UMW Toyota Motor has announced the arrival of the Toyota Altis 1.8G, a model that will effectively replace the Altis 2.0G variant. The 1.8G (RM119,900) is a good RM3,000 cheaper than the 2.0G, but costs RM4,000 more than the base 1.8E ( RM115,900) variant.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G |
| Segment | C-Segment |
| Engine | 1,798cc; inline 4-cylinder, DOHC and Dual VVT-i |
| Max Power | 139 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Price | RM119,900 (OTR without insurance) |
EXTERIOR
Changes on the outside are minimal but definitely noticeable. For one, the door handles are now finished in chrome. The Altis 1.8G also gets keyless entry, push-start ignition (the 2.0G had traditional key-in ignition) and auto on/off halogen-powered headlights.
INTERIOR
Inside, the 1.8G gets black combination leather upholstery and an upgraded ‘Optitron’ instrument panel, much like the ones in some of Lexus’ cars. Cupholders between the front seats are now illuminated, as is the front foot well. The head unit here is exactly like the one found in the range topping 2.0V variant, which is the 2-DIN, 7-inch touch screen with built in DVD player and rear view camera. Compatible smartphones can be paired to this head unit, which also reads SD card and performs voice commands.
PERFORMANCE
In place of the 2.0-litre engine is the familiar 1.8-litre, inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that makes 139 hp and 173 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to the same Super CVT-i with seven-speed Sports Sequential Shift (essentially a CVT ‘box) which drives the front wheels. No paddle shifters to tinker with here, unfortunately.
WHAT ELSE?
Toyota also announced that their base Altis 1.8E will get some of the added convenience found in the 1.8G, like the keyless entry and push-start ignition, illuminated cupholders and front foot well, chrome-finished exterior door handles and auto on/off halogen headlights. And then you ask, is it worth the additional RM4,000 to get the 1.8G? Well, if you could do without the touchscreen head unit and leather seats, I guess the 1.8E will suffice.
The Altis 1.8G comes with a three-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty programme. Read our review of the Toyota Altis 2.0V to find out how it fared and its launch earlier this year.
[divider]
VIDEO GALLERY
[divider]
IMAGE GALLERY
