2020 Toyota Corolla Altis is here

MANILA: The Toyota Corolla hatchback was unveiled earlier this year, and was received very well by the audience. However, Corolla Altis, the sedan has been the real thing of excitement for everyone. Completing the Corolla line-up, Toyota has finally released the long-awaited and highly anticipated Corolla Altis.

The all-new Corolla saloon which now is in its 12th generation has been launched in two distinctive appearances. The saloon for the UK and China markets (called Prestige) features an éclat expression whereas, for the US and Japan stores (called Sporty), the Altis attains a tastier aspect. For the front, the 12th generation takes the styling leads from its sibling, the Corolla hatchback. The cues include a rounded hood, powerful headlights with tripe DRLs, and a larger air intake.

Defying the convention, the ORVMs on the Corolla Altis are now placed on the doors providing the sedan with a fresh and fashionable look along with better visibility. Boasting a jaunty expression is the new rear windshield. Compared to the last-gen model, the new sedan now features more curved roofline. The 2020 Corolla Altis doesn’t look too disruptive or husky, but it is beautiful in its own fashion. The taillights at the rear are now bigger and better than the outgoing saloon. The rear end has been beautifully revamped and now features an arched mid-section with sharp corners.

Walk inside the 2020 Corolla Altis, and you’ll relish every fraction of it. The hatchback version of the Corolla very much inspires the interior. There is a U-shaped air-conditioning control panel that sits under a floating touchscreen. All the needed information is provided by the multi-function display that doubles up as the instrument console. Just like the trend, the steering wheel on the Corolla Altis has got controls mounted on it for audio and telephony.

Over there in the US, the 2020 Corolla Altis will be powered by a non-hybrid motor which is a 1.8-litre engine capable of producing 132 PS of power. Another 2.0-litre mill is available that can churn out 170 PS. However, in the European market, the Corolla Altis is equipped with a 1.8-litre hybrid system that makes 122 PS. Also, there is the conventional 1.6-litre motor delivering 132 PS.

The safety features of the Corolla sedan include 8-airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control. But the list does not end just there, also present are Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Trace Assist.

The availability of the 12th generation Corolla in the ASEAN region is yet to be known along with the variants we’ll be getting. The hybrid is expected to arrive in a handful of ASEAN countries with most of them getting the 1.6-litre and the 2.0-litre motors. Let's wait and see when does our Corolla Altis gets replaced with the 12th generation one.