Let's get the elephant out of the room first. The Toyota Corolla Altis isn't a car you dream about having. It's the sort of car you buy with your head and not your heart. While that may sound as bland and boring as drinking a non-alcoholic beer, the Altis aces in more ways than one in real world driving.
Now in its 11th generation, Toyota has sold some 40 million units since it became the best-selling car three decades back. While it has undergone a series of design changes for the past 10 generations, it's only with this latest iteration that Toyota can proudly claim it to be a barking revolution rather than evolution.
Exterior
Taking cues from the Toyota Furia Concept, it's clear that Toyota is starting to push the envelope. The new Altis is easily the sleekest of the lot, with a swept back windshield, sporty chrome strips, redesigned bumper and new headlamps, giving it a Continental flavour that sets it apart from rivals such as the Honda Civic, the Nissan Sylphy and the Volkswagen Jetta.
Now in its 11th generation, Toyota has sold some 40 million units since it became the best-selling car three decades back. While it has undergone a series of design changes for the past 10 generations, it's only with this latest iteration that Toyota can proudly claim it to be a barking revolution rather than evolution.
Exterior
Taking cues from the Toyota Furia Concept, it's clear that Toyota is starting to push the envelope. The new Altis is easily the sleekest of the lot, with a swept back windshield, sporty chrome strips, redesigned bumper and new headlamps, giving it a Continental flavour that sets it apart from rivals such as the Honda Civic, the Nissan Sylphy and the Volkswagen Jetta.
Thus, the Altis is no longer as instantly recognisable as it used to be. It has finally shed its boring image that will have no qualms attracting the younger and trendier audience. This was proven over our three-day test drive when the car garnered countless stares of disbelief and careless whispers of envy as casual observers subtly signalled to their friends of the spanking new Toyota.
Interior
The changes on the inside are less dramatic than that of the sheet metal, but tweaks have been made to give the interior a classier and more comfortable finish.
Other than the fact that the Altis has higher quality leather and plastics, the instrument panel is also prettier and more futuristic now, thanks to a radiant blue illumination.
Like before, the benches of the new Altis are perfectly placed for comfort, as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient headroom for occupants.
The changes on the inside are less dramatic than that of the sheet metal, but tweaks have been made to give the interior a classier and more comfortable finish.
Other than the fact that the Altis has higher quality leather and plastics, the instrument panel is also prettier and more futuristic now, thanks to a radiant blue illumination.
Like before, the benches of the new Altis are perfectly placed for comfort, as they are neither too low nor too high, which allow for sufficient headroom for occupants.
What's different, though, are the longer wheelbase and the flat floor bed in the middle rear seat that have translated to more generous legroom for rear passengers.
This said wheelbase has been stretched by 100mm to achieve 2,700mm. That's the same as the spacious Nissan Sylphy and 50mm more than the Volkswagen Jetta.
This said wheelbase has been stretched by 100mm to achieve 2,700mm. That's the same as the spacious Nissan Sylphy and 50mm more than the Volkswagen Jetta.
Drivetrain
It isn't surprising to know that the Altis is a very comfortable car to pilot. Over broken tarmac, ripples and lumps, it manages to serve up a decent ride, with the cossetting serenity little cars have in this segment.
At speed, the car delivers poise and precision unfailingly, which is a pleasant surprise. The fact that it feels rock solid further highlights this very point, too.
Mated to a new Super Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence (CVT-i), the 1.6-litre engine pulls eagerly from low speeds as it moves forward with every slightest tap of the throttle.
In this case, the gearbox offers the perfect combination of fuel efficiency, enthusiasm and smoothness of a CVT, without excluding the shifts of a traditional automatic gearbox. Slot it in manual mode and you'll be able to drive the Altis like a seven-speed automatic.
It isn't surprising to know that the Altis is a very comfortable car to pilot. Over broken tarmac, ripples and lumps, it manages to serve up a decent ride, with the cossetting serenity little cars have in this segment.
At speed, the car delivers poise and precision unfailingly, which is a pleasant surprise. The fact that it feels rock solid further highlights this very point, too.
Mated to a new Super Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence (CVT-i), the 1.6-litre engine pulls eagerly from low speeds as it moves forward with every slightest tap of the throttle.
In this case, the gearbox offers the perfect combination of fuel efficiency, enthusiasm and smoothness of a CVT, without excluding the shifts of a traditional automatic gearbox. Slot it in manual mode and you'll be able to drive the Altis like a seven-speed automatic.
It's also easy to notice how well-insulated the cabin is. The engine noise is only intrusive if you drive hard, but it's never a pain.
The only quibble we have with the Altis is the weight of the steering. While its lightweight character is good for city use, it doesn't weigh up when travelling at higher speeds.
Conclusion
The Altis is simply remarkable. Considering that the air-conditioning unit is probably the coldest and most powerful one we've come across is a mere bonus, especially in a hot and humid climate like Singapore's.
It's a car that enjoys being driven in a civilised manner rather than being thrown about into corners. It's also a car that's known for its vault-like security and reliability. And most importantly of all, it's a car that will do everything it's supposed to in a hassle-free and happy manner.
The only quibble we have with the Altis is the weight of the steering. While its lightweight character is good for city use, it doesn't weigh up when travelling at higher speeds.
Conclusion
The Altis is simply remarkable. Considering that the air-conditioning unit is probably the coldest and most powerful one we've come across is a mere bonus, especially in a hot and humid climate like Singapore's.
It's a car that enjoys being driven in a civilised manner rather than being thrown about into corners. It's also a car that's known for its vault-like security and reliability. And most importantly of all, it's a car that will do everything it's supposed to in a hassle-free and happy manner.
