How did Toyota get it to react to steering input so well? First it started with a MacPherson strut suspension

The level of grip the Corolla XRS suspension exhibits is amazing, especially considering its humble economy car roots. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

system anti-roll bar up front, and a twist-beam setup featuring an anti-roll bar in the rear. Then to improve ride comfort while staying true to the car's performance purpose linear control valves were added to all four shock absorbers. Also, toe-control bushings stabilize handling by combining lateral cornering forces with longitudinal braking forces to reduce toe-out under cornering and increase overall stability. Toyota also added what at first glance appears to be a strut tower brace, but in reality it's more of a front connecting rod damper as it isn't a rigid cross-member. Developed by motorcycle (and almost everything else) manufacturer Yamaha, the damper is mounted between the front shock towers just where the brace would go, enhancing ride and handling while reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. The XRS' ride height has been lowered by about an inch (25 mm) while each

Slightly larger alloy rims wrapped in lower profile 195/55R16 Michelin performance tires are part of the racy XRS package. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

corner features increased rate coil springs and shocks to improve roll and pitch. I really liked the new model's stiffer steering column, as it gave the XRS a more connected feel to the road beneath. It responded to input quickly, but was still easy to maneuver at low speeds. Finishing off the handling package are slightly larger diameter alloy rims, from 15-inches to 16, wrapped in lower profile 195/55R16 Michelin performance rubber.

With regards to acceleration, it's important to get the revs up to make a quick launch as torque is a bit on the low side. Fortunately power is high, and it revs to the moon and back due to Toyota's intelligent Variable Valve Timing with Lift (VVTL-i), emitting a mechanical symphony that few modern engines can emulate in the process.