New Toyota Corolla Altis enters market
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Following the success of Toyota's older Corolla Altis model, PT Toyota-Astra Motor recently launched the New Corolla Altis to maintain its leadership in the small sedan market here.
Launched on Dec. 15, Toyota seems quite optimistic about the new model, although there is no radical change in its overall design.
The model booked sales of 2,468 units in the first 11 months, amounting to a 54.7 percent market share in the small sedan category last year.
Three variations are available, two with manual transmission, while the third is an automatic. The manual Altis J is offered at Rp 237 million (US$27,800) while the manual Altis G is tagged at Rp 263 million.
Meanwhile, the automatic Altis G type is priced at Rp 279 million. The automatic transmission is now armed with super- electronically controlled transmission (Super ECT) allowing for smoother transmission shift during a downhill or uphill drive.
The most apparent changes are to the radiator grille design, with newly designed headlamps and tail lights, as well as refined interior fittings.
Both variants now have a horizontal radiator grille; in the old models the Altis G had a vertical grille.
There are no changes in the material used; the Altis J has a painted grille and the Altis G a chrome plated grille.
As for the lighting, the new design incorporates multireflectors that emit brighter and more even light as well as a touch of luxury.
The new Corolla Altis also has a new front bumper design that gives it a sporty appearance.
Inside, all models are now equipped with seat height adjuster and lumbar support for a more comfortable drive. Earlier, these features were only available in the Altis G.
The seat covers have new fabric material while the automatic Altis G now has leather instead of fabric and is also equipped with a darker-toned wooden instrument panel.
All variants are powered by an inline, 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC, 1,800 cc engine equipped with variable valve timing intelligence (VVT-i) technology promising more power and fuel efficiency, and cleaner emission conforming to Euro II emission standards.
Unlike the older models, the new Corolla Altis requires unleaded fuel and is equipped with catalytic converter and O2 sensor as well as a hood silencer.
The engine is able to develop a maximum 147 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 188.8 Newton-meters at 4,400 rpm.
Such a powerful engine enables the new Corolla Altis to run at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour.
As for the suspension, MacPherson struts are used for the front wheels while the rear wheels are equipped with ETA Beams. Stabilizers are available on both front and rear tires.
To enhance the sporty look, the new models use larger, 195/55/R16 tires on 6JJ R16 wheels, compared with 195/60/R15 tires and 6JJ R15 wheels on the old models.
Toyota does not pay attention to design or comfort only, as safety features are also important in the new Toyota Altis.
Safety belts are provided for the driver and all passenger seats, while side impact beams and global outstanding assessment (GOA) technology is used for the body of both Altis types.
For more protection, the Altis G is also equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist, dual SRS airbag and rear sonar.
Five colors are available for interested customers to choose from: silver metallic, champagne metallic, black mica, dark blue mica and red mica.