New Toyota Corolla Altis India first drive, review

The design of the dashboard is completely different from that of the earlier car. The earlier ‘T-type’ dashboard and central console have been replaced by a more visually interesting layered dash. The top layer is finished in non-reflective black, the blower vents and instrument panel tucked neatly under a couple of bulges. The horizontal centre band of the dashboard is finished in beige on the Indian cars. And chrome strips have been added to make it look more attractive. It holds the medium-sized touch pad that controls many of the functions of the car. Below that, in a pod, are the controls for the air-con system. The Altis is well equipped with a touchscreen music system, telephony, a reversing camera, illuminated cup holders and a reading lamp for rear passengers. Rain sensing wipers and brake assist are also included in there. The fit is pretty good and so are general levels of functionality. But overall finish and material quality are not as good as that on competitors like the Skoda Octavia or Hyundai Elantra. 

 

 

Under the hood, there is Toyota’s long-serving 1.8 petrol engine which now boasts new technology to make it more responsive and more efficient. The engine gets a variable length intake system known as Acoustic Controlled Induction System (ACIS). It has a long intake tract for improved low-speed performance and once the engine begins spinning faster, a flap in the system opens and short-circuits the air flow, allowing for a shorter run to the engine and increased performance.

 

On the test drive, only the CVT-equipped versions were available. It now features steering-mounted paddle shifts and the ratios have also been tweaked for better response. The paddles add a greater sense of control  and excitement to the driving experience. A light tap results in quick and prompt gear changes. This works well when looking to change the pace by just a notch or two. Ask for anything more demanding and the powertrain feels strained and stretched as it pushes on.  

 

On the diesel front, Toyota continues with the tiny 87bhp 1.4 turbo diesel. Despite a variable geometry turbo there is a fair amount of lag and you need to work the six-speed gearbox to keep it in a rhythm. The motor peaks at 2500rpm and feels comfortable till about 3800rpm. Pushing it beyond this causes the engine to become quite vocal without a proportional change in pace.