2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Video Clip)

Its bark is worse than its bite

2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

Let's not waste time here. The Corolla XRS costs $24,445.

For that price, you get a well-equipped small sedan. It's loaded with features including air conditioning, a power sunroof, a tire-pressure monitor, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry and 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 195/55VR16 rubber.

For that price, you get a screamer of an engine. The XRS model's 1.8-litre 16-valve inline-4 produces 164 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. That's right, way up there, just before the high 8,300 rpm redline. Ain't that nice? A 6-speed manual is the only gearbox available, and I don't see any other choice that could help you get the most out of the engine. You will find yourself rowing though the gears like you've never had before, in order to keep the engine in its sweet spot. With this engine, you can actually feel the 'lift' portion of the variable valve timing, dubbed VVTL-i; you get a slight kick in the pants from around 6,500 rpm and the revs climb faster during that last sprint towards the redline. Driving this car hard requires a certain level of driver involvement, which is great for people who like sporty driving like me.

For that price, torque is unfortunately rather thin at 125 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. So, although launches are quicker than other Corolla models with 126 horsepower, it is not blindingly fast. What's more, is that this engine produced 180 horses in 2003, was tuned down to 170 for 2004 and 2005, and is now at 164 for 2006. If Toyota wants to keep what seems to be an

2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

expensive engine to produce, they'd better find a way to corral some more horsies in it. At the very least, they should retune the engine in order to offer more low-end torque, because it sounds more athletic than it really is. To make matters worse, the XRS' engine requires premium fuel.

For that price, you get a sporty car and not a sports car. Its sport-tuned suspension will make tackling corners an easy task. Under the hood, you'll find an expensive-looking strut tower damper. You also get the aforementioned 16-inch wheels and a drop in ride height of 15 mm. The steering is as smooth and precise as any Corolla model.

For that price, competition is fierce and, well, less expensive. A Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart costs $22,778 and has about the same horsepower (162) but more torque (162 lb-ft) than the XRS. The Mazda3 GT boasts 160 hp and 150 lb-ft and costs $21,545. As well, the 197-hp Civic Si that is coming soon looks promising. So this Corolla has its work cut out for it.

2006 Toyota Corolla XRS (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123)

For that price, I would expect a richer and bolder interior; a cockpit that further distinguishes the XRS from lesser Corolla trim levels. However, it is an example of simplicity and efficiency. The Optitron gauges are easy to read, the heating and ventilation controls shine with user-friendliness, and the cruise control stalk is exactly where your hand will look for it. The sound system sounds good with its 6 speakers. It would benefit, though, from bigger volume and tuning dials, as you use your fingertips to turn them, and they're a far reach for the driver. There are 2 other minor flaws that I noticed, very minor in fact. The location of the cigarette lighter right above the shift lever looks like an afterthought, and there is an exposed screw on the sunroof control trim. These are not Toyota habits.