Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A) Review
07 Oct 2010|64,788 views
That is exactly what Toyota has done. With more than 37 million units sold worldwide since its first introduction 44 years ago, Toyota has improved the Corolla Altis comprehensively and the latest one is no different.
It's not tough to notice that this growing lad is a popular car in Singapore. With Toyota's well-known strength for its spaciousness and dependability, families are more than happy to take a second glance at this sensible four-door sedan.
In all honesty, the refinement and reliability of the brand are the main reasons why we had to review the Corolla Altis without any delay. Although very minor changes have been done, the car looks amazing, inspired by its elder and much more expensive sibling, the Camry.
But can our progressive contender live past the shadows of the Camry this time round?
Exterior
When you look at the latest generation of the Corolla Altis launched just recently in Singapore, you'd really begin to wonder what exactly has changed over the previous model except for the Altis post mortem - some liposuction here and some botox there.
The 'new' Corolla Altis has a similar silhouette as the old Corolla and viewed from behind a casual eye may even mistake it for the older model.
It's not tough to notice that this growing lad is a popular car in Singapore. With Toyota's well-known strength for its spaciousness and dependability, families are more than happy to take a second glance at this sensible four-door sedan.
In all honesty, the refinement and reliability of the brand are the main reasons why we had to review the Corolla Altis without any delay. Although very minor changes have been done, the car looks amazing, inspired by its elder and much more expensive sibling, the Camry.
But can our progressive contender live past the shadows of the Camry this time round?
Exterior
When you look at the latest generation of the Corolla Altis launched just recently in Singapore, you'd really begin to wonder what exactly has changed over the previous model except for the Altis post mortem - some liposuction here and some botox there.
The 'new' Corolla Altis has a similar silhouette as the old Corolla and viewed from behind a casual eye may even mistake it for the older model.
 |
But a closer look will tell a different story. The rear fog lamps are now rectangular in shape while tail lights are completed with LED bulbs and a middle section with clear lenses. Up front, changes are similarly minor but distinctive.
Apart from the wider front grille, sharp-looking bulging headlamps have been slightly elongated, making the front fascia look akin to the bigger Camry. However, nothing much has changed on the Altis's side profile as side repeaters are still featured on its wing mirrors.
As a result, the profile is now wider as well as lower resulting in greater stability and confident stance. Distinctive character lines with delicate sweeping curves and rounded edges further enhance the impression of breadth especially from the rear.
While these changes may not be significant, they certainly give the well-grown car a more elegant feel, along with its subtle hints of greater stability and confident outlook.
 |
Interior
Interior changes are equally minor but nonetheless effective and alike most Toyota models, it remains to be spacious and roomy.
Step in and you are immediately impressed by the interior which look good, feel solid and score very high on ergonomics. The seats are perfectly placed for comfort as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient head and legroom for the front as well as the back occupants. Additionally, doors which open wide contribute immensely to easy ingress and egress.
Its interior is designed with a classic and ultra-modern touch. The cool leather, together with the aluminium finishing and the heavenly designed steering wheel make the interior of the Toyota Corolla Altis a good place to be in.
Interior changes are equally minor but nonetheless effective and alike most Toyota models, it remains to be spacious and roomy.
Step in and you are immediately impressed by the interior which look good, feel solid and score very high on ergonomics. The seats are perfectly placed for comfort as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient head and legroom for the front as well as the back occupants. Additionally, doors which open wide contribute immensely to easy ingress and egress.
Its interior is designed with a classic and ultra-modern touch. The cool leather, together with the aluminium finishing and the heavenly designed steering wheel make the interior of the Toyota Corolla Altis a good place to be in.
Moreover, audio controls and Multi-Information display switch are available on the four-spoke steering wheel for easy and handy use while the factory audio system is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files. It also comes with an AUX-In option for connecting portable music players.
With the slight tweaks and improvements Toyota has done to the interior, occupants will be charmed by the elegance and fittings. With the Altis, Toyota once again sets the bar for cabin quality in its segment. Design is simple and straightforward yet more progressive.
With the slight tweaks and improvements Toyota has done to the interior, occupants will be charmed by the elegance and fittings. With the Altis, Toyota once again sets the bar for cabin quality in its segment. Design is simple and straightforward yet more progressive.
 |
The Drive
Turn the ignition on and the new backlit Optitron meters greet you. The meters glow in a beautiful white light, which is significantly brighter and nicer. Orange readouts for the odometer and red needles make the car much more inviting for a drive.
Toyota has also worked on making the interiors as silent as possible with sound deadening materials placed at strategic places. As a result the insides are incredibly calm and relaxed.
This is due to its four-speed intelligent Electronically-Controlled Transmission (ECT) system which enables discrete gear changes. And though it's not a delight around the corners, it would keep the family happy and more importantly, safe.
Step on the accelerator and the Eco driving indicator tells you when the driving style is at the most fuel efficient level - something similar to that of BMW.
However, the set-up of the Toyota Corolla Altis remains soft as due importance has been given to road manners and ride rather than handling. While some of its competitors feel as if it will self-destruct itself when going through a series of potholes, the new car does it with confidence that can put many European sedans in the same class to shame.
