Leading by Example: Toyota launches all-new Corolla Altis

MANILA, Philippines - Forty-seven years and 40 million units sold to date, the Toyota Corolla is the bestselling car nameplate on the planet and has always been the Japanese automaker’s leader when it comes to adopting new concepts and technologies. Sold in 154 countries worldwide, the Corolla is designed to meet and exceed the expectations of a global customer base that has become more discerning when it comes to a car of superior quality, durability, and reliability.

Toyota’s response is the all-new, 11th-generation Corolla Altis—a car that inherits 50 years of Corolla DNA but with an advanced design, improved roominess and comfort, more dynamic performance, and unrivaled fuel economy. This is Toyota’s best and most capable Corolla Altis yet.

The 2014 Corolla Altis features a sportier exterior, a further evolution of Toyota’s new design language. It’s 4,620 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, and 1,465 mm high making it 80 mm longer, 15 mm wider, and yet 5 mm lower than its predecessor. The overall look is clean and balanced with clear emphasis on highlighting the added wheelbase (now at 2,700 mm). It looks visually proportioned thanks to a slightly longer front overhang (5 mm) and a substantially reduced rear overhang (25 mm).

At the front, the Corolla Altis features chrome horizontal bars that extend visually to the headlamps exuding a sense of width. On the 2.0 V, it has HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights giving a stronger visual signature. At the back, the trunk lid features a sharp, crisp cut sandwiched by the wide LED tail lamp clusters. At each corner, the Corolla Altis receives standard 205/55R16 tires while the 2.0 V receives 215/45R17 tires. Along with the sportier rims, the 2.0 V also gets a wrap-around aerodynamic kit including a rear spoiler.

While looking sharp and sporty, the Corolla Altis puts equal emphasis on improved aerodynamics, cutting its coefficient of drag to just 0.27 thanks to the ‘aero corner’ design of the bumpers, Formula One-derived “sakana” stabilizer fins on the door mirrors, and reduced panel gaps. The slippery exterior equates to enhanced cabin quietness and reduced fuel consumption.

Inside, the all-new Corolla Altis combines a clean, elegant, and uncluttered interior styling while reinforcing its cabin spaciousness. The top has a soft upper surface that flows over the instrument cluster while the dashboard face combines convex soft-touch padding with a concave center console panel finished in black or in the case of the 2.0 V, “Cybercarbon.” This is complimented by silver trim detailing including a bar that runs through the dash and onto the doors. The instrument cluster features blue lighting with a multi-information display. Fabric seats are standard on all 1.6-liter models while the 2.0 V has the added sporting touch of leather seats. Other exclusive luxury features on the 2.0 V include rain-sensing wipers and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The new cabin is more ergonomic with all driving-related instrumentation and switchgear separated into an upper display zone and a lower operation zone maximizing ease of use and minimizing driver distraction. The new steering wheel has tilt and telescopic adjustment and incorporates multi-functional switches for all but the base model. All models receive a single CD with MP3, USB, and Aux connected to six speakers. Thanks to the lengthened wheelbase, the Corolla Altis now features a roomier cabin, especially at the back. There’s an additional 92 mm of legroom for the rear occupants, making it best-in-class at 706 mm.  And despite the 25 mm reduction to its rear overhang, the new Corolla Altis’s trunk has increased to 452 liters.

On the road, the Corolla Altis promises a more dynamic driving experience while still returning excellent fuel economy. The proven DOHC 4-cylinder engines with 1.6- (122ps, 154Nm) and 2.0-liter (145ps, 187Nm) displacements are largely carried over. Both engines feature Toyota’s Dual VVT-i (Dual Valve Timing Intelligence) while the 2.0-liter adds ACIS or Acoustic Control Induction System. This is Toyota’s own variable length intake manifold. The biggest news is the coupling of both engines to a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox. This CVT is more compact and lightweight than the outgoing 4-speed automatic while offering more responsive performance and better fuel economy. It even features seven ‘virtual’ gears with a sequential override. The 2.0 V also gets steering wheel paddle shifters. For those who prefer a three-pedal set-up, Toyota offers a 6-speed manual gearbox on the lower 1.6-liter variants.

The all-new Corolla Altis rides on the proven suspension system of its predecessor. Though it still features front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam axle, significant revisions on both ends promote improved ride comfort and greater agility. The front features larger shock absorbers for better stability while softer springs and retuned dampers at the back further improve riding comfort. And despite its larger size, the Corolla Altis’s use of high-tensile steel throughout its body structure has shaved some 5.7 kilograms of weight with no detriments to body rigidity. The electric power steering system has been recalibrated to give a more linear feel while the reduced steering ratio makes it sharper. Finally, the all-new Corolla Altis is safer with dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors across the line.

The all-new Toyota Corolla Altis is available in four grades: 1.6 E, 1.6 G, 1.6 V, and 2.0 V with the following pricing:  1.6 E M/T: P 836,000; 1.6 G M/T: P 879,000, 1.6 G CVT: P 935,000; 1.6 V: P 999,000; and 2.0 V: P 1,201,000. This represents a price hike of roughly P30,000 to P60,000 compared to its predecessor, depending on the specific model. There’s also a wide variety of colors available: Super White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black, Red and Dark Brown, and White Pearl which adds P15,000 to the price and is only available on the V variants.