2011 Toyota Corolla Altis Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Toyota's decision to introduce major powertrain updates mid-cycle has paid off. The facelifted 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis is as complete as it will ever be, and should gain back lost ground on the sales chart with ease.

2011 Toyota Corolla Altis quick specs

Body Style	Sedan
Class	Mid-size Family
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Toyota Corolla Altis ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

Sitting lower and wider than before, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis appears much sleeker than its slightly awkward-looking predecessor. The ungainly headlamps of old are gone, and the character lines are more pronounced, but there is little else to mask an overly familiar profile. Unlike the Toyota Vios and Toyota Camry, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis looks more like a facelifted rather than all-new model. While we understand the need to be conservative, there is room for more adventure. The 2.0V comes with a dark-gray, single-bar grille and smoked HID headlamps in an attempt to appear sporty.

Handling

Despite using the same chassis as before, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis handles markedly better on the roads, thanks to the stiffer suspension, lower ride height and wider tracks. Indeed, the Toyota Corolla Altis is more than just competent, it is quite enjoyable to drive, gripping harder, leaning less and exhibiting a certain fluidity through corners. The responsive chassis is much more adjustable at the limit, while the electric power steering is well-weighted and sharper than before. So, while not exactly at home on twisty B-roads, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis does a good enough job when asked to.

Comfort

The stiffer suspension results in a slightly firmer ride, which in fact benefits ride comfort as any pitching over undulations previously experienced is virtually eliminated. Cruising refinement is generally good with little engine or wind noise intrusion, although road noise can be an issue. The cabin is as ergonomical as it is classy. The dashboard is logically arranged and easy to operate. In addition to the fine driving position, drivers enjoy two-way steering column and seat-height adjustments.

Quality + Reliability

While the previous Toyota Corolla Altis' cabin felt pedestrian, the cabin now feels classy and upmarket, even more so than the Toyota Camry's. From the quality fit-and-finish, the textured dashboard plastics, the tactile switchgear to the doors that shut with a solid thud, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis arguably has the best cabin in the class. Most of the underlying mechanicals, including the engines, transmissions and chassis, are carried over from the previous Toyota Corolla Altis, and should therefore prove extremely reliable.

Performance

The 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre engines, now equipped with Dual VVT-i and Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS), produce more power/torque than before, even if the difference is not immediately obvious on the move. While the 1.6-litre engine still uses the same dated four-speed automatic gearbox, the 1.8-litre engine gets the new Super CVT-i gearbox with seven virtual ratios, one that feels strangely like a conventional torque converter in operation. Like the two smaller engines, the new 2.0-litre engine is refined and responsive, though, in conjunction with the CVT, it is the only powertrain that manages to serve up an effortless performance.

Roominess

The 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis' 2600 mm wheelbase translates into more than adequate front and rear legroom. While that may be fine in isolation, rivals including the Honda Civic and Nissan Sylphy boast more legroom thanks to their class-leading 2700 mm wheelbase. Making it comfortable for the middle rear passenger is an almost flat floor. The boot capacity stands at a generous 475 litres, and all variants other than the base 1.6E come with 60:40 split-fold rear seats that can extend the loading space.

Running Costs

On top of quality and reliability, Toyota models are hugely popular because of their affordable running costs. Maintenance, repair and spare parts costs are reasonable by segment standards. The new ZR engine series is more efficient than before, and the use of a CVT can only improve the fuel economy. The Corolla Altis appears invulnerable to depreciation as well, thanks to the premium enjoyed by the Toyota brand.

Value for Money

It used to be that the Honda Civic has the edge in the areas of handling and powertrain sophistication, but with the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis' latest round of handling fine-tuning and powertrain updates, the difference between the two arch rivals has grown smaller. Even so, we do not believe that the changes introduced beneath the largely similar sheet-metal would attract the interest of younger car buyers. That said, the facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis is back among the class' best, and should have little problems gaining back ground on lost sales.

Equipment

1.6E gets 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, power retractable side mirrors with turn indicator, leather gear shift lever & knob, ECO lamp drive indicator, 4-speaker audio system (radio/MP3/WMA/CD), parking sensors, ABS with EBD & BA, dual front airbags, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front headrests, and front seat-belt pretensioners. 1.8E adds on 16" alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with controls, automatic air-conditioning, and 60:40 split-fold rear seats. 1.8G further adds on exterior chrome finishing, interior wood grain finishing, Optitron instrument display, ECO zone display, two more speakers, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). 2.0E is the only variant to get xenon headlamps and cruise control.

Environment

Toyota has a reputation for producing the cleanest cars, and the latest tweaks to the engines and the introduction of a CVT for the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis' powertrain department mean that the mid-size Toyota sedan is more efficient and less polluting than ever before.

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2011 Toyota Corolla Altis Review

2011 Toyota Corolla Altis at a glance