2005 Toyota Corolla XRS
Source: Toyota
Toyota Corolla, the world's best-selling car and the most dependable compact car in America, gains a new high-performance model for 2005 called the XRS. Combining sporty styling with the performance of a high-revving 170-horsepower engine and a specially tuned chassis, the Corolla XRS is aimed at young performance-driven buyers.
"With the popularity of the Corolla S, the logical next step was to match its sporty styling with a performance-driven powertrain," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. "We expect the XRS to follow the course started by the S grade by appealing to younger customers, especially single male buyers."
The XRS is powered by a newly tuned version of the company's 2ZZ double overhead cam (DOHC) 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS models.
In addition to the high-performance XRS, Corolla is available in three other grades for 2005, including the very well equipped CE, the sporty S model and the upscale LE. For the second straight year, Toyota Corolla was named "Most Dependable Compact Car" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problem symptoms of three-year-old vehicles.
New for 2005, the LE and S grade models offer an optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when equipped with the automatic transmission. VSC helps maintain directional stability during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.
The VSC option includes a traction control function that helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Brake Assist, also included, is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.
All Corolla models with ABS adopt a tire pressure monitoring system with dashboard monitor light. In addition, all models gain a new anti-theft engine immobilizer and new spray-type windshield washers.
Power door locks, standard on S, LE and XRS, have been enhanced for 2005 with a shift-linked system in models with the automatic transmission. The shift-linked system locks the doors automatically when the shift handle is placed into "Drive."
XRS Leads the Charge for Young Customers
The new Corolla XRS is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170 horsepower at 7,600 RPM and 127 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 RPM. The engine delivers broader and stronger mid-range torque than previous versions of the 2ZZ engine. The variable valve timing and lift (VVTL-i) system gives the engine a supercharger-like rise in power from 6,000 to 7,800 RPM. The result is a compact sport sedan that blends sub-eight-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration with exceptional throttle response throughout its broad power band.
Even with this level of performance, fuel economy ratings remain excellent with EPA estimates of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Corolla XRS is available only with a six-speed manual transmission.
A complete performance package, the Corolla XRS features a sport-tuned suspension that includes a front sport strut tower brace developed by Yamaha. Mounted between the front shock towers, the damper helps to improve ride and handling without compromising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). In addition to the damper, the Corolla XRS features a half-inch lower ride height, and the use of higher-rate coil springs and shocks on all four wheels improves roll and pitch control. To further stiffen the body structure for sharp handling response, the XRS deletes the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and adds a rear cross brace.
The standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 195/55R-16 Michelin performance tires are an upgrade from the standard 15-inch wheels on all other Corolla grades. The power steering system has been specially tuned using a rack developed expressly for the XRS that allows for better steering feedback. A more rigid steering column reduces vibration and also helps to improve response. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard for the XRS.
The Corolla XRS shares "factory custom" exterior styling with the sporty Corolla S model, including smoked headlight lens-extenders, a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, integrated fog lamps and an aerodynamic body package with color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions and rear mudguards.
The XRS interior likewise conveys the performance theme with bolstered sport front seats, optitron speedometer and tachometer, a silver-colored center cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The rest of the equipment matches the other higher-grade Corolla models and includes air conditioning, power door locks, driver's seat height adjuster and AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers. Cruise control is also standard on the XRS.
Larger-Car Comfort, Yet Highly Nimble
High sitting positions make it easy to enter and exit the vehicle and provide excellent all-around visibility. The trunk is also large for its class, providing 13.6 cubic feet of carrying space. A standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seat for all grades (except XRS) greatly enhances the Corolla's versatility.
The substantial feel extends from the efficient packaging to the driving experience. The Corolla is larger than its predecessors, and occupants enjoy a quiet and smooth ride. At the same time, the Corolla is highly nimble, due to a super-stiff body structure, refined suspension tuning and standard variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering.
As an example of the level of suspension refinement in the Corolla, Toyota uses shock absorbers with linear control valves that react differently to harsh and soft bumps. Until recently, such a feature could be found only in luxury-class vehicles. The CE, S and LE grades come standard with 15-inch wheels. Standard tires on the CE model are 185/65R-15, and the S and LE grades step up to 195/65R-15. Alloy wheels are available as an option for the S and LE.
Standard safety technology in the Corolla includes dual-stage front SRS airbags, pretensioners and force limiters for the front seatbelts and side-impact door beams. Front seat side airbags and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are available as options for all model grades (standard on XRS). The rear seat is equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) uniform child restraint anchorage system.
Fun To Drive and Highly Fuel Efficient
Today's Corolla powertrain is among the most advanced in its class, providing the owner with the dual benefits of sporty performance and excellent fuel economy. The dual overhead cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 130 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 125 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 RPM. Toyota's advanced Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) gives the Corolla engine a liveliness that belies its size by optimizing power delivery throughout the engine speed range.
The engine produces at least 90-percent of its peak torque from just 2,000 RPM to the 6,000 RPM redline, giving the Corolla sporty response and easy highway merging. Equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the Corolla can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just under nine seconds.
The Corolla delivers exceptional EPA-estimated fuel mileage ratings whether equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission (32 mpg city/41 mpg highway) or the optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic (30/38).
The Toyota Value Standard
Toyota eliminated the traditional notion of a "base" model by equipping the CE grade with extensive standard equipment. Interior fabrics and textures are designed to impart a high-quality appearance and feel.
The generous standard equipment includes air conditioning with a cabin air filter, an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, digital clock, a driver's seat-height adjuster, a trunk lamp and a dome light with delay. The Corolla even comes with a standard digital outside temperature gauge, a feature commonly seen on more expensive cars.
Design details contribute to the high-quality/high-value feel, as well. For example, the exterior door handles are color-keyed to the body, and the steering wheel and dashboard are color-keyed to the upholstery. In contrast, some lower-priced cars keep these items one color - usually black or gray - to reduce costs. Both the S and LE grades add 195/65R-15 tires, map lights and color-keyed body side moldings. The LE is further equipped with power windows, a keyless entry system, variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle and woodgrain-style interior trim. An optional leather trim package adds a touch of luxury to the Corolla LE.
While the current Corolla differs dramatically from the first-generation model from nearly four decades ago, it remains true to the ideals that have made Corolla the world's all-time best-selling passenger car: affordability, high quality and reliability. More than 28 million Corollas have been sold in over 140 countries since its introduction in 1966 (1969 model year in the United States).
2005 Toyota Corolla XRS Pictures and Specifications
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General Information
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Year
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2005
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Manufacturer
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Toyota
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Model
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Corolla
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Trim
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XRS
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Body Type
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Sedan
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Base MSRP
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$17,995 USD
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Curb Weight
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2,670 lbs.
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Engine / Transmission
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Type
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1.8 Liter Gas
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Cylinders
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4
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Horsepower
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170 bhp @ 7600 rpm
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Torque
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127 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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Redline
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8200 rpm
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Drive Train
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Front Wheel Drive
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Gear Type
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6-Speed Manual
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Performance
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0-60 mph
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7.1 Seconds
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0-100 mph
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20 Seconds
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¼ Mile
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15.8 Seconds
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Top Speed
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130 mph
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Gas Mileage
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26 MPG City/ 34 MPG Highway
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