written and compiled by flee
| Sound engineering This is the first time a Corolla has been marketed as an upmarket car, right from launch day. The previous generation started in a humble manner, still very much a basic car that is solidly engineered and reliable. In the last three years of that model's life, UMW Toyota started to load the car full of luxury items - just like the way Kah Motor loaded their models with highly expensive accessories. So, it is not surprising that the Altis is continuing the luxury theme. However, this time, the upmarket items are not just confined to leather seats and imported alloy wheels. The whole car was designed to be like a baby Lexus, with superior mechanical and electronic engineering. The interior was well put together and good quality plastic was used so that one gets a feeling of quality. Everything seems to fit properly and there are no screws left unfastened. | ALTIS FACTFILE INTERIOR |
| Wood grain finishing Steering EXTERIOR |
Neat and tidy engine bay hosting the Toyota VVTi engine | |
On the move... This is the acid test - whether a Corolla, packed with electronic gadgetry will deliver a satisfying driving experience. My 20 minute drive revealed a responsive 1.8 VVTi engine that provided adequate performance for this class of car. I did not push the car to its limits due to the newness of the engine but at around 130 km/h, it felt stable on the straight. Around the corners, the car felt neutral enough and those Goodyear NCT 5's were a reasonable match for the car. I did not manage to stir the VSC into action, though! | STANDARD ACCESSORIES |
| RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
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Interior was pleasant although I did not really like the simulated wood effects | |
Would I buy one? The Corolla Altis is a nice car to drive and one that looks not too bad. However, car prices in Malaysia have really gone to a level where one needs to carefully consider before acting. It is indeed a real shame that a car like the Corolla should cost well over RM 100,000 - that is about two or more years of salary for average executives! In the US or the EU, the cost of the new Corolla is closer to five or six months' salary of the average executive. As such, not many young executives in Malaysia can afford this kind of car unless they take really long term loans or they have generous relatives! Despite the weak Japanese yen, most Malaysian car distributors chose not to pass on the cost savings to the consumer. For me, there is no compelling reason to get the Altis right now. Being the first incarnation of the model, UMW Toyota may have had some teething problems. I think that I shall wait till the facelift comes along, probably after AFTA has set it. Still, if you are in the market for a sub RM 130,000 1.8 litre car, the Corolla Altis should be in your shortlist... | |
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Didn't I say that the car looks best from the rear? | |
