The first Toyota Corolla was launched by the Japanese carmaker Toyota in 1966. The subcompact cars have been a huge hit ever since. Its longevity and popularity can be attributed to the numerous facelifts it has undergone over the years, with many new editions also having been produced.
corolla altis with VVTI badge
Toyota does not have any fresh launches in mind for 2015, but several facelifts and mid-life enhancements are in the pipeline for many of its cars over the next two years. The new-gen Corolla was launched in India in 2014, and the facelift is likely to be unveiled next year.
The 2014 Corolla was considered to be of the 11th generation. It sported several new features which greatly enhanced its desirability and was radically different from many of its predecessors. For starters, it was a full 80mm longer than the old car, besides being 15mm wider and a bit shorter as well. The sleeker proportions imbue it with a leaner look. The conservative design of the previous editions is swept away by a cursory glance at the 2014 edition, which reveals flared wheel arches, aggressive upswept headlights and LED strips. The new model is also a good 180mm above the road. The rear has an excellent chrome touch and boasts of refined styling.
The interiors are roomier with the seats using a foam which is soft to touch and extremely comfortable. The dashboard is well textured and has a mixture of shades, and it also sports a seven-inch touchscreen. The seats are extremely comfortable with an excellent backrest and a lot of legroom.
Engine options include the same old 138bhp 1.8-liter and an 87bhp 1.4-liter. The petrol is mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed step-CVT automatic, with the diesel getting only the six-speed manual gearbox. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, with the engine having a highly refined output. The overall output may not be too high, but the turbo spike more than makes up for it.
The car tackles the hardest of roads well, which makes it a bright prospect in the Indian market. The suspension takes out road shocks easily. It handles extremely safely, and nimbly, even if it’s not the best handling car ever.
The overall product is thus an excellent-looking vehicle which builds on the strengths of its predecessors while overcoming many of its weaknesses, inspite of its share of shortcomings-such as its not being too well-equipped or the lack of engine power.
And what can we expect of the facelift? The updated Corolla is likely to get a new bumper with a little less chrome and LED DRL’s will also be present on the sides of the lower front fascia. The rear is expected to feature a revised bumper, clear lens tail-lamps and a fixed spoiler among others. Whether new engines are also part of the deal or not is something which we don’t know at present.
The new Altis is expected to make its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next month. With a slew of new features, it is expected to only improve upon the highly popular model.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Toyota Corolla Atlis
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