Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid

Went to see this at Borneo showroom after catching a glimpse at Motor Show 2020. Skipped its other 1.6L petrol and tested this 1.8L Hybrid instead, as the SalesPerson mention is not much changes in engine for the petrol variant. First looks, stylish exterior design which is close to its more "Atas" Sibling, Camry which is understood as baby Camry for this. Inside the interior, still the plush comfortable Altis with much more gadgets than before like having BOTH auto headlights and rain sensors (finally) in Altis or in a typical Japanese make. Comes with interactive dashboard, which some brands calls it Virtual Cockpit that can be of much informative to driver, only worried if our local weather is hot all year round that can "Tahan" The heat to last for many years to come. PUSH START cant really hear anything as its hybrid and move off is a breeze with electronic brake cuts off once engage in Drive mode. Cruising is breeze where you see the safety gadgets at work, PCA and LDA which is elaborated below. A good to have seen in Camry is the DCC where you engage it at 60km/h and anytime a car in front slows down, it slows too, compares to other makes is just a normal cruise control (non-dynamic or non-adaptive). Auto brake hold is also another good to have too. Normal drive mode is seen as a smooth drive and pretty quiet but when you switch to Sport mode, the engine can be quite noisy when revved which could be due to poor insulation (cost cutting ?) in this generation of Altis. Parking is easy with the necessary gadgets in place too as with higher CG, is unlikely to brush the rear bumper at the back. Overall, for this 1.8L hybrid, if you do not mind its "Noise" When revved to overtake or general revving, its still a reliable to have as a Toyota. Being Toyota, for its reliability on engine, except can feel its thinner in material but compensated with other safety gadgets and those good to haves in this variant, definitely can still consider should you look at Japanese makes. Otherwise, this price tag can seem to be hefty when you look and compare with other sedan makes (year 2020 authorized dealers only between 1.4L to 1.6L) like Mazda 3 Astina Mild Hybrid 1.5L, Subaru Impreza 2.0L, Honda Civic 1.5L VTEC TURBO or even Skoda Octavia Ambition Plus 1.4L TURBO.... Read More