You should go for Gli 1.6 automatic...
As for ABS is concerned...xli doesn't come with ABS, while Gli has an ABS brakes...and ABS makes a very big difference especially on slipery road and moving your steering while brakes are applies...ABS won't skid from the road..will remain in the path which you want it to be...
By the way Honda has very good AbS than corolla...just saying