ടൊയോറ്റ കൊറോല Altis 2013-2017 ജി AT

The latest version of Toyota Corolla Altis has finally arrived in the car market with refurbished exteriors and interiors. This sedan model is available in several trim levels among which, the Toyota Corolla Altis G AT is the mid range variant. It sports a DOHC based 1.8-litre, dual VVT-i engine that develops a commanding power of 138bhp that results in 173Nm of peak torque. It is skillfully paired with a super CVT-i, 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic auto transmission gearbox that helps in producing a peak mileage of 14.5 Kmpl. This latest sedan comes with several advanced comfort and safety features that makes the journey safe and comfortable. It is incorporated with protective aspects like front SRS airbags, engine immobilizer with alarm, jam protection window on driver's side and wireless door lock system with smart entry. This sedan comes with a total length of 4620mm along with an overall width of 1775mm and with a decent height of just 1475mm. At present, the car manufacturer is offering this luxury sedan in seven attractive body paint options including Grey Metallic, Celestial Black, Silver Mica Metallic, Super White II, Champagne Mica Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine and Blue Metallic.

Exteriors:

This trim has an aerodynamic body structure that is equipped with elegantly crafted cosmetics. On its front profile, it comes fitted with a wide yet sleekly designed chrome plated grille that is embossed with the company's badge. It is flanked by an aggressively crafted headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. The front bumper is very large, it is incorporated with a wide air intake section that is further fitted with a body colored under-guard. Its rear profile has a well crafted taillight cluster. The tailgate is very small, but is decorated with a chrome plated appliqué and company's insignia. The rear bumper is quite large and is equipped with reflectors, which enhances the rear safety. The best part about this sedan is its sleek side profile where its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of multi-spoke alloy wheels. The window sills and the B pillars get black sash tape, while the door handles and the ORVM caps are in body color.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this latest trim is roomy with ample leg and shoulder space. Its interiors are done up with a dual tone color scheme and it is complimented by chrome inserts given on the door handles and steering wheel. This 2014 version gets a large wheelbase of 2700mm, which is the reason for its roomy interiors. It also has a large boot space capacity of 470 litres, and a decent fuel tank capacity of 55 litres. This mid range variant is equipped with utility aspects including cyber carbon colored instrument panel featuring tachometer, service reminder, speedometer and several other information related functions. The rear cabin seats have 60:40 split folding facility and with reclining function as well. The cockpit section is fitted with manually adjustable driver seat and is covered with good quality fabric upholstery. The three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel is equipped with Bluetooth and audio control buttons.

Engine and Performance:

This Toyota Corolla Altis G AT trim is powered by a 1.8-litre dual VVT-i petrol engine that has electronic fuel injection system. It is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration using four cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1798cc. It can churn out a maximum power of 138bhp at 6400rpm that results in generating a peak torque of 173Nm at 4000rpm. The company has skilfully paired this engine with a Super CVT-i, 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic auto transmission gearbox that distributes the torque to the front wheels. This engine enables the vehicle to produce a mileage in the range of 10 to 14.5 Kmpl, which is quite satisfying.

Braking and Handling:

This luxury sedan is bestowed with proficient braking and robust suspension mechanism. Its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut and the rear axle is equipped with Torsion beam suspension, which keeps the vehicle stable and well balanced. As far as the braking is concerned, it comes with front ventilated discs and rear solid disc brakes. This proficient disc braking mechanism is further enhanced by the anti lock braking system in combination with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function. Additionally, the car maker has equipped this luxury sedan with a highly responsive electric power steering system that supports a turning radius of 5.4-meters.

Comfort Features:

The Toyota Corolla Altis G AT is the mid range petrol variant and it is bestowed with sophisticated equipments. Its dashboard is equipped with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display that features Bluetooth connectivity, SD card slot, USB and AUX-In ports. This trim is also equipped with aspects like a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, 6-speakers, illuminated entry system, power steering with tilt/telescopic function, automatic air conditioning system with heater, Optitron combination meter, manual headlamp leveling device and 60:40 split folding rear seats with reclining function. Apart from these, the manufacturer has also equipped features like paddle shifter, ECO driving indicator, manually adjustable driver's seat, cup holders and other important features.

Safety Features:

The company has not compromised on the safety aspects of this mid range trim. It is equipped with dual front SRS airbags that keeps the occupants protected in case of collision. The company has also incorporated ABS and EBD along with BA, a pair of fog lamps, 3-point ELR seat belts with load limiter and pre-tensioner for all the occupants, automatic anti glare internal rear view mirror, wireless door lock with smart entry, an engine immobilizer with alarm, intermittent wipers and driver's side window with one touch up/down function and pinch guard safety. This mid range trim also gets reverse parking sensors along with a rear view camera with display on the audio screen.

Pros:

1. Advanced safety and comfort features are a big plus.

2. Engine power, performance and acceleration is quite good.

Cons:

1. Initial cost of ownership is slightly higher.

2. Lack of automatic headlamps and DVD player is a minus.