Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC), the biggest automotive company in the country, announces the introduction of the 2008 Corolla Altis in March this year. With all new specifications and features, the 10th generation Corolla will offer a new styling package that elevates its position as a global sedan.
Since the introduction of the Corolla in 1966, it has sold over 32 million units in over 140 countries, making it the best-selling vehicle in the world. In the Philippines, the Corolla was one of the first Toyota models introduced since the start of TMPC’s operations in 1989. Throughout the years, the Corolla has positively influenced the country’s motoring landscape and the lives of over 170,000 Filipino Corolla owners.
The 10th generation model has been elevated to a global vehicle wherein one style is implemented for the entire world that appeals to customers globally. Its dynamic design challenges performance, creativity, safety and quality not present in vehicles in its class. It provides new values to address the requirements of customers from all parts of the world. With its 42-year heritage, the Corolla DNA will truly make customers proud to drive one.
The all new Corolla Altis will be available in 3 grades, 2 engines and 5 variants as follows: The high-end V grade in 1.8 and 1.6 liter automatic transmission, the G grade at 1.6 liter automatic and manual transmissions, and the entry level E grade at 1.6 liter manual transmission. It is offered in gray metallic, medium silver metallic, silver metallic, beige metallic, black mica and super white.
Exterior Design
Its dynamic and advanced exterior design transformed the Altis to a sportier sedan while maintaining the luxurious presence and image. Its new body is now lower and wider that provides a more stable ride, aside from giving it a bolder look provided by the smooth character lines. The sleek exterior features include a low and wide front grille, sharp High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Manual Leveling system, integrated turn signal lamps and a power retractable feature for the V-grade. The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) tail lamps and rear bumper reflector blend with the deeply contoured bumper curves.
Interior Design
The all-new Corolla Altis features a smartly designed interior starting with the center console designed with a flowing curve from top to bottom. This is complimented by the surrounding silver edge of the console, and switches ergonomically placed for easy use. Door trims are also connected with the dashboard to complete the smooth flow of the interior.
The interior’s tall-boy design cabin provides a more appropriate seating position to enhance the driver’s comfort.
The automatic air conditioning system employs digital push-type controls with dual liquid crystal panels. The integrated audio unit features the standard AM/FM tuner, 6-CD changer, CD player in MP3 and WMA format compatibility, automatic sound levelizer (ASL) and radio digital processor.
Seats and steering wheel adjust to fit each driver’s best driving position. It features 8-way power seats that can be adjusted down to the millimeter, combined with the tilt and telescopic steering, allowing the driver to find the most appropriate and comfortable driving position. Steering switches provide optimal convenience and control for the audio system and multi-information display (MID). The MID displays current and average fuel consumption, cruising range, average speed, elapsed time and fuel unit changeover. Additionally, the V-grade has a DOT matrix feature for the MID for the standard reminders.
For maximum convenience, the 10th generation Corolla offers plenty of storage space, including a two-level glove box, various drink holders for the front and rear passengers, and as much as 21 separate storage compartments conveniently placed throughout the cabin. Lots of trunk spaces guarantees the storage of as much as 4 golf bags, which can be maximized further if 60:40 split rear seats are folded completely.
Balanced and Efficient Performance
The 4-cylinder, in-line 16 valve DOHC VVT-i engine offers maximum output of 132ps/6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 170Nm / 4,200 rpm for the 1.8-liter variant. While the 1.6-liter variant offers maximum output of 109ps / 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm / 4,400 rpm.
The new Corolla adopted the Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), with 4-speed gate-type automatic transmission, with multi-mode sequential available in the 1.8 V-grade. In additional, Electric Power Steering (EPS) makes sharp turns in narrow streets easier.
MacPherson Strut Type front suspension and rear torsion beams are implemented for better handling stability and driving comfort. Sporty 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design is available for the V-grade while 7-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels are available for the G and E grades.
Safety Beyond Its Class
All variants of the All-New Corolla Altis host various safety features beyond its class. Active safety features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), combined with the 15-inch front and rear disk brakes for better braking response. Passive safety features include standard Toyota Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body structure, dual SRS airbags (for V-grade), and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Concept front seats.
The 2008 Corolla Altis will be available in the market by March 2008. Please visit any of the 26 Toyota dealerships nationwide for more information.
By Ulysses Ang
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