2014 Toyota Corolla Altis review, road test

All that tinkering with the suspension to tackle our roads has finally paid off. Over our monsoon-battered roads, the new Corolla tackles potholes, ruts and speedbreakers with the aplomb of an SUV. The long suspension travel definitely helps here and does a fine job at dampening road shocks. Even with five on board, the Corolla sails over speedbreakers without scraping its belly. We happened to carry a fair bit of speed over an unmarked speedbreaker, but it didn’t crash through as hard as expected and the Corolla held its composure rather well. But on a series of undulations, it doesn’t feel as grounded or ride as flat as its German rivals; there’s a fair bit of vertical movement.

As for handling, it doesn’t have a quick or lively steering geometry but handles in a safe and predictable manner instead; the chunky steering feels quite nice to hold too. However, that doesn’t mean it’s sloppy around the bends and, if you so choose, can carry a fair bit of speed through the corners. But most importantly, it doesn’t feel overly light on the highway even though it’s quite light at lower speeds, and the tight turning circle is quite city-friendly too. Ironically, it’s the petrol Corolla that has a hint of torque steer under hard acceleration at lower speeds.