2008 Toyota Corolla Altis: A sneak peek into the future

Talk about starting the year right. During Toyota’s recently-concluded media thanksgiving party held last January 28, executives of the country’s largest automotive company took turns in stressing the importance and social relevance of its erstwhile flagbearer – the Corolla. Ah yes, it was ingrained in our heads how since its introduction in 1966, the Corolla has sold over 32 million units in over 140 countries, making it the best-selling vehicle in the world. We were also made aware that in the Philippines, no less than 170,000 Filipinos have, at one point in time or another, been the proud owner of a brand new Corolla (and that doesn’t count pass-on ownership).

Of course, since no one was informed beforehand that we’d be given the unique opportunity to be among the first to get a glimpse of the all new Toyota Corolla, we were mildly baffled when its current worldwide endorser – he-who-felled-Achilles – began his pre-recorded spiel with, “Hello, Philippines…”. That’s right, no less than Legolas himself, Orlando Bloom, is the 2008 Toyota Corolla Altis’ new endorser (quite apt, huh?). And yes, he did (via AVP) introduce the new vehicle to us, his bewildered audience.

Thus the 10th generation Toyota Corolla made its local debut. The good news is that its dynamic new design stays true to its Corolla heritage, even as it strays just a wee bit to make room for some significant (might I stress impressive) changes. The bad news is that a simple sneak peek is exactly what it was. The all new Toyota Corolla is not scheduled for showroom release until this March. Still, this much we can tell you… The all new Corolla Altis will be available in three grades, two engines and five variants. There’ll be the high-end V grade in 1.8 and 1.6 liter automatic transmission, the G grade in 1.6 liter automatic and manual transmissions, and the entry level E grade in 1.6 liter manual transmission. It will be offered in gray metallic, medium silver metallic, silver metallic, beige metallic, black mica and super white.

Our impressions? Let’s just say that the new Corolla Altis’ pedigreed DNA is immediately evident at first glance. Yet it is markedly and refreshingly different from its immediate predecessor. With zero doubts we’ll say this much: it looks much, much better than the current variant that still manages to fly out of Toyota showrooms like it wasn’t released seven years ago. The new car is lower and wider (we really are not big fans of the current iteration’s seemingly overblown bulk, to begin with) and this promises a more stable ride. The new Corolla Altis is awash with smoother character lines that give it a sportier stance. Still, that low, wide front grille keeps the car’s luxurious image intact. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with a Manual Leveling system, integrated turn signal lamps and a power retractable feature are standard for the V-grade. The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) tail lamps and a rear bumper reflector then blend seamlessly with the deeply contoured bumper curves.

As is expected of any Toyota, the car’s interiors are thoughtful and egalitarian. The car’s center console flows with curves from top to bottom. This is complimented by the surrounding silver edge of the console, and switches ergonomically placed for easy use. Door trims are also connected with the dashboard to complete the smooth flow of the interior. The interior’s tall-boy design cabin then provides a more appropriate seating position to enhance passenger comfort.

Standard goodies? Here’s a rundown. An automatic air conditioning system that employs digital push-type controls with dual liquid crystal panels; an integrated audio unit with standard AM/FM tuner, 6-CD changer, CD player in MP3 and WMA format compatibility, automatic sound levelizer (ASL) and radio digital processor; a tilt- and telescopic adjustable steering wheel; a two-level glove box, various drink holders for the front and rear passengers, and as much as 21 separate storage compartments conveniently placed throughout the cabin. There’s also plenty of trunk space (Toyota claims it can fit four full sized golf bags – we didn’t have any in tow, unfortunately, so we’ll have to take their word for it – for now).

Suspension is the standard if-it-ain’t-broke-then-don’t-try-to-fix-it MacPherson Strut Type front suspension with rear torsion beams. A sporty 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design is available for the V-grade while 7-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are available for the G and E grades.

Active safety features include an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), combined with the 15-inch front and rear disk brakes for better braking response. Passive safety features include standard Toyota Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body structure, dual SRS airbags (for V-grade), and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Concept front seats.

All in all, the all new Corolla Altis looks and sounds like another solid value-for-money proposition. Right now the Honda Civic is lording it over in this category of the market even as other car manufacturers have upped the ante with some very impressive releases of their own. Like Toyota is going to sit on its laurels, huh? Watch out for the 10th generation Corolla’s much awaited showroom debut come March. The future is coming your way soon. And it doesn’t look bad at all.