[caconym_]

> If it wasn't so expensive

It's too bad that Toyota and Honda don't have a WRX analogue sitting below their STI analogue, but I guess the demand for that kind of car isn't what it used to be.

I'd settle for the Civic SI having a bit more power on tap. Budgetizing the GRC might be a bit more problematic.

[hnav]

If they could shoehorn the Prius drivetrain into a Corolla hatchback (not sure of packaging, a Corolla hybrid sedan already loses 2 gallons of gas vs the normal car, maybe with solid-state batteries), that could be a great, if sonically unpleasant, middle ground. The hybrid Civics already give the Si a run for the money (though the 6 speed and LSD are great). I could see Honda being able to punch the engine out to 2.3 (they shrank the bore on the hybrid to 81mm for efficiency) and with updated battery tech eek out 230hp. Add an LSD, type R control arms/spindles/sway bars and that'd be an incredible 40mpg combined daily though dangerously close to $40k.

[maxerickson]

The US Corolla Cross Hybrid pretty much has the Prius AWD drivetrain.

[stasomatic]

I didn't think I'd live to see a $50K Corolla. No disrespect to what's under the hood, but it's still a plasticky Corolla. It does its job at $25K for A to B. Stick to Priuses, Toyoda-san. VW Golf R still exists, thanks Odin.