A Hot Price for Such Cool Features
Toyota's answer to beating the summer heat is the 2005 Corolla Special Edition, which not only comes with a great list of features, but also
includes a hot price tag. Based on the Corolla CE trim level, it comes with the "B" option package which includes a power sunroof, unique 15-inch alloy wheels and locks, distinctive Special Edition decals and a few more goodies.
I might sound totally contradictory when I say this, but I am definitely warming up to air conditioning. Those who know me might find that hard to believe, as they know that air conditioning is my last resort. I prefer channeling wind through my car in its natural flow. But as the summers get hotter and hotter, air conditioning is gradually becoming a necessity for my summer drives. And as you might have guessed it, air conditioning is another standard feature on the Special Edition.
Including such an expensive option standard might seem contradictory as well, being that the CE doesn't even include power windows. Making the lack of power windows seem even stranger is its standard power sunroof, power door locks, power remote exterior mirrors, and keyless remote entry. Mind you, as odd as the packaging was, it didn't bother me one bit. In fact, I quite liked it because it reminded me of my old Toyota Corolla station wagon and how much fun I had in her... her being Rosey, and yes,
laugh all you want, I named my little red wagon. Also, with the heat wave I'm in the middle of right now, I'd take air conditioning over power windows in a snap. The do it yourself windups also makes the Corolla's price tag just that much lower - not to mention it works the bi- and triceps!
Features aside, the Toyota Corolla continues to have the same strong rapport with me as it had in previous test drives. The 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC, Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rated 4-cylinder, which produces 126-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, gave me enough power to tackle the city streets and hills. What's more, the CE came with the standard 5-speed manual transmission allowing me to optimize torque and horsepower without the engine getting too loud or revy. Likewise, when I wanted to pass another vehicle on the highway, and dropped gears to do so, the engine still didn't sound overbearing like some others I've tested.
Toyota's answer to beating the summer heat is the 2005 Corolla Special Edition, which not only comes with a great list of features, but also
 |
| My Corolla tester came with the "B" option package, which includes a power sunroof, unique 15-inch alloy wheels and locks, distinctive Special Edition decals and a few more goodies. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I might sound totally contradictory when I say this, but I am definitely warming up to air conditioning. Those who know me might find that hard to believe, as they know that air conditioning is my last resort. I prefer channeling wind through my car in its natural flow. But as the summers get hotter and hotter, air conditioning is gradually becoming a necessity for my summer drives. And as you might have guessed it, air conditioning is another standard feature on the Special Edition.
Including such an expensive option standard might seem contradictory as well, being that the CE doesn't even include power windows. Making the lack of power windows seem even stranger is its standard power sunroof, power door locks, power remote exterior mirrors, and keyless remote entry. Mind you, as odd as the packaging was, it didn't bother me one bit. In fact, I quite liked it because it reminded me of my old Toyota Corolla station wagon and how much fun I had in her... her being Rosey, and yes,
 |
| The 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC, Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rated 4-cylinder, produces 126-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Features aside, the Toyota Corolla continues to have the same strong rapport with me as it had in previous test drives. The 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC, Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rated 4-cylinder, which produces 126-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, gave me enough power to tackle the city streets and hills. What's more, the CE came with the standard 5-speed manual transmission allowing me to optimize torque and horsepower without the engine getting too loud or revy. Likewise, when I wanted to pass another vehicle on the highway, and dropped gears to do so, the engine still didn't sound overbearing like some others I've tested.