Toyota (TM, Financial) is all set to introduce its new version of Corolla Altis on May 27Â in the emerging market of India. The car is already on sale in the international markets and will hit the Indian shores in new style. Auto enthusiasts in the country have been waiting eagerly to get their hands on the wheels of the Corolla Altis after its facelift. The revamped sedan made its first appearance at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014.
The car will make its debut in the country on Tuesday and reach the dealers’ showrooms in early June. The all-new eleventh-generation Corolla Altis will be available in both petrol and diesel engine. Even though the price of the car is yet to be made public, the dealerships across the country commenced the bookings for the car earlier last month with an advance payment of Rs 50000 (around $856).
The Key Attraction
Powered by the 1.8-litre petrol engine, the new Altis petrol model is expected to deliver a power of 140 PS at 6400 rpm and torque at 190 Nm at 4000 rpm, while the 1.4 litre four cylinder D-4D diesel engine is likely to produce 88.4 PS at 3800 rpm. Measuring 4620mm in length, 1776mmin width and 1475mm in height, the new vehicle has a wheelbase of 2700mm.
The upgraded version of the car is expected to accommodate premium features like push button start, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry, LED daytime running lights, rear-view camera, 7-inch touch screen infotainment system and 8-way adjustable seats for driver.
On the safety front, the car is likely to pack dual SRS airbags, ABS and EBD and brake assist and clutch start system. The new Atlis is available in eight color variants – Inferno Orange, Ultramarine Blue, Classic Grey, Harmony Biege, Celestial Black, Vermilion Red, Symphony Silver and Plain White. When launched, the car will be pitted against Skoda Octavia, Renault Fluence and Volkswagen (VLKAY, Financial) Jetta in India. With the launch of Corolla Altis, Toyota hopes to expand its foothold in the emerging nation.
Face Off with the Foe
The new Corolla Altis is conceptualized on the basis of Furia. The car sports a trapezoidal grille accompanied with swept back Bi-Xenon head lamp and a huge airdam at the front. It looks more premium from outside in comparison to Skoda Octavia that has a plain and simple exterior. The interiors of the sedan have brushed aluminum finishing in black and beige. The car is equipped with rear reading lamps, heated seats for the front and reclining seats for the rear passengers.
Skoda Octavia is lengthier in dimension which automatically makes it roomier than the Altis. The car has no shortage of comfort features and is more ahead in the safety front than other cars. On the basis of pricing, Corolla is expected to be between $20,544 and $27,390, and Octavia starts from $24,400 with the top variant going as high as $34,000. Corolla is a renowned Toyota nameplate and one of the bestselling cars in the world. The price range kept by the automaker might work in its favor and pull up revenue.
Final Thoughts
Toyota has refreshed Corolla with a number of eminent features. This year the carmaker would celebrate the 48th anniversary of the car in the global market, while in India it has been present since 2003. Eleeven years after the car’s launch in India, Toyota has sold 88,500 units. Corolla Altis is an ideal package for premium luxury features with competitive pricing for C-segment buyers and has the potential to attract D-premium and high-end B-segment sedan customers as well. The overall story should unfold better once the car starts getting response from potential buyers after its releases.
