2019 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G CBU Review.

This handsome sedan is the Toyota Corolla Altis. Technically Toyota Malaysia only calls it Corolla now but as it is still imported from Thailand, the Altis name will remain. For the few previous generation models, the Corolla Altis have been describe as many things such as reliable, comfortable, fuel efficient and good value when it comes the time to sell back. Fun or sporty were never one of them. This latest 2019 model however, Toyota try to somewhat addresses that issue. Did they succeed? Let’s find out.

Of course, jumping straight into what is new being the platform underpinning the new Corolla Altis. The TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that is shared with almost all the new Toyota model nowadays have completely change how the new Altis handle on the road. Gone are the previous rear beam axle set up and in its place now is a new independent double wishbone with stabilizer set up. More on that later. Under the hood there is the same carried over 1.8L 4-cylinder dual VVTi petrol engine that produces 139 Ps and 172 Nm of torque. It is paired to a sole 7 speed CVT and power is sent to the front wheels no matter what variant you are in.

Speaking of variant there are only 2 with the 1.8E and higher 1.8G. From the outside, differentiating the 2 variants can be seen with the higher model getting 17-inch dual tone wheels while the lower one make do with 16 inches. Up front there is large new grill design like the one seen on the larger Toyota Camry. Both variants get fog lights, but the higher G variant gets LED projector with LED indicator while the lower E variant is fitted with just halogen reflectors and indicator. Towards the side again the design feature lower belt line and door mounted side mirror just like the bigger Camry. Finally moving to the back there is an LED tail lamp and stop lamp. There is a chrome strip that connect the both the tail lamp together and also a reflector integrated into the bumper design.

Going back to how the Altis feels from behind the wheel. It is sportier and can take corner with authority when the driver demands it. What surprise me is that they manage to keep it as comfortable if not better than the previous model. Of course, under extremely rough surfaces I do feel a slight floaty feel but this is expected with a comfort oriented set up. The steering has good weight and responsiveness but as always, a tad lacking in feel. Power from the 1.8L engine is at best sufficient with a slight delay of the line and will require some rev built up time for maximum torque. But the CVT that is paired with is excellent and able to make use of the engine peak power band range. All in all, if Toyota could fit a more powerful engine, the chassis and suspension can handle it and would greatly increase the driver overall experience. Noise insulation though is good.

Inside, gone is that previous generation up right dashboard design and in its place a simpler yet sportier design. The material use around is good with plenty of soft touch leather. The infotainment screen features a floating design and the centre console area feature a symmetrical design. There is still no Apple Carpay and Android Auto on offer. Front occupant space is classic comfortable and spacious. In the back there is good leg and head room on offer with a centre arm rest with cup holder. My only complain the slight up right angle of the back seat but on the good side there are air con vents located behind the rear centre council. Boot space is now at healthy 470 liters.

Standard equipment list for the Corolla Altis include leather tilt and telescopic multi-function steering wheel, single zone automatic climate control, tyre pressure monitoring system, paddle shifters, 8 way power driver seat, 60:40 split folding rear seat, keyless entry with push start button, 4.2 inch multi info display, front parking sensors and LED daytime running light. Standard safety feature includes 7 airbags, stability control, traction control, ISOFIX child seat mount, hill start assists and automatic brake hold. Moving up to the 1.8G variants gets you more features like dual zone climate control, a 7 inch multi info display, a tilt function for the side mirror in reverse, wireless phone charger, a rear power sunshade, black leather upholstery, 360 view camera, electronic parking brake replacing the mechanical one and electrochromic rear view mirror and digital video recorder. Safety feature has gone up with the inclusion of Toyota Safety sense which bundles up pre-collision warning system, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic high beam.

In term of price, the base Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E CBU (Completely Build Unit) from Thailand in east Malaysia until end of December 2020 with set you around RM126,325.70 while the higher 1.8G will be selling at RM136,859.20. All Corolla Altis comes with a 5 years warranty and have the option of 5 colours to choose from. They are Celestite Gray Matellic, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black and Red Mica Metallic. Optional accessories include a Vehicle Telematic System.

Pictures and words by Afiq Bazli Bin Busairi.