Stronger, smoother Altis

MANILA, Philippines - In the world of compact sedans, the Toyota formula for success has been proven to work: make it comfortable, handsome but not radically stylish, reasonably quick and fuel-efficient, and everything has to work like clockwork over the life of the car in the hands of the average owner. But fairly recent developments may have shaken the Altis’ reputation as a bestseller: sportiness is now a significant factor in the appeal of a car, as evidenced by the Honda Civic, the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, the Subaru Impreza R, and even the relatively aging Mazda3.

So, what to do when your bread-and-butter family car is facing the equivalent of a midlife crisis as the next generation model is still several years away? Some manufacturers go the easy way and change a few paint options, add a few cosmetic embellishments, and then try to spin it off as an “all-new” model. More ambitious manufacturers, on the other hand, opt to tinker with substantial improvements under the sheetmetal, and while the final product isn’t quite “all-new”, it’s still quite an improvement. With the new Corolla Altis, Toyota has done a little bit of both to their car, enhancing its appeal to new car buyers still weighing their options while affirming its solid value to the die-hard loyalists.

Improved Drivetrains

The 2-liter 3ZR-FE engine now benefits from an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) to complement the Dual VVT-i cylinder head. The latter controls intake and exhaust camshaft timing for optimal power and fuel efficiency, while ACIS incorporates a valve in the intake manifold that automatically varies the length of the intake tract for better torque and reduced engine “roar”. The 1.6-liter engine now also benefits from Dual VVT-i for enhanced driving performance even at the entry-level price point. The 2-liter produces peak output of 145 PS at 6200 rpm and 187 Nm kg-m of torque at 3600 rpm, up 4 PS and down 2 Nm from before. However, the new Altis develops peak torque at a lower engine speed compared to the previous model’s 4200 rpm torque peak. Meanwhile, the 1.6-liter is rated at 122 PS at 6000 rpm and 154 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm, up 12 PS and 9 Nm.

Along with the 2-liter engine in the top-of-the-line Altis, the transmission is now a Continuously Variable unit with a 7-speed Shiftmatic mode. Dubbed Super CVT-i, the system replaces conventional gears with a lightweight pulley system for smooth and seamless acceleration and optimized fuel economy. A manual override mode lets the driver up- or downshift via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or by moving the shifter to the “+/-+ gate”.

According to tests conducted by Toyota, the Super CVT-i Altis was indeed quicker in the 0-100kph test compared to the previous 4-speed model, and back-to-back runs seemed to confirm this. Without being hamstrung by 4 gear ratios compromising between acceleration and fuel economy, the Super CVT-i Altis produced smoother and perceptively faster runs, while the ACIS seemed to kick in at around 4,000 rpm to produce continuous thrust and with a pleasingly sporty engine note to boot. Using the Super CVT-i’s 7 preset speeds was predictably more satisfying than the old 4-speed setup as the simulated midrange “gears” were more suited to managing the available power quickly and efficiently.

The 1.6-liter Altis doesn’t get the benefit of the Super CVT-i. Instead, it’s paired with the 4-speed automatic... or the welcome option of a sporty 6-speed manual transmission.

Same chassis, better steering

Driving enthusiasts who may have been hoping that the Altis gets a sportier suspension setup may be disappointed. According to Corolla Altis Chief Engineer Michihiko Sato, the Altis is positioned as a family car with a sporty feel, which means it’s still not aimed at the youth market who like to upgrade and turn otherwise ordinary cars into street racers. Or even at more mature buyers who like to have a pseudo sports sedan feel.

Just a few turns at Sepang International Race Circuit done at 7 to 8/10ths pace reveal the Altis’ predictable, comfort-biased nature. Understeer and body roll from the front strut-rear torsion beam suspension are abundant in the corners, which is not to say that the car is not fun to drive. A high speed “taxi ride” with a Japanese race car driver at the helm underscored the car’s solid handling given the soft suspension as we zipped from corner to corner at the threshold of drifting.

As with other generational improvements, the Altis’ electric power steering has been tweaked for improved steering feel, now approximating the feedback of a traditional hydraulic unit compared to the old system’s anesthetized feel.

Subtle styling changes

There was little that was wrong about the Altis’ design to begin with, so Toyota wisely limited exterior “improvements” to just the front bumper, changing the lower grille opening to an inverted trapezoid and flanked by tall foglamp housings to create a more confident stance. The broad shouldered look of the fenders remains, capped by the jewel-like headlamp assemblies with their blister-like bulge. From the back, the taillamps now feature white LEDs for an extra bit of sparkle. Five-spoke wheels add to that sporty touch. Tire size is unchanged at 205/55 R16.

Interior changes are also few but welcome. The revised instrument panel uses high contrast Optitron gauges now complemented by an “Eco” driving indicator that activates when the ECU senses a light foot on the accelerator and smooth acceleration. The 3-spoke steering wheel has an F1-esque look and feel with thicker sections at 10’ and 2’o clock and a flatter bottom half. The glossy faux wood of before has been replaced with a plastic of a lesser sheen, while silver accents brighten up the otherwise sensible and handsome cockpit with its amber instrument lighting and intuitive layout of buttons and switches. An Aux-in jack accommodates MP3 players.

All in all, the new Corolla Altis is not a quantum leap forward. Rather, it’s a step in the right direction towards a sublime driving experience that Toyota believes is the way to go. Perhaps the biggest card Toyota has yet is in the pricing. The range-topping Altis 2.0V with a premium Pearl White color is P1,150,000, while the entry-level 1.6E with the 6-speed manual is just P804,000.