ടൊയോറ്റ കൊറോല Altis 2013-2017 JS MT

The wait is finally over for the refurbished version of Toyota Corolla Altis as it has officially entered the automobile market. This latest version is available in four diesel and five petrol variants among which, Toyota Corolla Altis JS MT is the base petrol trim. This variant is fitted with a 1.8-litre dual VVT-i petrol engine under the hood and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. It can develop a power of 138bhp that results in generating a peak torque output of 173Nm, which enables the vehicle to produce a peak mileage of 14.5 Kmpl. Despite being the base trim, it is equipped with a proficient 5.8-inch LCD touchscreen display that also features a DVD player. The car maker is offering this base trim with 15-inch steel rims that have been covered with 195/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres, which provides superior grip on roads. It is also equipped with driver's side window with one touch up and down operation along with pinch guard safety. The space inside the cabin is quite good, especially the boot space is huge with 470 litre storage capacity. At present, this 2014 version of Corolla Altis comes with a 3 year or 100000 kilometers warranty, which is quite good.


Exteriors:


This entry level petrol trim is bestowed with stylish cosmetics. To start with the rear profile, it is equipped with a small tailgate, which is decorated with a thick chrome plated appliqué along with company's badge. It is surrounded by a bold taillight cluster that is incorporated with LED lights and a fog lamps. The rear body colored bumper is quite large and is equipped with reflectors. Coming to the side profile, its wheel arches have been skillfully equipped with a set of conventional steel wheels paired with full wheel caps. These are further covered with tubeless radial tyres, which ensure a robust grip on any road conditions. Its window waistline gets chrome treatment, while the B pillars and the sills have got a glossy black shade. The most impressive aspect about this 2014 version is its asserting front facade. The manufacturer has done up the headlight cluster using a swept-back design and incorporated it with powerful halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. The radiator grille is designed with three horizontally positioned slats, which further compliments the chrome plated company's logo.


Interiors:


The interiors of this Toyota Corolla Altis JS MT trim are done up with premium materials. It has a dual color scheme and a well cushioned seating arrangement. All the seats are wide and have been integrated with head restraints, whereas the driver seat comes with manually adjustable function. The cockpit has an elegantly crafted dashboard that is equipped with several advanced equipments like LCD touchscreen display, black colored instrument cluster, which features several information based functions . The leg and shoulder space inside, especially in the rear cabin is ample, thanks to the large wheelbase of 2700mm. Despite being the entry level trim, it gets several utility based aspects including 3-spoke urethane steering wheel, illuminated entry system, front personal lamp, cup holders, storage compartment and numerous other such aspects.


Engine and Performance:


This variant is powered by an advanced 1.8-litre dual VVT-i petrol power plant, which is incorporated with an electronic fuel injection system. It is based on the DOHC valve configuration system with four cylinders and 16-valves, which makes a displacement capacity of 1798cc . This engine has the ability to produce a maximum power output of 138bhp at 6400rpm that results in 173Nm at 4000rpm. The company has skillfully paired this advanced engine with a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to the front wheels and produces a mileage of about 14.5 Kmpl. It can reach a 100 Kmph mark in just 11 to 13 seconds and can attain a top speed of 190 Kmph, which is impressive.


Braking and Handling:


The car maker has equipped this sedan with an electric power steering with tilt and telescopic function that supports a turning radius of 5.4 meters. As far as braking is concerned, its front wheels have been fitted with ventilated disc brakes, whereas its rear wheels have been coupled with solid disc brakes. This proficient braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist system. On the other hand, its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut suspension, whereas its rear axle is equipped with torsion beam suspension.


Comfort Features:


This Toyota Corolla Altis JS MT is the entry level petrol variant and is bestowed with all the basic features. It is incorporated with interior features like fabric seat upholstery, illuminated entry system, 3-spoke urethane steering wheel and an in-dash touch screen audio system featuring a 5.8-inch LCD display along with USB/AUX-In sockets, SD card slot and Bluetooth connectivity. The company is also offering a manually regulated air conditioning system with heater, driver seat height adjustment facility, power steering, all four power windows, combination meter and an advanced multi-information display. This variant is also equipped with a 60:40 rear split folding seats including a reclining function, accessory power sockets in rear central console, manual headlamp leveling device and several other such features.


Safety Features:


This entry level trim is blessed with some of the most important safety aspects like dual front SRS airbags and three point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiter. The company is also offering this trim with anti lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, rear fog lamps, day/night inside rear view mirror, key less entry, remote boot opener and many other such aspects. Apart from these, it is also equipped with aspects like driver's side one touch up/down window with jam protection, front intermittent wipers and an advanced engine immobilizer system with alarm, which will further enhance its security quotient.


Pros:

1. Eccentric body structure is a big plus.

2. Larger presence of service centers.


Cons:

1. Price tag can be slightly competitive.

2. A few more safety features can be added.