Small cars are getting bigger, the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3, the Nissan Sentra and the Toyota Corolla have all been putting on weight. The redesigned Corolla is now sized closer to the Camry than the Yaris. Its new shape, however, poses no danger to those with a weak heart. Lots of bland.

The Corolla comes in five liveries, a base model at $15,250 with 5-speed manual and $16,050 with 4-speed automatic, a $16,650 LE model, a $17,550 XLE model, an S model at $16,320 with 5-speed manual and at $17,150 with 4-speed automatic, and finally an XRS model at $18,760 with 5- speed manual and at $19,950 with 5-speed automatic.

The base, LE, and S cars are all equipped with a DOHC 1.8 liter, 132 hp, 4-cylinder engine and the XRS with a DOHC 2.4 liter, 158 hp, 4-cylinder engine. The test car was an automatic $17,150 S with upgrades bringing the price to over $20,000.

Toyota Corolla

The interior of the test car was dull with some cheap looking materials, and the instrument panel was simple and easy to read. Steering wheel controls were confined to control over the radio and CD unit and Bluetooth setup. The cruise control is in the usual Toyota location on a steering column stalk. Music lovers get the now requisite MP3 jack. The trunk in this car is quite large and useful.

The car is quiet on the road, except over rough surfaces, and has competent handling. The electric powered steering felt somewhat numb with a tendency to wander on the freeway. The turning circle was good for a front wheel drive car and the ride was quite comfortable. The 1.8 liter engine is barely up to its task, although manual shifting of the automatic 4-speed transmission helped a lot in the hills. The driver sits a little on the low side even with the seat set as high as possible.

The all important EPA estimated fuel consumption is 27 city/35 highway for the base, LE, XLE and S models, and 22 city/30 highway for the XLS model.

Toyota warrants this car for 36,000 miles or 36 months, and warrants the power train for 60,000 miles or 60 months.

Options on these 65 models are too extensive to be included here. Among the highlights are a sunroof being available on all models except the base for $890 and a navigation system available on the S, XLE and XRS models for $1,300. Vehicle stability control is standard on the XRS, and an option on all other models for $250. Cruise control is an option for all models except XRS for $250.

An upgraded AM/FM stereo, 6CD changer, MP3/WMA player and satellite radio is available on the base and LE models for $240. A top of the line JBL AM/FM radio with 6-CD changer, MP3/WMA player, satellite radio, voice activated control for navigation system and Bluetooth system costs $1,060 on the S, XLE and XRS models.

Leather seats, with heated front seats are available on the S, and XRS models for $1,550. A “Sport” package is an option on the S model with alloy wheels, rear spoiler, power windows, keyless entry and cruise control for $1,495.

Even fully loaded with all of the options, this car will not be mistaken for a mid size luxury car, although it can be equipped with all the bells and whistles that makes driving convenient and less boring.

To choose this car over a Honda Civic or a Mazda 3 you must be a loyal Toyota owner, and not be interested in the excitement of driving a car on the back road twisties or anything like that. This car could be described as a transportation “appliance” but overall it does its job without fuss or entertainment. If this is what you need look no further - this car will serve you well overmany, many miles and years. It will not break into your wallet for gas, repairs or maintenance, all of which should be a very reasonable cost.

For those of you who like Toyota products and have a need for reasonably priced transportation check with Mossy Toyota in Pacific Beach and they will be happy to give you a test drive.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 59 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today's ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.