/FM/cassette/CD 6-speaker audio system at $140 furnishes excellent sound and features large buttons that are easy to operate while under way. This is unusual in an economy car. A four-speaker AM/FM/CD player is standard.

Three rotary switches control the climate control. Underneath them are two large, covered slots. The center console features a dual storage bin, cupholders and a slot for your cell phone. The center of the dash is accented in a very convincing wood-like trim that lends a warm and upscale feel to the interior.

There are only a few minor nits to pick on the Corolla. There is no lock on the glove box, and the map lights are in the mirror, where it is easy to inadvertently turn one on while adjusting the mirror. Also, the most advanced safety features on the car, side air bags and anti-lock brakes, are options. They should be standard.

The Co olla starts at $13,370 for a base CE with a five-speed manual. Standard features include 15-inch wheels, AM/FM/CD player, intermittent wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, trunk lamp, outside temperature gauge, remote trunk and fuel door releases, rear window defroster, split-folding rear seats, power steering, digital clock, tilt steering wheel and cupholders.

The S starts at $14,515 and adds larger tires, sport gauges, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chrome interior accents, power mirrors, front spoiler, power door locks, seat height adjuster and map lamps.

The LE’s base price is $14,680 with the manual transmission. Upgrades to the CE include power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, larger tires, wood-tone interior, seat height adjuster, center console box and map lights.

The automatic-equipped test vehicle is base priced at $15,480. Options included all-weather guard package ($70), cargo net ($48), anti-lock brakes ($300), side air bags ($250), cruise control ($250), AM/FM/cassette/CD 6-speaker audio system ($140) and a mat set ($132). Bottom line was $17,155.

The EPA rates the car at 29 city, 38 highway. Our test returned 34 mpg of mostly highway driving.

The Corolla is a class act in a crowded field of small cars. With a quiet ride, good power, stellar fuel economy and excellent fit and finish, it is the Lexus of the economy car crowd.

TOYOTA COROLLA LE

Engine: 1.8-liter DOHC I4

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Tires: P195/65R15

Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

Length: 178.3 inches

Width: 66.9 inches

Weight: 2,590 pounds

Cargo volume: 13.6 cubic ft.

Base price: $15,480

As tested: $17,155

EPA rating: 29 city, 38 highway

Test mileage: 34 mpg

Fuel type: Regular

Built in: Fremont, Calif.