Auto Expo 2014: Sharper, sleeker Toyota Corolla Altis

Toyota has unveiled the new Corolla Altis and going by the way it looks, it's clear the company wants to shed its image as the maker of staid cars. Gone is the safe styling of the Altis we are used to and in its place comes a sharper, more youthful design. With a broad grille that flows smoothly into the pulled back headlamps, squared off bumper and wide, lower grille, there's more than a hint of aggression to the nose of the car.

The overall length of the new car is up by 100mm and it is slightly broader, if not as tall as the current car. The chauffeur driven will appreciate the 100mm stretch in the wheelbase as well -- a move that has liberated a lot of space at the rear. As always, you can expect the most comfortable seats in its class.

The new Corolla features a simpler, cleaner cabin and quality is a few steps up from before. Toyota claims the driving position has been improved by changing the steering angle -- from 24 degrees to 22 degrees -- and there's a greater range of adjustment for the seat height as well. As for equipment, there's a big seven-inch LCD touchscreen audio system that includes navigation and a reverse camera over and above the Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, leather seats, keyless entry and go, reclining rear seats, paddle shifters (for the automatic) and auto wipers. It gets only two airbags along with ABS though.

Powertrain options remain the same with the 1.8-litre, 138bhp dual VV-I petrol motor being offered with a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-step CVT automatic. The 1.4-litre, 87bhp diesel will only be offered with the six-speed manual.

Toyota has already started taking bookings for the new Corolla Altis but prices will be announced only in May along with the sales launch and deliveries.