On the XRS trim, Wearing says, the extra horsepower is ''complemented by a sport-tuned suspension that includes a front damper mounted between the shock towers to improve ride quality and handling without increasing noise vibration and harshness.''
The XRS suspension also features increased rate coil springs and shocks on all four wheels, Wearing says, which is meant to reduce roll and pitch. All of this sits on a body that's been lowered by 25 mm and given 16-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 195/55R15 Michelin performance summer tires, which means XRS buyers will also need to buy special tires for winter.
The CE, LE and Sport Corollas use disc brakes in the front and drums in the back, while the XRS gets discs at all corners.
ABS and electronic brake distribution are not available at all on the CE trim, but are standard on LE and XRS. ABS is optional on the Sport.
Corolla CE is fitted with P185/65R tires, while Corolla Sport and LE ride on 195/65R15 tires.
Because Toyota is anxious to get a piece of the aftermarket tuner business, a bunch of add-on toys can be viewed at the Vehicle Configurator at www.toyota.ca or even at a dealership.
Wearing says ''an extensive menu of individually-priced options allows owners to enhance their Corolla with features that add style, power, luxury and performance.''
One of the most popular options with driving enthusiasts ''could be a supercharger from Toyota Racing Development that can be fitted -- or retrofitted -- to any Corolla with a 1ZZ-FE engine.''
The Roots-type supercharger boosts maximum horsepower by up to 30 per cent, to 170 at 6,800 rpm.
