The standard front lip air dam, side skirts, rear spoiler with integrated LED center brake light, rear fascia extension,

While attractive the Corolla isn't exactly a head turner, but nevertheless Toyota manages to make the XRS look sharp. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and body-color front grille spice up the Corolla's conservative look to a... well, to a less conservative look. It's kind of a stealth fighter, not for any angular geometric exterior panels or anything, just that it doesn't attract the attention from RCMP Officer Gagnon that say, a Celica GT-S would. So when it comes right down to it the Corolla XRS might just be one of the most engaging "sleepers" around. It looks like a Corolla S, but incorporates all the performance upgrades of a top-line Celica. But, of course,

At $24,185, the XRS is priced right in line with the best of the sport compact class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the XRS is a lot more than the sum of its performance parts. They're integrated into one cohesive whole, making it a top performer in its class and most importantly, derived from one of the most reliable cars on the planet. What's it cost? Actually, at $24,185 it's quite a bit less expensive than some other competitors in its sport compact class. For instance a Saturn ION Quad Coupe Red Line, while offering quite a bit more power, starts at $26,995, while a fully-loaded Mazda3 GT, featuring similar goodies with the addition of leather seats, albeit less power, goes for $24,445. Dodge's SRT-4, with class-leading performance starts at $26,950. All are targeting a similar customer-type, but each goes about luring in this customer with very individualistic driving experiences. You've really got to try them all and make up your mind which one is for you.