By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
“HEY, that’s the same engine!” exclaimed a friend of mine when he opened the hood of the 2008 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G.
This friend, who is technically savvy about cars, was correct. The 10th generation Corolla which debuted in Manila this March is powered by either of two engines: the IZZ-FE 1.8-liter,16-valve, 4-in-line, DOHC, VVT-i or the 3ZZ-FE 1.6-liter, 16-valve, 4-in-line DOHC, VVT-i. These are the same powerplants in the 2004 Corolla Altis.
But with a slight difference: whereas the 1.8-liter 2004 Corolla Altis packed 147 PS/6,000 rpm, the latest 1.8-liter’s horsepower has been reduced to 132 PS/6,000 rpm to comply with Euro 3 emission standards. Max torque is now 170 Nm/4,200 rpm compared to 188 Nm/4,200 rpm in the outgoing model.
This may make you wonder about the 2008 Corolla sold in Australia that is reportedly equipped with the new 1.8-liter Dual VVT-i engine, the 2ZR-FE. Is the Corolla sold in Australia also a CBU (completely built unit) from Thailand?
Anyway, despite the reduced horsepower and the larger dimensions of the new Altis (10 mm longer, 55 mm wider), I found the top-of-the-line 1.8G adequately quick and responsive at highway speeds. The 1.8G’s peppy engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a gated shift lever allowing sequential manual shifting when the spirit moves you. A new drive-by-wire throttle and an Electric Power Steering System enhance the driveability of the 2008 Altis.
What’s new about the exterior are the front grille, a smaller version of the Camry’s; the HID headlamps and the stylishly bulbous rear combination lamps. Except for the new grille, HID headlamps, round fog lamps, new tail lights, bigger feet (10-spoke alloy wheels shod with 16-inch tires) and rain-sensing windshield wipers, the exterior is not dramatically different from the outgoing model’s.
Another new thing about the ’08 Altis is that its height has been reduced by 15 mm. The lower stance makes the car look more planted to the ground and improves handling.
Also new are the audio controls and multi-information mode button mounted on the steering wheel. In the 1.8G, the audio system is a 2DIN in-dash 6 CD MP3 tuner with six speakers. The multi-information display shows the current fuel consumption in kilometers per liter, the average fuel consumption in km per liter, the range to empty in km, the average speed in km per hour, the elapsed time and/or the outside temperature. Multi-info displays are usually found only in luxury cars.There is less wood grain finish on the four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console. The thin “floating” center console resembles the one originated by Volvo in its cars. The Altis’ front center armrest is high and slides back and forth to match the driver’s elbow position. The glove box has two separate compartments.
The rear floor is flat in the new Altis, increasing legroom for backseat passengers. The suspension system consisting of MacPherson struts in front and torsion beam at the rear has been retained. This arrangement ensures riding comfort and allows great trunk capacity.
Aside from the suspension system, Toyota has wisely retained in the 1.8G (P1,035,000) all the goodies of the previous Altis: the Optitron meters, automatic climate control, 8-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, power windows with jam protection, 60/40 split folding rear seat and rear sunshade.
In terms of safety, the driver and front passenger SRS air bags, disc brakes on all four wheels with Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats, high-mount LED stop lamp, GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body, TVSS (Toyota Vehicle Security System) and keyless entry.
Summing up, the 2008 Corolla Altis is perfect for those who find the Camry too big and the Vios too small. You cannot go wrong with the Corolla, the car that built Toyota’s reputation for reliability, high standard of quality and high resale value. The Corolla is the most popular car in history with over 40 million sold worldwide. It may not be as exciting or as sporty as some of its competitors in the compact sedan market, but it will provide you many years of comfortable, trouble-free driving.* * *
TODAY’S BUMPER STICKER: Of course you’re faster, but I’m driving in front of you.
Photo by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
August 9th, 2008 at 4:33 am
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