Opening
2014 Toyota Corolla Altis: First Drive
There have to be many strong reasons behind the Corolla Altis being called the strongest selling car in the world. Even in India, it has managed to hold on to it's throne of being the most popular D segment car.
Credit goes to its efficient engine, cabin features and simple exterior design. It has been 11 years since the car first landed on Indian shores. It ticked all the wishes of a typical premium car buyer. It was the only car in that segment to offer premium luxury and performance without losing on practical approach.
With the 2014 Corolla Altis, Toyota is in a mood to regain lost sheen and race ahead of competition. The new Corolla Altis brings in a bold design with refined features. This one also claims to be an ‘exciting’ offering which has been tweaked in all departments. We try tapping it in our first drive report.
Appearance Exterior
Just as we reviewed the Etios Cross and had formed an opinion about its design, it was the Corolla Altis waiting to shatter all that with its modern striking design lines. We object to the designers going all classy on the premium range while giving its younger siblings a step motherly treatment.
Saving the complaints for another day, the 2014 Corolla Altis is definitely a nice looking sedan. It strongly reminds of the new Camry with its bold power lines on the design. We call it a ‘nice’ looking sedan because the one sold internationally is a far more attractive and aggressive looking version of Corolla. If only Toyota would have thought of launching it pushing the Fluidic Sculpture behind.
In India, premium doesn’t get complete without a generous dosage of chrome. The radiator grille has been completely garnished with loads of bling but it does not look tacky. It looks better than that on Camry. The triple blade grille enters the headlight also making a T formation. The blade on top flows along the grille sweeping back with the headlight design. Fog lamps are placed neatly on the front bumper.
The side profile looks stretched with the new design. There have been changes in the dimensions. The new Corolla Altis gets a revised wheelbase. It is larger than the earlier model but then at the same time Toyota has reduced the height of this one to make it look more aerodynamic.
The rear tail-lamps have a sleek design and are joined by a chunky chrome bar flowing in between. The boot lid cuts in an edgy semi hexagonal shape and the muscular rear bumpers protrude out. Comparatively, the new Corolla Altis looks way better than the earlier model as this one brings in more character and substance to the design.
Appearance Interior
They might not have the lines to flaunt and impress but then when it comes to functionality, this one does its job well. It gets everything from leather upholstery, spacious and comfy seats to a host of many other features.
The seats are extremely comfortable and well cushioned. Only the GL variant gets a 8 way power adjustable driver seat. Seats in both rows are well crafted. The headroom is fantastic even though this one is shorter in height and also due to the increase in length and wheelbase; the rear seats too offer great legroom. It is also the only car in this segment to have reclining rear seats.
On the central console, there is a nice beige touch given to the dashboard. The GL and G variants get 7.0 LCD touch screen while the JS gets a 5.8 LCD touchscreen. It can control various functions like Bluetooth telephony, navigation system, entertainment as well as accessing vehicle information. Along with offering options like USB and Aux-in, it has a SD card reader too which can be accessed by tilting the touchscreen.
It gets numerous storage options throughout the cabin. The Auto Climate control Ac can be controlled via the unit on the central console. This unit cools the cabin effectively but then absence of rear AC vents is felt too especially under extreme day time climate.
Performance Drive
The diesel variant which sells in superb numbers has a comparatively smaller engine than the competition. It has a 1364cc 4 Cylinder CRDi engine. It produces 88PS of power at 3800 rpm and 205Nm from 1800 to 2800 rpm. Toyota offers the diesel in a 6 speed manual transmission as standard.
The diesel engine feels refined and smoother than before. The gear shifts have also become fairly easier. It does not feel like a small engine especially at higher speeds where the D-4D is at its comfort best. The diesel clatter gets louder once the engine starts revving at a higher rpm but then it can be ignored because of the amazing insulation of the cabin. Power delivery happens gradually. There is an evident lag at the beginning but then the engine works hard on its way to the top.
The petrol on the other hand gets my thumbs up. It feels rev friendly and more easy on the throttle. It gets a bigger block 1.8L Dual VVT-I Gasoline engine which produces a power of 140 PS at 6400 rpm and a torque of 173Nm at 4000 rpm. This one gets an optional 7 Speed CVT transmission in addition to the 6 speed manual box.
The CVT transmission unit is really quick when it comes to shifts and one also gets shift pedals with the AT unit. The petrol engine gets on the groove really fast and obviously it has 140PS at disposal. The torque ratings aren’t great but then it still doesn’t bother much as the engine keeps revving for a long time on the power band. Even though the dimensions are altered still it handles decently.
The steering wheel lacks precise feedback and can be improved further. At high speeds the vehicle is extremely stable and very well planted on the road. The suspensions which have been tweaked too offer a soft ride. Both the front and rear gets disc brakes and are effective in stopping this one even at great speeds. We shall cover both the cars in detail soon.
Tech Specs
| Technical Specifications | ||
| Make | Toyota | |
| Model | Corolla Altis | |
| Variant | GL | |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Engine | 1.8L Dual VVT-I Gasoline Engine | D-4D CRD Engine |
| Displacement(cc) | 1798 | 1364 |
| Max Power PS @ rpm | 140 @ 6400 | 88.4 @ 3800 |
| Max Torque Nm @ rpm | 173 @ 4000 | 205 @ 1800 - 2800 |
| Transmission | 7 Speed AT / 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
| Dimensions (mm) | ||
| Length | 4620 | 4620 |
| Width | 1776 | 1776 |
| Height | 1475 | 1475 |
| Wheelbase | 2700 | 2700 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity L | 50 | 50 |
| Bootspace L | 470 | 470 |
| Turning Radius m | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Tyres | 195/65 R15 | 195/65 R15 |
| Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Brakes Rear | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
Features
| Features | J | JS | G | GL |
| USB and Aux-in Port | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Leather Clad seats | No | No | No | Yes |
| Rear Reclining Seats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt n Telescoping Steering Wheel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8 Way Power Driver Seats | No | No | No | Yes |
| Push Start/Stop System | No | No | No | Yes |
| SRS Airbags (D + P) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS+EBD+Brake Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Front Fog Lamps | No | No | No | No |
| Remote Boot Opener | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse Camera | No | No | No | Yes |
| Immobiliser + Alarm | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Competition All Specs
| Specifications |
Renault
Corolla Altis |
Renault
Fluence |
Chevrolet
Cruze |
| Variant | Diesel GL | Diesel E4 | LTZ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Enine capacity | 1.4L | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Power in PS | 88.4 | 110 | 150 |
| Torque in NM | 205 | 240 | 327 |
| Transmission | 6/M | 6/M | 5/M |
| Fuel efficiency Average kmpl | NA | 20.4 | 17 |
| Length | 4620 | 4618 | 4597 |
| Width | 1776 | 1813 | 1788 |
| Height | 1475 | 1488 | 1477 |
| Wheel base | 2700 | 2703 | 2685 |
| Ground clearence | NA | 168 | 165 |
| Tyre size | 195/65 R15 | 205/60 R16 | 205/60 R16 |
| Safety features | ABS,Dual airbags | ABS,Dual airbags | ABS,Dual airbags,Emergency exit systems |
| Upholstery | Leather | Leather | Monotone titanium jet black |
Conclusion
The highlight of the new Corolla Altis has to be its body design. It looks a lot better than the earlier model. The comfort inside also scores great points and with features like rear reclining seats and great legroom, very few cars come close to it.
The engine s also feels refined now and Toyota claims them to be more efficient than before. It is just finishing levels where the Corolla Altis could have done better. We are sure with the new Corolla Altis, Toyota can breathe a sigh of relief as this one will make the competition think for sure.
