The
much-awaited 11th generation all new Toyota Corolla Alits has been
soft launched in India at a price of Rs 11.99 lakh for the cheapest petrol mode.
The prices for the petrol car range from Rs 11.99 lakh to Rs 16.89 lakh. The
prices for the diesel version start at Rs 13.07 lakh and goes up to Rs 16.69
lakh. All prices are ex showroom Delhi. These are introductory prices.
The
car now comes with several external and internal changes but the engine and
transmission continue to be carried forward from the earlier model. The petrol
version also has an option of an automatic transmission. The new Corolla Altis
was unveiled in February at the Auto Expo 2014 held at Greater Noida near New
Delhi.
The
car boasts of several premium features, especially for a vehicle that is in the
C segment. Thus with these offerings, the company hopes to attract both the D
premium and the high-end B sedan customers. The company claims it is a value for
money product.
The
company has also come out with a special accessory package “The Benchmark
Collection” for the new Corolla ALtis. This collection has a unique set of
premium accessories like daytime running lamp and chrome packages.
Among
the exterior features are new radiator grille, LED headlamps and clearance
lamps, R 16 alloy wheels and rear chrome garnish. A new design wide rear LED
combination lamps add to the looks of the car. Also, the vehicle height has
been lowered by 5 mm that has resulted in improved balance and
aerodynamics.
As
for the interior, the car comes with Cyber carbon piano black instrument panel
cluster, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with bluetooth control and new design
optitron meter with illumination. There
is also Illumination for entry, cup holder and near the foot. A dash of chrome is
there for inside door handle. The car now has an increased wheelbase (100 mm)
that has translated into more leg room for rear passengers and a 35 litres
extra boot space.
The
new Corolla comes with rain sensors and navigation (Provided with “New” 7.0 LCD
Touch screen and voice command enabled Audio with USB, Bluetooth, Audio). The rear
seats can be reclined. This is a first in its segment. There is increased rear
seat legroom, rear reading lamp, rear sunshade and rear power socket.
The
driving position has also become better with a change in the steering wheel
angle from 24 degree to 22 degree. The vertical adjustment of the seat has been
increased from 45 mm to 60 mm
As
for the 1.8l Dual VVTi petrol engine, it is now available with an improved
super CVT-i with 7 speed sequential shiftmatic. A “Paddle Shift” has been
provided for easy gear changes in the automatic. The petrol variant also comes
with a 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel variant is powered by a 1.4 l
1ND D-4D engine with Variable Nozzle Turbo and Intercooler. This too has a 6-speed
manual transmission.
On
the safety front, the new Corolla Altis has a rear camera with display audio
screen, Brake Assist with EBD and ABS and Rear fog lamp on RH side. There are
also Dual SRS airbags, GOA Body and Immobiliser. As for the different variants, the petrol has
fives grades to choose from, while the diesel has four grades. Colours for the
car include Mica Metallic, Grey Metallic, Blue Metallic, Champaign Mica
Metallic, Super White II and Celestial Black.
Incidentally,
the Corolla was launched by Toyota in 1966 and this year it celebrates its 48th
anniversary
Toyota
Kirloskar Managing Director Naomi Ishii noted that the Corolla is the world’s
most favourite car with more than 40 million cars sold across the globe. He
said his company was glad to launch the 11th generation of this global car in
India.
N
Raja who is the Director and Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing of
Toyota Kirloskar said the company had sold more than 88,500 units since its
introduction in India in 2003. As for the new car, he said it has been currently
booked for 3 months.