toyota altis

The iconic Toyota Corolla Altis is now in its 10th incarnation. Officially introduced on Wednesday at the Sepang International Circuit, we were there to welcome it to the Malaysian market by putting it through the usual phases.
Slalom attacks, acceleration test, brake test as well as overall balance and ride tests were the proving grounds for the new Altis, with the older 2.0 Altis also present to serve as a benchmark. Now it must be made clear that all the Corolla Altis present at the launch were specified for the Thai market, so the Malaysian models are going to be carrying few visual differences, like the colour of the leather and specifications for example. The Malaysian market also never had the 2-liter Altis for sale, so this is the first time it will be sold here.

Toyota-Astra Motor introduced the Corolla which facelift now comes with a new name Grand New Corolla Altis because of the large changes that occur. This launch also spelled out in Europe faster because only a few weeks ago.

The biggest changes occurred in the sector that is driving the engine and transmission. Toyota Corolla Altis now apply the dual VVT-i technology on the 1.8-liter engine (2ZR-FE) complement the existing similar technology in the 2.0 liter engine (3ZR-FE). Dual VVT-i set the valve opening and inhaust exhaust are computerized.

Whereas in the present transmission system using Super CVT-i with a seven-speed Sequential Sport Shift. This transmission offers refinement, silently and contribute to improving fuel efficiency. Equipped with Sequential Shift, so the driver can still play the transmission lever to pursue the pleasure of driving. Another option, new gearbox 6 MT.

Combination of these two new technologies that help increase fuel efficiency up to 7% plus extra comfort. Other additional devices in the car is equipped with Toyota’s new entertainment Navigation

In terms of exterior changes visible on the front bumper, headlights, rear combination lamps, alloy wheels, rear bumper, new design optitron meter, 3 spokes steering wheel, driving eco indicator and other changes.

Grand New Corolla Altis 2.0V so worth USD 380 million. 8.1 Type G to be USD 349.7 million and the new type E 08.01 USD 328 million.

toyota altis new pictures

Made available for the spin were the both the new and old 1.8-liter and 2-liter models. The new Altis highlights its Dual VVT-I and the 7-speed Super CVT-I as features of the cars new powertrain. Besides that it was the usual ho-hum of enhanced performance, an updated and tuned power steering system that gets a software upgrade for better feel and response, and of course increased fuel economy; the new 1.8 is 15 percent better than the outgoing model while the 2-liter and 1.6 is 10 percent more frugal than the models they replace.

2010 toyota altis
toyota altis front

The entry level 1.6E is priced at RM105,990 but its specifications vary tremendously. Firstly it has smaller wheels at 195/65/R15 (the other models run on 205/55 R16), its transmission is a 4 speed Super ECT system compared to the 7 speed Super CVT-i of the other models, it's steering wheel is a 4 spoke urethane and does not have any controls, like the 1.8E, it also does not have VSC and TRC.

toyota altis aerokit

So after the usual product briefing it was off to the track to see how the car withstands track punishment. After a bit of a confusion as to where I needed to be and with who (I never do well with instructions) I found myself in a 2-liter Altis at the back of the pack. First impression, I was not really that impressed with the car. Its fine really, comfortable, silent, but it felt aged, the CVT-i didn’t seem to be working because I felt every gear change, in fact everything just didn’t seem befitting of a new car. It was only after the driver change came around was it mentioned that I was actually in the older Corolla Altis. Chest out, stomach in, pride swallowed, I made way to the new car.

Inside the new darker wood trim is the first hint that you’re in the cockpit of the new 2-liter . A thicker 3 spoke wheel with more buttons than the outgoing model that control the display meter, the radio and some other functions is also a feature unique to the 2-liter.

The centre fascia is pleasant to the eye and touch, the silver accents ooze modernism and the quality of the plastic knobs and buttons reassure that your money has been well spent. The arrangement of the controls are within reach and easy to operate as I found out while negotiating a bend at well over 120km/h, easy.

world new toyota altis

Talking about bends, the new Altis worked pretty well at a circuit that is designed to test the grip and balance of a car aka “a high downforce circuit”. The car doesn’t have huge wings, barge boards, or a blown diffuser to work well, but it does have VSC, EBD and a few other acronyms that don’t really help with circuit fun but work wonders at saving lives and precious metal on the road.

toyota altis 2008 2009

The safety electronics have an annoying tendency of kicking in too early, provoking a barrage of visual and audio reminders that the Altis is a people friendly daily driver, not a track machine. It actually is a good thing that the electronics are so alert, I would rather that than them kicking in at the last possible moment. Again, this is not a track machine.

The new software upgrade for the electronic power steering system provides for a better steering feel. At low speeds it lightens up and helps with maneuvering around tight areas. At higher speeds, the steering tightens up, feels heavier and provides adequate feedback to accurately judge further steering inputs, just don’t expect it to be livewire like with its feedback.

toyota corolla altis

At the handling test, the Corolla Altis proved that it is among the best in its segment, but it was at the acceleration test that the Altis came alive. Packing 145hp and 187Nm of torque backed by a Dual VVT-i system that provides maximum power all along the rev band, the system is also aided by ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction Sytem) that optimises power and torque throughout the powerband using a variable intake manifold system.

The shove in the back provided by the convergence of these two systems is reminiscent of that of a decent hot hatch, except that it doesn’t scream all the way to the redline but wafts along to the 100km/h mark in just over 10 seconds without you even noticing the gear shifts, this is made possible by a new Super CVT-i system.

new toyota altis


The 1.8G comes with almost the same features as the 2-liter except that it drops the HID lamps for regular halogen lamps, it gets a 4 spoke steering wheel with audio and other controls, and has the same silver and dark grey interior finishing as the 2-liter. With 138hp and 173Nm of torque, the 1.8G retails for RM122,990.


Interior of 1.8G

At RM10,000 cheaper, the 1.8E has the same specs as the 1.8G except that it drops the wood and matte interior finishing and the interior is wrapped in fabric rather than leather, it also does not have VSC and TRC. With the same power figures as the G, the 1.8E retails for RM112,990.