For Wheels: All-new Corolla Altis in Toyota showrooms now

By Dr Long

The 10th generation Toyota Corolla has been revealed to the media today. You will no doubt get very comprehensive press releases from other online sources - websites and blogs - later tonight. For a change, here is a pictorial summary based on a showroom 'sneak' preview of the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E. Please click on all images for larger view.

Front end is more promising than the Japanese market Corolla Axio. Note fog lamp housing/cut-out resembling new Lexus IS250.

Alloys design pinched from Lexus. 16" Michelin MXV8 standard for 1.8 and 15" for 1.6.

Dash design and two-tone theme takes the safe non-opinion splitting route. Soft touch materials on top of dash top and door trim commendable. Dual SRS Airbags standard for all models. Rack assistance is electric powered now.

Proven and economical 4-pot carried over from last Altis 1.8. Max power/torque of 132ps @ 6000rpm/170Nm @ 4200rpm.

One of the best angle of the new 10th generation Corolla, imported (CBU) form Thailand this time around. Large centric T-badge carries much weight to many die-hard fans.

Things starting to look a little jaded (deja-vu) starting from here.

Sideline is very familiar though upon closer look has convex-concave surfacing especially at shoulder line of front door. Window frames appeared to be recycled as well. Wheelbase at 2600mm (and platform) same as previous Corolla Altis.

Two tiered glovebox for more storage options.

Gated gear lever with manual shifting (+/-) options. Retains 4A/T of predecessor for both 1.6 and 1.8. Climate control A/C only for 1.8 model.

Capacious boot with moulded luggage tray as standard.

Rear headlamps also mimics the IS250 wrapround kink at lateral aspects. Overall rear profile still imparts much sense of deja-vu. New model has larger presence now and design appears more convincing in the metal.