Toyota Corolla Altis

UMW Toyota Motor introduced the all-new 2020 Corolla Altis back in October 2019, which rivals the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. (2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis)

New additions to the Corolla Altis include a Qi wireless charger pad, rear air-conditioning vents, and Toyota Safety Sense. 

It is priced between RM 128,888 to RM 136,888, right smack in the Civic's price point (RM 113,600 to RM 139,600). 

Design

Toyota took a more conservative approach when designing the Corolla Altis, and it shows.

It may not be as gorgeous-looking as the Mazda 3, or as sharp-looking as the Honda Civic, but there's little to fault the Corolla Altis' design.

Dimensions

Lighting

The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 E gets automatic halogen headlights, while the more expensive 1.8 G variant gets automatic LED projector units. 

Both cars get LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights. 

Wheels

The Toyota Corolla Altis is available with wheel sizes ranging from 16- to 17-inches.

Dashboard

The Toyota Corolla Altis gets a sleek-looking dashboard with a floating-style infotainment display (we'll get to that below) taking centre stage. 

Beneath the digital air-conditioning controls is a Qi wireless charging pad, a first for the segment. 

Space and Practicality

Unlike the practical Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla Altis' interior pales in comparison - storage spaces is lacking, limited to just 2 cup holders and a tiny centre console box. 

Boot

The Toyota Corolla Altis' boot measures 470 litres, less than the Civic's 519 litres. 

Despite that, boot space can be expanded via the 60:40 split folding rear seats.

Safety Features

All variants of the Toyota Corolla Altis get 7 airbags, traction control, and stability control as standard. 

Furthermore, the Corolla Altis 1.8 G adds Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear digital video recorders (DVR), a 360-degree view monitor, and crucially, Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite. 

Comfort Features

Both the Corolla Altis 1.8 E and 1.8 G come equipped with rear air-conditioning vents and an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat.  

The more expensive Corolla Altis 1.8 G further add leather upholstery and a rear sun shade. 

Infotainment

The infotainment system of the Toyota Corolla Altis is somewhat of a letdown - the implementation is poor, resulting in thick and unsightly borders around the display. 

It also lacks support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, instead relying on Toyota's own T-Link mirroring feature. 

Engine

Both variants of the Toyota Corolla Altis feature a carried-over 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 139 PS and 172 Nm. 

Transmission

Like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla Altis is CVT-only. 

Drivetrain

The Toyota Corolla Altis is a front-wheel drive model. 

Acceleration

Toyota does not provide 0-100 km/h figures for the Corolla Altis. 

Engine Performance

The engine performance of the Toyota Corolla Altis is average at best - it does not pack a punch like the Honda Civic, nor does it sing as well as the Mazda 3. 

Despite the lack in outright power, the Corolla Altis' engine makes up for it with its buttery smooth power delivery. 

Transmission Performance

The CVT-type automatic has been improved over the predecessor model - it now feels more direct and the CVT whine has been eliminated.

Steering and Handling

Thanks to the Corolla Altis's TNGA architecture, the ride is noticeably more supple and forgiving against rough tarmac than the slightly firmer and noisier Honda Civic. 

As good as the suspension set-up is, the steering felt artificial when compared to the Civic, which is a little frustrating as the chassis can handle a lot more power.

Then again, if you want to enjoy every moment behind the wheel, you ought to check out the Mazda 3 instead.

Sound Proofing

Sound proofing of the Toyota Corolla Altis isn't the best or the worst out there.

It is quieter than the Honda Civic, but noisier than the Mazda 3. 

Passenger Comfort

The Toyota Corolla Altis has a width of 1,780 mm, 19 mm less than the Honda Civic and it shows.

Shoulder room at the rear is tight, and the car is best used as a 4-seater. 

Thankfully the Corolla Altis is now fitted with rear air-conditioning vents, but there's no rear USB ports. 

Fuel Consumption

Toyota does not provide any fuel consumption figures of the Corolla Altis. 

Just like Toyota Corolla models of yore, they were engineered and developed with the so-called 80-point doctrine, in which it has to be above average in all aspects and covering all the necessary bases but not necessarily outstanding in any particular aspect.

The Toyota Corolla Altis may not out accelerate the Honda Civic or offer driving dynamics of the Mazda 3, but that does not matter.

Instead, the Toyota Corolla Altis is all about being dependable - take good care of it and it will last long enough to be passed down to the next generation.