I'm impressed, no I mean really impressed! The 2005 Corolla XRS is a superbly crafted, small sized sedan that is more than competent at seating four-five people in complete comfort.

I should say that while I am impressed, I'm not surprised at the quality of the new Corolla. After all, it is a Toyota, and it is built in the award winning Cambridge, Ontario plant, (TMMC) the same renowned factory that produces the stylish and versatile Lexus RX330.

What does surprise me however is the notion that a Corolla could ever legitimately be considered a sports sedan.

A new model in the Toyota's lineup for 2005, the XRS makes the bold declaration that sportiness can include practicality, safety and reliability. A regular Corolla at heart, the XRS receives several unique features. With these additions, it provides a compelling argument that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Included in this list is a 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170 hp at 7400 rpm and 127 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. A punchy engine, it revs freely and does so with only a modest amount of noise.

One transmission is offered in the Corolla XRS, a 6-speed manual stirs the gears. A slick operator, my only concern is due to the fact that first gear is so close to third, that many times I found myself leaving an intersection in the wrong gear. Of course, being a well designed car, the Corolla was more than capable of starting off in a higher gear, but it left me fumbling for first on several occasions.

Both engine and transmission are shared with the Toyota Matrix XRS and the soon to be discontinued Celica GT-S. In the case of the Corolla XRS, it turns what is generally considered to be one of the docile sedans in the market, into a high performance, domesticated beast.

The new Corolla XRS makes full use of its sport-tuned suspension. This includes front dampers mounted between the shock towers for improved handling and ride. Increased rate coil springs and shocks are featured at all four wheels; while ride height is decreased by 15 mm. A front wheel drive car, steering is power assist, rack and pinion.

Featured wheels are 16" aluminum alloy equipped with 195/55R Michelin performance summer tires. Tire pressure sensors monitor inflation rate, with 4-sensor ABS and EBD, (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) offered as standard equipment.

Sporty exterior touches include side skirts, a rear spoiler with LED taillight and a colored front grille.

High strength steel surrounds the passenger compartment in safety and silence. Side impact beams, floor crossmembers and front crush zones utilize varying thickness steel to help disperse impact energy.

Inside, three-point seatbelts are located at all five sitting positions, and rear headrests are now standard for all rear seats passengers. Advanced dual-stage airbags further increase the security of what is arguably one of the safest small cars on the road today.

(CONTINUE...)