The Toyota Corolla is Toyota's best selling vehicle of all time and the Japanese auto maker has added a sporty edge to its veteran Corolla. Compared to the standard Corolla, the XRS variation has a stiffer, sports-tuned suspension that allows for livelier handling. The more powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder heart of the XRS boasts a decent 158 horsepower and significant improvement from the 1.8L 132 horsepower engine in the standard Corolla model. This sports compact includes Toyota's standard grill styling seen on the Camry and Matrix. Compared to the 2008 Corolla, the 2009 XRS has a smoother, more aerodynamic body designed my Toyota in conjunction with a studio in Italy. The muscular 14ft long build sports a rear wing and overall 1/2 inch lower profile. The bulging taillights and headlights also increase aesthetic satisfaction.
On the inside, the cool air intake and rear diffuser increase driving performance. The 5 speed transmission provides an ample sporty experience, but does not quite compare to the Volkswagen GTI or Honda Civic Si. The leather seats, silver interior accents, and navigation system make up the improved interior. The big knobs on the control console represent Toyota's pattern of simple and standard controls.
While Toyota has added a nice sporty edge to its loving Corolla, the increased road grip and aesthetics aren't enough to classify the Toyota Corolla XRS as a true sports compact. It is still more of a family sedan and a mini-Camry than a sports compact comparable to the Honda Civic Si and VW GTI. While the XRS does provide good fuel economy at around 28 mile per gallon, the competing Civic Si costs about 2.5k more and the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta cost about a grand less. The XRS fails to satisfy true sports car enthusiasts and, unless you're a great big fan of Toyota and can't stand the standard Corolla's small engine, and doesn't quite produce the bang for the buck that Toyota usually delivers. You can pay $1000 less for the Corolla S and save extra money at the pump with the better fuel economy.
