Fit for the fight

WE are still recovering from how brilliant the Toyota Vios was when it was launched last year, and now fresh out of the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis, it is safe to say that Toyota has done it again. It's bold new design language, class leading comfort, and excellent powertrain makes it one of the must have cars of the first quarter of this year.
Like its smaller sibling the Vios, this new eleventh generation Corolla Altis now comes with a new stylish design, boasting Toyota's current and more sharpened design language.
With this range-topping 2.0V variant, an attractive pair of LED projector headlamps with built-in daytime running lights enhances the car's stance. This is followed by a new darker, smoke-finished front grille, whilst 17-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres round things off on the outside. In short, almost everyone will agree the new car looks better than its conservative-looking predecessor.
Powering this premium 2.0V is an updated version of Toyota's 3ZR FE 2.0-litre twin-cam petrol four-cylinder engine, primed with dual intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i). Its power output has dropped just slightly from its predecessor, but the 143hp and peak torque of 187Nm it healthily generates is more than enough to comfortably power the new Altis' lightened kerb weight of 1,300kg – 15kg less than the previous 2.0V.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed CVT 'Sports Sequential Shift' automatic transmission, and this premium variant is specced further with steering-mounted paddle shifters as well. It may be a carry-over from the last generation, but the updated powertrain package proved its mettle with us during our drive.
While it is not 'sports car' fast, the powertrain felt reasonably quick, but it was the transmission's smoothness that won us over.
The gearbox managed shifts very well for a CVT despite us motoring journalists flooring it as we drove it out on the highways and around a series of back roads in Semenyih during an official test drive by Toyota. As the car we tested was factory fresh, we could only manage an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8km/litre.
However, Toyota is known for making powertrains with exceptionally good fuel economy figures in the long run, and we reckon this aspect has not changed for the new Corolla Altis. Overall, the powertrain delivers exactly what it was designed to do, offering perhaps the most ideally balanced package that is at par with its rivals.
Whilst the performance figures may seem mediocre, it is easy to forget about it thanks to some highly improved handling qualities that shone through whilst charting across the aforementioned backroads.
The previous Corolla Altis was widely known for being a vehicle with rather good handling, but the new eleventh generation has further improved on that, boasting a higher level of grip and stability, not to mention the minimal body roll whilst tackling corners.
What we liked most was the improved chassis balance, whereby the car held a straight line even under heavy braking. Traction and vehicle stability control come as standard in this range-topping 2.0V, thus further aiding handling during our spirited back-road drive.
The only complaint we have is the electric steering system's typical lack of feedback, but that aside, said system does feel well-weighted and in comparison to its predecessor, it felt much more refined and more accurate as well. Overall, the new Corolla Altis' handling surpasses our expectations and could probably be the key aspect that would win many buyers within this segment.
Perhaps the same praises can be echoed with the new car's cabin. With the aforementioned size enlargement, head and legroom in the front and rear are sufficient for most, but we feel that the cabin's best aspect is the ambience it radiates.
Besides the low noise intrusions, the dashboard's top half is now lined with soft-touch plastics, whilst the revised centre console is now more pleasing to the eye with less buttons cluttering its space, and the new bluecoloured instrument lighting adds a touch of class.
Match those with this 2.0V's leather seat covers, the subtly added shiny chrome lines, and the black theme, the new Altis's cabin is definitely a comfortable and pleasant place to be in.
This 2.0V test unit came equipped with the optional DVD-AVN infotainment system, whereby the 7-inch touchscreen offers navigational functions as well, a neat option we think is worth considering.
Perhaps our only complaint were the passenger seat lacking the same electric eight-way adjustment offered in the driver's seat, as well as the rear seat's somewhat less than comfortable frame and its slight lack of legroom for taller folks.
Other than that, the cabin offers great refinement compared to the last generation, and it would be one aspect many would appreciate about the Corolla Altis. In standard trim, the Corolla Altis 2.0V features dual SRS airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points as standard safety elements.
However, UMW Toyota will offer an optional 'Additional Safety Package' for the 2.0V, priming the cabin further with seven airbags in total, and a passenger seatbelt warning indicator. If safety is your top most priority, then this option would be the natural choice for you.
Tentatively, the new Corolla Altis 2.0V will be priced on-theroad starting from RM136,000 without options. There is also a more basic 1.8-litre base model and 2.0G mid-range variant on the other hand will be tagged, tentatively, on-the-road at RM114,000, and RM123,000 respectively.
The new Corolla Altis range will be launched officially next Monday. While it may not win the price war within the segment, the Toyota brand's reputation for good after-sales service will perhaps prevail and see the Altis move off showroom floors faster than its predecessors.
As far as first impressions go, the Corolla Altis has left us with a thoroughly impressed and it should prove itself worthy of your money.