Question before pulling the trigger

[THINKPOD]

Ok, so I am in the market for a new car and 09 XRS is top of my list!

I haven't test drive it yet, but will soon.

Before I do so, I want to ask some questions...

1. Does XRS have an on/off button for the Vechicle Stability Control/Traction Control like the Matrix? I dont see this in any pictures~

2. Will a 158hp XRS auto accelerate faster than a 140hp auto Honda Civic? Can anyone verify that?

3. With all these electronic stability and traction control thinge, is this car going to be reliable? Maybe I should get a sport model just to stay reliable~

4. How much better in term of handling is the XRS compare to a baseline CE model? I have already test drive a CE (local dealer dont have a XRS in stock at the time) and I thought the suspension were really soft~

***BTW, I am from Canada, so refering to the Canadian version

thanks!

[RC1]

Yes on question no 1, you can turn off Traction Control, or both it and the VSC. You can't turn off VSC by itself though. I can't comment on the autos acceleration, but the stick is strong, surprisingly for only 158 horse. I am impressed with the acceleration each time I decide to get a little aggressive, it's probably due to the fact that it's got lots of torque. Reliability should'nt really be a question.
The handling is also pretty good, thanks to the 17's. The suspension is still a little soft for my liking, and the rear does tend to get a little tail happy in hard corners, but overall a really enjoyable car to toss around. BTW, I have about 1500km on mine.

[VisualSpoiler++]

1. Yes there is an on/off button.

2. Yes it accelerates faster than a normal Civic. A LOT faster, for that matter.

3. It's a Toyota. Electronics or no, it's going to outlast your house in terms of reliability.

4. The suspension is firmer than the base models, and the steering wheel is a lot tighter. Plus it brakes better due to the rear disc brakes.

[imEric!]

I love my XRS and I have already put 6000KM on it...Besides the transmission replacement earlier, I absolutely don't have a complaint about it...I'm lovin' it

[rolla-XRS]

Ditto. Picked mine up last Thursday after trading in my Gen9 XRS. Very glad I made the change. What I particularly like is the torque it has at highway speeds. Very nice and smooth...like a big engine and I still got 7.2L/100km fuel economy. I will likely get over 600km on my first tank of fuel at this rate.

[imEric!]

In the past I have driven an 03 'rolla and I have to say that it is a boring car...However, the 10th generation 'rolla XRS changes my mind totally...I absolutely love its quietness and the features it has...


Listen up guys, we should all come out and meet each other

[lowincash]

i've test driven the 09 xrs auto and 08 civic ex coupe auto...xrs is definitely faster...low end is a lot better than the civic and the ride is more smooth and quiet too. but civic's seats seem to be more hold you better than the xrs...the xrs seats seem soft. sorry i didn't really pay attention to the other features in your question lol

[THINKPOD]

Originally Posted by imEric!

I love my XRS and I have already put 6000KM on it...Besides the transmission replacement earlier, I absolutely don't have a complaint about it...I'm lovin' it

What the? That sounds like a big deal to me! What happen? dont expect this from a toyota~

[imEric!]

Originally Posted by THINKPOD

What the? That sounds like a big deal to me! What happen? dont expect this from a toyota~

You can refer to the following link for more info:
New Issue When Downshifting from 2nd to 1st Gear (Automatic).

Also read this:
Tech Tip 2286: Downshift Sensation When Coming to a Stop