The facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis was revealed for the first time in March this year, spied a few months later on the road and teased on UMW Toyota Motor’s website just about a month ago. It’s finally here now, and priced from RM121k to RM139k.
Three trims are immediately available for purchase – base 1.8E, mid-spec 1.8G and range-topping 2.0V. The pictures you see here are of the 2.0V variant, fitted with genuine Toyota accessories – body kit and illuminated LED door sills – and finished in the brand new Red Mica Metallic.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Corolla Altis 1.8E | Corolla Altis 1.8G | Corolla Altis 2.0V |
| Engine | 1,798cc; inline-4, DOHC with Dual VVT-i (2ZR-FE) | 1,987cc; DOHC with Dual VVT-i (3ZR-FE) | |
| Transmission | CVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic Mode | ||
| Max Power | 138 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 144 hp @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | 187 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Price | RM120,900.00 | RM123,900.00 | RM138,900.00 |
So, what’s new? Visually from the get go, the obvious differences are the sleeker full LED headlamps (but only for the 2.0V, high beam is also LED now) with LED DRLs, slimmer front grille and redesigned front bumper and fog lamps housing. Round the side, the 2.0V sits on a brand new set of 17-inch alloys (offered as five-piece as standard), shod with 215/45 profiled Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. The redesigned wheels are admittedly better looking than the old 2.0V’s, which also came wrapped in the same PS3 tyres. However, 1.8-litre variants sit on 16-inch alloys with 205/55 series tyres.
The good news continues rearwards. The tail lamps are of the same shape but differ in graphics. Adjoining them is a chrome trim that’s slimmer than the one before. Another nifty aesthetic touch is the bezel-free parking sensors which can be found on both the front and rear bumpers (two and four sensors respectively).
Inside, the Corolla Altis receives a brand new touchscreen multimedia head unit as well as updated single-zone air-conditioning controls. All trims come with a three-spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel (tilt and telescopic), keyless entry with push-start button, Sports Mode, acoustic windshield glass and illuminated entry system.
Only the 1.8E gets fabric seats, while the more expensive pair come with black leather combination seats. Also exclusive to the duo are Optitron instrument cluster with a digital multi-info display between the analogue gauges. The 2.0V is the sole recipient of sports seats (8-way power adjustable, driver only), electro-chromic rear view mirror and passive cruise control.
Now, the facelift commands just a slight price hike over the older model, but you do get more than the premium you’re paying for. Together with the acoustic windshield glass, all Corolla Altis now come fitted with thicker floor mats and insulated wheel wells for a quieter, more comfortable cabin. Also thrown into the mix – as standard, mind you – are seven airbags (with driver knee), Isofix mount for the rear, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. 
Mechanically, not much has changed. The same 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are carried forward, producing 138 hp and 173 Nm and 144 hp and 187 Nm respectively. Both mills are paired to a CVT with seven-speed sports sequential shift mode, but only the 2.0V comes with paddle shifters. Suspension tuning on the other hand, pays more focus to comfort.
All purchases of the Toyota Corolla Altis come packaged with a 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty. It scored a 5-Star rating in the ASEAN NCAP’s Adult Occupant Protection category as well. Original aftermarket options include a five-piece bodykit (as seen with the variant here) and a 7-inch DVD-AVN system with reverse camera and GPS navigation. The camera, for those who are asking, feature parking guide lines.
A total of six exterior colours are offered: Phantom Brown Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black and White Pearl CS which requires an additional top-up of RM848.00.
IMAGE GALLERY
