Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Toyota

For 2007, the Toyota Corolla line-up has a deletion: the higher-horsepower XRS has been discontinued, leaving the CE, Sport and LE trim lines. Anti-lock brakes, previously optional on the Sport, are now standard equipment on that model.

All models use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine; the CE and Sport come with a five-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a four-speed automatic, while the LE uses the autobox exclusively.

The base CE line includes 15-inch steel wheels, CD player with four speakers, 60/40 folding rear seat, tilt wheel, floor mats, power mirrors, and fixed intermittent wipers.

Available packages for the CE are a B Package of air conditioning and power locks with keyless entry; a C Package that builds on the B Package with power windows and cruise control; and a Special Edition Package, which adds 15-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, and power sunroof.

The Sport model adds 15-inch aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, CD player with six speakers, air conditioning, sport fabric seat material, skirt package with rear spoiler, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, leather-wrapped wheel, chrome inner door handles, illuminated entry, variable intermittent wipers, fog lamps and tire pressure monitoring system. An optional Sport Package adds cruise control and power sunroof.

The LE model adds premium cloth seats, automatic door locks, Optitron gauges, simulated woodgrain trim, cruise control, splash guards and seatback pockets. An available LE Package adds leather seats, side and curtain airbags, power sunroof, leather-wrapped wheel, chrome inner door handles and anti-theft system.

Always among the top three in Canadian sales alongside the Honda Civic and Mazda3, the Corolla is a superb performer, with exceptional build quality, good handling and a well-matched engine. It’s a crowded segment, and buyers should also consider the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Should you want the Toyota but need a bit more cargo space, remember the Matrix – and its sister Pontiac Vibe – share the Corolla’s underpinnings.