Turn the ignition on and the new backlit Optitron meters greet you. The meters glow in a beautiful white light, which is significantly brighter and nicer. Orange readouts for the odometer and red needles make the car much more inviting for a drive.
Toyota has also worked on making the interiors as silent as possible with sound deadening materials placed at strategic places. As a result the insides are incredibly calm and relaxed.
This is due to its four-speed intelligent Electronically-Controlled Transmission (ECT) system which enables discrete gear changes. And though it's not a delight around the corners, it would keep the family happy and more importantly, safe.
Step on the accelerator and the Eco driving indicator tells you when the driving style is at the most fuel efficient level - something similar to that of BMW.
However, the set-up of the Toyota Corolla Altis remains soft as due importance has been given to road manners and ride rather than handling. While some of its competitors feel as if it will self-destruct itself when going through a series of potholes, the new car does it with confidence that can put many European sedans in the same class to shame.
The ride quality is very plush and the car smoothers potholes like no other. Even when pushed, it remains fairly smooth at the top end of its rev spectrum and emits a nice throaty growl.
Unlike the older model, the new 1.6-litre powerplant now churns out a maximum power and torque of 122kW and 145Nm at 6,000rpm and 5,200rpm respectively. Hence, the car is no slouch. It will keep up with the pack once you step on the accelerator while overtaking is done with ease.
Conclusion
Although changes are very minor on the shell, Toyota has made an important change to the engine - the Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent). It's this feature in the engine that allows for 13% higher power while returning 10% better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
After trying out the tenth generation progressive contender, it has convinced us that it's a no-nonsense car that does almost everything well.
More importantly, it comes with Toyota's unsurpassable reliability record and that's something which is the envy of every car manufacturer in the world.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Unlike the older model, the new 1.6-litre powerplant now churns out a maximum power and torque of 122kW and 145Nm at 6,000rpm and 5,200rpm respectively. Hence, the car is no slouch. It will keep up with the pack once you step on the accelerator while overtaking is done with ease.
Conclusion
Although changes are very minor on the shell, Toyota has made an important change to the engine - the Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent). It's this feature in the engine that allows for 13% higher power while returning 10% better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
After trying out the tenth generation progressive contender, it has convinced us that it's a no-nonsense car that does almost everything well.
More importantly, it comes with Toyota's unsurpassable reliability record and that's something which is the envy of every car manufacturer in the world.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
That is exactly what Toyota has done. With more than 37 million units sold worldwide since its first introduction 44 years ago, Toyota has improved the Corolla Altis comprehensively and the latest one is no different.
It's not tough to notice that this growing lad is a popular car in Singapore. With Toyota's well-known strength for its spaciousness and dependability, families are more than happy to take a second glance at this sensible four-door sedan.
In all honesty, the refinement and reliability of the brand are the main reasons why we had to review the Corolla Altis without any delay. Although very minor changes have been done, the car looks amazing, inspired by its elder and much more expensive sibling, the Camry.
But can our progressive contender live past the shadows of the Camry this time round?
Exterior
When you look at the latest generation of the Corolla Altis launched just recently in Singapore, you'd really begin to wonder what exactly has changed over the previous model except for the Altis post mortem - some liposuction here and some botox there.
The 'new' Corolla Altis has a similar silhouette as the old Corolla and viewed from behind a casual eye may even mistake it for the older model.
It's not tough to notice that this growing lad is a popular car in Singapore. With Toyota's well-known strength for its spaciousness and dependability, families are more than happy to take a second glance at this sensible four-door sedan.
In all honesty, the refinement and reliability of the brand are the main reasons why we had to review the Corolla Altis without any delay. Although very minor changes have been done, the car looks amazing, inspired by its elder and much more expensive sibling, the Camry.
But can our progressive contender live past the shadows of the Camry this time round?
Exterior
When you look at the latest generation of the Corolla Altis launched just recently in Singapore, you'd really begin to wonder what exactly has changed over the previous model except for the Altis post mortem - some liposuction here and some botox there.
The 'new' Corolla Altis has a similar silhouette as the old Corolla and viewed from behind a casual eye may even mistake it for the older model.
|
But a closer look will tell a different story. The rear fog lamps are now rectangular in shape while tail lights are completed with LED bulbs and a middle section with clear lenses. Up front, changes are similarly minor but distinctive.
Apart from the wider front grille, sharp-looking bulging headlamps have been slightly elongated, making the front fascia look akin to the bigger Camry. However, nothing much has changed on the Altis's side profile as side repeaters are still featured on its wing mirrors.
As a result, the profile is now wider as well as lower resulting in greater stability and confident stance. Distinctive character lines with delicate sweeping curves and rounded edges further enhance the impression of breadth especially from the rear.
While these changes may not be significant, they certainly give the well-grown car a more elegant feel, along with its subtle hints of greater stability and confident outlook.
|
Interior
Interior changes are equally minor but nonetheless effective and alike most Toyota models, it remains to be spacious and roomy.
