Toyota has launched the much-awaited Corolla Altis, an advanced version of the sedan with the theme 'Happy Corolla for our planet', in India. The car was unveiled at the 'India Expo Centre' in Greater Noida.

Priced between Rs 10.83 lakh and Rs 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Corolla Altis would come with a 1.8 petrol litre engine in three different grades. The Corolla Altis 1.8 G M/T, an equivalent of the previous H2 model, has been improved by the addition of features like Electric Power Steering, Optitron Combination Meter, Multi-information Display, Steering wheel with Audio Controls & MID switch and many more. The medium-grade 1.8G (L) M/T model has features like HID headlamps with washers and 8-Way Power Driver Seats with Power Lumbar Support. And the top-grade 1.8V (L) A/T model has features like Cruise Control and Gate Shift Type Auto Transmission with Sequential Shift.

Toyota Corolla Altis comes with additional features of an 8-way power driver's seat, HID headlamps, steering wheel with audio controls and MID switch, and an Optitron meter. The new Corolla variant offers 5 extensive colour variations such as Silver Mica Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Champagne Mica Metallic and White Pearl Mica to choose from.

According to Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Toyota is planning to sell 63,000 vehicles this year and by fiscal 2015 it is aiming for a market share of about 10%, and Altis marks as a big step towards the achievement of this goal.
"We are also planning to introduce several new models in the near future to meet this goal. Regarding the small car that everyone has been waiting for, we aim to start Production and Sales around the end of 2010 or early 2011," he added.

Speaking at the launch function, Mr. Yasuhiko Yokoi, Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation said, "Corolla has been a true symbol of Toyota passenger cars, and has contributed to the growth of the vehicle industry all over the world, with sales of over 30 million units so far. The global sales figure of Corolla was 1.3 million last year, accounting for more than 30% of Toyota's global passenger car sales. And I'm very glad to introduce this very important 10th generation car here in India today!"

Design:

With a dynamic and advanced styling, the new Toyota Corolla Altis' low styled body and slanted front windshield offers better aerodynamics with a drag co-efficient of only 0.295 while the wider body results in better stability at high speeds. The headlight units are stylish and sharp, while the body lines translate into a luxurious appearance making it the best bet in the sedan category. The "Sweep Cut Pillars" blend in perfectly with the side profile, which is highlighted by the soft and mellow lines. The rear profile has been extended and the indicator lights also blend in with the rear bumper.

Comfort:

Corolla Altis comes with an interior which is spacious and easy-to-use. The cabin is more spacious as the A-pillars and C-pillars are extended to the edges to allow for more space.
The doors can be opened wider, allowing for easier entry and exit, while the space between the cabin floor and the lower door edge has been decreased making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.  The automatic air-conditioning system is powerful and is capable of cooling the cabin faster, by improvement of evaporation and the condenser.
The Tilt & Telescopic steering wheel further adds to the comfort levels, enabling every driver, choose his most comfortable driving position.

Steering wheel mounted switches which control the audio system and MID (Multi Information Display), offering convenience and safety since the driver can still keep hands on the steering wheel makes your driving a memorable experience.
Another important feature Corolla Altis is a total of 22 storage areas in the cabin such as the front seatback pockets, besides the steering wheel, beside the center console, rear armrest, in front of the gearshift lever, etc.

Performance:

Toyota Corolla Altis comes with a maximum output 130 HP @ 6000 rpm. The 4-speed automatic Super ECT (Electronic Controlled Transmission), adjusts to the conditions of the road and electronically selects the optimal gear position for efficient performance. Further the sequential mode provides the feel and control that can be experienced in a manual shift. Ease of driving with Electric Power Steering (EPS)…is precise and does not affect engine output, powered by an electric motor, contributes to better fuel economy and is speed sensitive, offering high assistance at low speeds and hardening at high speeds, thereby giving more stability and confidence. The swift and continuous torque flow results in quicker acceleration right from the start. The VVT-i system offers good torque delivery from low to mid engine speeds, resulting in excellent fuel economy.

Price (Ex-showroom Delhi)

1.8 V (L) A/T Rs. 1,286,000
1.8 G (L) M/T Rs. 1,209,000
1.8 G M/T    Rs. 1,083,000