Unlike the majority of SEMA show cars that never see the light of day, Toyota is planning on building approximately 5,000 XRS models during the 2004 model year. Considering the Corolla's aforementioned build quality and best-in-class reputation for reliability and owner satisfaction, 5,000 units hardly seems sufficient.

The Corolla XRS will go a long way to boosting Toyota's performance image. (Photo: Toyota)

Despite being built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario alongside the Matrix crossover, Toyota Canada (TCI) has not announced whether the XRS will stay north of the border for Canadian consumption. May 1st is the target date for dealerships.

I, for one, believe TCI should sell it here. Without the Scion brand, Toyota only has the Echo Hatch, Matrix and Celica to win over younger buyers - the latter two getting up in price when fully optioned. The Corolla XRS would go a long way to boosting the brand's performance image, an effectually help to sell more CE, S and LE models to youth buyers as well.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): N/A
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 170 hp, 127 lb-ft, 1.8-L, DOHC, 16-valve I-4
• Transmission: 6-spd man
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight (est): 1,175 kg (2,590 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 390 L (13.6 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.4 / 7.4 L/100km (25 / 32 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, Dodge SX 2.0 R/T / SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus, Honda Civic SiR, Hyundai Elantra GT, MazdaSpeed Protegé / 3, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Pontiac Sunfire GT, Saturn ION Red Line, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio, VW Golf GTI / Jetta GLS 1.8T
• Web Site: www.toyota.ca