2005 Toyota Corolla Preview
Toyota Canada has given its Corolla compact sedan a minor facelift, made content and pricing changes, and added a ''performance'' XRS model to the three existing trims.
All models of the sedans made in Cambridge, Ontario, get a remodeled grille, and a new front bumper and lower valance combination, taillights, and wheel covers.
Inside all models, there are new seat materials and a vertical adjustment for the driver's seat.
The standard equipment list for every 2005 Corolla sold in Canada now includes front passenger airbags with status indicator, an engine immobilizer for added security, UV glass protection, and a rear centre seat headrest.
To pay for this equipment, Toyota Canada has raised the MSRP on the three carryover models and launched the upscale XRS version.
For 2005, Toyota Canada's lineup of Corolla sedans starts with the CE model at $15,490, goes to the Sport at $19,955, continues on with the LE at $21,600, and now concludes with the XRS at $24,185.
In the view of Tony Wearing, managing director of Toyota Canada, ''Corolla surprises owners with how much value they can get for their money -- something that's especially important in today's extremely competitive compact sedan segment.''
In Wearing's view, ''For 2005, Toyota is again raising buyers' expectations, starting with the base model and adding value all the way through the new Corolla lineup.''
The CE, Sport and LE versions of Corolla are powered by Toyota's 1ZZ-FE 1.8-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine attached to a five-speed manual shifter. This engine used multi-port fuel-injection and variable valve timing to produce 130 hp at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on these versions of Corolla.
The XRS trim gets the hyped-up version of the 1.8-litre engine, delivering 170 hp and 127 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual -- there's no other transmission choice.
Each version of Corolla is ''equipped to please'' a different group of buyers, Wearing says. ''Enhancing comfort and functionality, each Corolla trim level offers a unique combination of materials, finishes and standard features.''