One word sums up the driving experience in the new Corolla: transparent. That's a benefit to those who don't particularly enjoy driving. The Corolla gets the job done so nicely that it's difficult to fault.Okay it's only got a 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine so naturally its acceleration performance is not scintillating. But it's not supposed to be. Instead, it delivers its power smoothly thanks to the nicely matched electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. It includes a shift logic system that helps hold a gear longer than it might otherwise if it senses the car is going up an incline or the driver wants plenty of power while passing. The power steering is just right, providing a nice feel without being too stiff or sloppy. The suspension has been tuned to give a smooth ride, which is helped by the longer wheelbase compared to the previous generation. Body roll has been minimized and the car feels secure at all speeds. Those who enjoy the crisp handling of a sports sedan will find the car's suspension a little too soft. These drivers may want to opt for the Matrix, which does have a slightly stiffer more sporty suspension. For those who enjoy doing their own shifting the five-speed manual allows for more performance as the engine's power can be better utilized. There is no difference in engine, transmission or suspension between the three trim levels; despite the S model being designated a sporty trim level.
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