Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS
Price as tested: CDN$21655

Performance: With the introduction of the new XRS, the outgoing model’s fun yet rev-happy Yamaha-developed 1.8 liter VVTL-i has gone for a more mundane engine. This is the same 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i engine as in Camry. The result is a more muted driving experience without all those high string revving fun of the previous motor. The high revving, cam changing sound and aura of the previous XRS have gone for history. In for the more refined, for a econosport, more boring is even more appropriate in this case. 158 horses definitely won’t get anyone who is shopping for econosport heart pounding neither. While 162 lb/ft of torque is more than enough for typical Corolla buyers, it isn’t going to make it when consumers are cross-shopping its more powerful peers. The saving grace is Toyota’s usual engine refinement and NVH remain intact with the latest generation of XRS. The drivetrain smoothness have always been amazing in Toyota’s 4 bangers. In 2.4 liter guise, its no exception as it has been used along the Toyota range for the last couple of years. Unlike the previous XRS, which was only available with stick shift. The new XRS is available with both 5-speed manual or automatic. This 5-speed automatic should go into the more popular 1.8 liter Corolla and Matrix with the same 2.4 liter. Its a wrong marketing move for Toyota to put a competitive auto gearbox in the more expensive so-called “performance” model while leaving mainstream model with the outdated 4-speed auto gearbox. Speaking of the 5-speed manual, the shifts are decent if the throws are long. The gates are surprisingly well-defined. As with usual Toyota clutch, the engagement point is easily found and light. If its too light for driving enthuisast, especially in a car which supposed to be a performance model. Another problem is the lack of a 6-speed. While I am driving on the freeway, this 2.4 liter feels buzzy at top 5th overdrive. This car needs another gear. The moral of the story? The entire Corolla and Matrix range need an extra set of gear for their transmissions, regardless of engine choices.

Handling: Corolla, just like the rest of the Toyota range. The chassis is detached and have a wooden feel in its response. The latest XRS is no exception. Its a delightful surprise for the outgoing XRS as the previous car provides much better steering feel than the latest version. Toyota really needs to get their heads up when tuning electric power steering. It feels like a remote control with all of their latest electric power steering. The competely lack of feedback and precision already unacceptable in a garden-variety version of Corolla, its totally unforgivable in a so-called performance version. The Vehicle Stability Control, is a competent if not exactly uninstrusive system. It steps in quite abruptly when pushed. There are plenty of body rolls and understeer when driven hard. Ride quality, on the other hand, has to be rated as the best in the sports performance class. You won’t feel any hard riding quality in this XRS as in other sports compact. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the sort of driving fun as in other sports compact neither.

Brakes: All wheel discs with standard ABS is what all sports compact should come standard. Thankfully, XRS does. The pedal feel is decent with proper modulation. ABS kicks in only when necessary. The Electronic Braking Force Distribution also helps nose dive to a minimal.

Interior: The nice fabric covered sports seats are the single biggest highlight of the XRS’s interior. It has enough thigh and back support when pushing hard into a corner. The tastefully done aluminum trim have done a good job of brightening the boring interior. The rest is typical Corolla. Logically layout center console and instrumentation. Even costing north of 21 grand, its level of corner cutting plastic materials remain intact in this XRS.

Conclusion: Instead of packaging an XRS as a sports performance Corolla, this 2.4 liter with 5-speed auto should go into LE and S instead. That’s because this is an engine combination that is most suitable in its mainstay profile. Its a pity Toyota decided to put the uncompetitive engine and gearbox at the wrong end of the spectum. This 2.4 liter is a “neither/nor” in the sports compact class, while 1.8 liter is the inappropriate compromise in an ultra-competitive small car class. The latter is perfect for CE as an entry-level a.k.a rental purpose. Those who buy this 2.4 would appreciate its smoothness in a Corolla, especially with an extra gear. By the way, this extra gear also would work much better in a Matrix. Maybe we should wait another 5 years for next Corolla redesign in order to get the right powertrain choice. But then again, I might never understand what’s going on Corolla’s target audience and product planner’s minds.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2.5/5