Indicative prices are RM105,990 for the 1.6E, RM112,990 for the 1.8E, RM122,990 for the 1.8G and RM131,990 for the 2.0V.
The Toyota Corolla Altis has had its mid-life facelift, and the C-segment stalwart is coming soon to Malaysia. UMW Toyota is already accepting bookings, and we know that the Altis will be officially launched on the 23rd of September.
Three drivetrains will be available for our market – a 1.6-litre (120 PS/154 Nm) 4-speed auto, a 1.8-litre (140 PS/173 Nm) with a Super CVT-i gearbox and a 2.0-litre (147 PS/187 Nm) paired to the CVT. All three engines belong to the ZR series and have four cylinders, 16 valves, twin overhead cams and Dual VVT-i, the latter on both intake and exhaust. The 1.8 and 2.0 have Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS), which is essentially a variable intake manifold system that works to optimise power/torque at low/high rpms.
The small and slightly flat bottomed steering was good to hold (I don’t like too thick rims) and it felt more alert and responsive compared to the old car (EPS software was revised for more “direct steering feel”) but more sensation through the rim would be very welcome.
As before, body roll resistance isn’t the best in class and you’re sure to feel the weight transfer in successive direction changes but that’s not surprising for the Altis. I didn’t appreciate the VSC on track though; it intervenes very early (beep and light) and frequently. I would have also preferred the seats to go lower and have more support, although we’re quite sure not many owners will find this an issue.
After the 2.0-litre, the 1.8 didn’t feel much slower or less powerful in the two laps we had. To be honest, I would not have known the difference if the interior looked the same; perhaps a longer drive would reveal the 3ZR-FE’s advantage. One sure advantage all engines have over their predecessors is fuel economy – the new 1.8 is 15% more frugal, while the 1.6 and 2.0 should be 10% less thirsty than older engines, according to Sato-san. All else remains the same, including the platform, chassis, dimensions and interior room. On the latter, I always enjoy sitting in the rear of the Altis when stuck in Bangkok’s epic jams; while legroom is far from class leading, the seats are set high and you sit with legs properly bent, like on the dinner table (for lack of a better example). Interior fit and finish remains exemplary while the dash and door caps are in soft touch plastics.
