Toyota Corolla Altis J

The Toyota Corolla Altis is a mid-size sedan known for its durability, rear seat comfort, and low maintenance costs. It was available with two engine options a 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 138 bhp and a 1.4-litre diesel engine generating 88 bhp. The petrol engine came with both manual and CVT automatic transmissions, while the diesel engine was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The car features a range of amenities including a 10-way adjustable powered drivers seat, cruise control, auto-LED headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers. Safety features include up to seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability control. The Corolla Altis is praised for its smooth ride quality, comfortable seating, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among those seeking a dependable sedan.

The Toyota Corolla Altis is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan. While it may not excel in terms of stylish design or cutting-edge technology, it compensates with its robust build quality, smooth engine performance, and excellent ride quality. The car is particularly adept at commuting around the city and is a great option for those who are often chauffeured. However, some users have noted issues with the cars handling, particularly at high speeds and when encountering bumps, and the interior materials could be of better quality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Corolla Altis remains a practical and dependable vehicle that is easy to maintain, making it a strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Altis in India is expected to mirror updates seen in other markets, such as the introduction of a new 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE engine for non-hybrid variants, replacing the 1.6-liter engine. This change adds 18 horsepower and 19 Nm of torque, bringing the total output to 140 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. I think this boost in power will make the Corolla Altis more appealing to those seeking better performance.

Toyota has dropped the manual transmission (MT) variant of the Corolla Altis, opting for an all-CVT range. The base 1.8 E CVT starts at a price point that is more fleet-oriented, with basic specs but includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. I believe this move towards CVT will enhance the driving experience for urban commuters.

The higher-grade 1.8 G (now known as the 1.8 G GR-S) of the Corolla Altis comes with additional features such as a push engine start/stop, automatic climate control, a 7-inch TFT gauge cluster, and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features. It also includes a GR Sport appearance package, which adds a sporty touch. This package seems to be a great value for the price.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid, known as the 1.8 GR-S HEV, retains its specs and features from the previous model but now includes an electrified powertrain, automatic LED headlights, a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay. This variant is priced at around Rs. 1,730,000, making it a premium option.

The Corolla Altis GR Sport variant has received aesthetic updates, including squared-off bumper intakes, a slimmer grille, and smoked LED taillights with clear lenses. These changes give the car a sharper, more sporty look. However, the powertrain remains unchanged, which might be a bit disappointing for performance enthusiasts.

In India, the Toyota Corolla Altis was priced between Rs 14.83 lakh and Rs 20.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) during its retail period. The on-road prices varied depending on the state and local taxes, but generally, you could expect to add around Rs 2-3 lakh to the ex-showroom price. For instance, the top-of-the-line 1.8 VL CVT petrol variant would cost around Rs 23-24 lakh on-road. The pricing reflects the cars premium positioning and the value it offers in terms of reliability, comfort, and features. However, its important to note that the Corolla Altis is no longer in production, so prices for pre-owned models will vary based on the cars condition, mileage, and age.

The Toyota Corolla Altis offers respectable mileage figures, making it a viable option for those concerned about running costs. The manual diesel variant boasts an ARAI-certified mileage of 21.43 kmpl, while the manual and automatic petrol variants offer 14.28 kmpl. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 17 kmpl in the city to 21 kmpl on the highway for the diesel variant. This makes the Corolla Altis a good choice for both city driving and long road trips, especially if fuel efficiency is a key consideration.