Step in and you are immediately impressed by the interior which look good, feel solid and score very high on ergonomics. The seats are perfectly placed for comfort as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient head and legroom for the front as well as the back occupants. Additionally, doors which open wide contribute immensely to easy ingress and egress.
Its interior is designed with a classic and ultra-modern touch. The cool leather, together with the aluminium finishing and the heavenly designed steering wheel make the interior of the Toyota Corolla Altis a good place to be in.
Interior changes are equally minor but nonetheless effective and alike most Toyota models, it remains to be spacious and roomy.
Step in and you are immediately impressed by the interior which look good, feel solid and score very high on ergonomics. The seats are perfectly placed for comfort as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient head and legroom for the front as well as the back occupants. Additionally, doors which open wide contribute immensely to easy ingress and egress.
Its interior is designed with a classic and ultra-modern touch. The cool leather, together with the aluminium finishing and the heavenly designed steering wheel make the interior of the Toyota Corolla Altis a good place to be in.
Moreover, audio controls and Multi-Information display switch are available on the four-spoke steering wheel for easy and handy use while the factory audio system is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files. It also comes with an AUX-In option for connecting portable music players.
With the slight tweaks and improvements Toyota has done to the interior, occupants will be charmed by the elegance and fittings. With the Altis, Toyota once again sets the bar for cabin quality in its segment. Design is simple and straightforward yet more progressive.
With the slight tweaks and improvements Toyota has done to the interior, occupants will be charmed by the elegance and fittings. With the Altis, Toyota once again sets the bar for cabin quality in its segment. Design is simple and straightforward yet more progressive.
|
The Drive
Turn the ignition on and the new backlit Optitron meters greet you. The meters glow in a beautiful white light, which is significantly brighter and nicer. Orange readouts for the odometer and red needles make the car much more inviting for a drive.
Toyota has also worked on making the interiors as silent as possible with sound deadening materials placed at strategic places. As a result the insides are incredibly calm and relaxed.
This is due to its four-speed intelligent Electronically-Controlled Transmission (ECT) system which enables discrete gear changes. And though it's not a delight around the corners, it would keep the family happy and more importantly, safe.
Step on the accelerator and the Eco driving indicator tells you when the driving style is at the most fuel efficient level - something similar to that of BMW.
However, the set-up of the Toyota Corolla Altis remains soft as due importance has been given to road manners and ride rather than handling. While some of its competitors feel as if it will self-destruct itself when going through a series of potholes, the new car does it with confidence that can put many European sedans in the same class to shame.
Turn the ignition on and the new backlit Optitron meters greet you. The meters glow in a beautiful white light, which is significantly brighter and nicer. Orange readouts for the odometer and red needles make the car much more inviting for a drive.
Toyota has also worked on making the interiors as silent as possible with sound deadening materials placed at strategic places. As a result the insides are incredibly calm and relaxed.
This is due to its four-speed intelligent Electronically-Controlled Transmission (ECT) system which enables discrete gear changes. And though it's not a delight around the corners, it would keep the family happy and more importantly, safe.
Step on the accelerator and the Eco driving indicator tells you when the driving style is at the most fuel efficient level - something similar to that of BMW.
However, the set-up of the Toyota Corolla Altis remains soft as due importance has been given to road manners and ride rather than handling. While some of its competitors feel as if it will self-destruct itself when going through a series of potholes, the new car does it with confidence that can put many European sedans in the same class to shame.
The ride quality is very plush and the car smoothers potholes like no other. Even when pushed, it remains fairly smooth at the top end of its rev spectrum and emits a nice throaty growl.
Unlike the older model, the new 1.6-litre powerplant now churns out a maximum power and torque of 122kW and 145Nm at 6,000rpm and 5,200rpm respectively. Hence, the car is no slouch. It will keep up with the pack once you step on the accelerator while overtaking is done with ease.
Conclusion
Although changes are very minor on the shell, Toyota has made an important change to the engine - the Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent). It's this feature in the engine that allows for 13% higher power while returning 10% better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
After trying out the tenth generation progressive contender, it has convinced us that it's a no-nonsense car that does almost everything well.
More importantly, it comes with Toyota's unsurpassable reliability record and that's something which is the envy of every car manufacturer in the world.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Unlike the older model, the new 1.6-litre powerplant now churns out a maximum power and torque of 122kW and 145Nm at 6,000rpm and 5,200rpm respectively. Hence, the car is no slouch. It will keep up with the pack once you step on the accelerator while overtaking is done with ease.
Conclusion
Although changes are very minor on the shell, Toyota has made an important change to the engine - the Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent). It's this feature in the engine that allows for 13% higher power while returning 10% better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
After trying out the tenth generation progressive contender, it has convinced us that it's a no-nonsense car that does almost everything well.
More importantly, it comes with Toyota's unsurpassable reliability record and that's something which is the envy of every car manufacturer in the world.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Classic (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.5km/L
Horsepower
90kW (121 bhp)
Torque
145 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota Corolla Altis
Thank You For Your Subscription.
