I like the XRS aero bits, just as I do in today's S.
Interior plastics of Toyotas in general are not top 1/3 of the class competitive nor their fitment and feel appealing to me. The exception I marvelled at is the new Highlander which both looked and felt very high quality (and also very comfy in the 2 front rows).
Back to Crayola, the lower roof certainly improves the look - more sporty and less dorky - but I think Corolla buyers appreciated the height. They will steal sales, but best hope they don't marginalize their core buyer who may instead opt for an Elantra (don't laugh) or something similar. In the end the reliability, quiet cabin, and soft ride should keep the Toyota loyalist.
Again on the cheap front, at least Toyota now fits it with safety equipment standard - no ABS or side air bags? What a crock that was and shameful. And a telescopic wheel too now, standard. Wooo-wee. I still would pick the Rabbit and 3 over this, next Civic and maybe Astra then Corolla. Still, big improvement.