2008 Toyota Corolla Altis launched in Malaysia!
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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has unveiled the new 2008 Toyota Corolla Altis here in Malaysia. Read the rest of the article after the jump to find out more about the latest fully imported C-segment sedan to reach our local shores.
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The new Toyota Corolla Altis is now a CBU unit from Thailand, just like its bigger brother the Camry. In terms of dimensions, the car is now 10mm longer than the outgoing Corolla Altis, but wheelbase remains the same at 2600mm, so underneath it all it is probably the same platform. A 2600mm wheelbase would make it just 50mm longer than the new Vios. The following are the wheelbase measurements of other C-Segment sedans in the Malaysian market: Proton Waja 2600mm, Mitsubishi Lancer 2635mm, Honda Civic 2700mm, Ford Focus 2640mm, Hyundai Elantra 2641mm.
The width has been increased by 55mm to 1760mm so this should also logically translate to a wider interior. Height has been reduced by 15mm. The car looks larger and more planted to the ground compared to the older design because of this wider and slightly lower stance. Front headlamps are of the reflector type and use normal halogen bulbs while the rear lamps use LEDs.
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Suspension also retains the same design as the outgoing Altis - a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, which is beneficial for boot space and packaging reasons but considered by some motoring-savvy consumers as cost-cutting. The Altis target buyer would probably not care. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.
Toyota has designed the new body of the Toyota Corolla Altis to be more aerodynamic for better fuel efficiency, better high speed stability, as well as reduced wind noise. The shape of the A-pillars, windshield wipers, flush mounted windscreen glass all contribute to better aerodynamics.
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The dash features a clever floating center stack similiar to a design pioneered by Volvos. There is a small storage compartment behind the floating center stack. The glovebox is two tiered despite there being a passenger airbag, a clever design feature. The 1.6E, 1.8E and 1.8E Sporty models gets a normal twin-dial meter panel while the top of the range 1.8G and 1.8G Sporty models get an Optitron display. The front center arm rest is set in a high position and slides fore and aft to match your elbow position. The 1.8E and 1.8G models get automatic climate control while the 1.6E gets manual air conditioning. The interior has a flat floor for the rear. The top of the line 1.8G model features an 8-way electrically adjustable power seat for the driver.
All models get a multi-info display which can show the following information: a) current fuel consumption in km/l b) average fuel consumption in km/l c) range to empty in km d) average speed in km/h e) elapsed time and f) outside temperature. The km/l unit can also be changed to liters per 100km. Changing the multi-info display modes is via buttons on the steering wheel, which is very handy indeed as I know of some cars with multi-info trip computers but they require awkwardly reaching a button sticking out of the meter panel typically shared with the trip reset function.
And now to the engines. The engines in the 1.6 and 1.8 liter variants are the same 1ZZ-FE and 3ZZ-FE DOHC 16 valve VVT-i engines as the outgoing model, with a few technical changes. For one, the 1.8 liter 1ZZ-FE complies with Euro 3 emissions standards now so there is a reduction in horsepower to 132 PS at 6,000rpm. Torque teaches its peak of 170Nm at 4,200rpm. The 1.6 liter 3ZZ-FE produces 109 PS at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.
Despite being a 1.6 liter, this is exactly the same horsepower output as Toyota’s 1.5 liter 1NZ-FE in the Toyota Vios, but it makes slightly more torque compared to the 1NZ-FE’s 141Nm. The engines now use a drive by wire throttle. The power steering system now uses an Electric Power Steering system.
These engines are mated to a 4-speed auto with the same transmission ratios of 1st - 2.847, 2nd - 1.552, 3rd - 1.000, and 4th - 0.700 with a final drive of 4.237. Toyota says they have fiddled with the ratios a bit and the end result is a faster 0-100km/h time compared to the outgoing model. The 1.8 liter model has a gated shift with the option of sequential manual shifting, while the 1.6 liter model has a normal gated shift.
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Safety systems that are standard across the model range from 1.6E to 1.8G include dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist. There is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) available on the 1.8G and 1.8G Sporty models.
The following is a quick summary of the equipment level in the different models:
The baseline Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6E:
- 1.6 liter 109 PS engine
- 7-spoke 15 inch wheels wrapped with 195/65R15 tyres
- Electrically adjustable and retractable wing mirrors with integrated turn signal
- 4-spoke urethane steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering column
- Single disc CD player with MP3 and WMA support
- 4 speakers
- Standard meter cluster with multi-info display
- Silver finishing on centre console, dash and door panels
- Fixed rear seat bench
- Manual air conditioning
- Front fog lamps
- Dual SRS Airbags
- ABS Brakes with EBD and Brake Assist
- Body coloured side protection mould and door handles
- Solar and security film (the kind that makes it harder to break your windows)
The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E adds:
- 1.8 liter 132 PS engine
- Variable intermittent wipers
- 10-spoke 16 inch wheels wrapped with 205/55R16 tyres
- Sequential manual shift
- 4-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel
- Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Automatic climate control air conditioning
- 60:40 split foldable rear seats
The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G adds:
- Chrome side protection mould and door handles
- 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 and WMA support
- 6 speakers
- 4-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with wood trim
- 8-way electrically adjustable power driver’s seat
- Wood grain finishing on centre console, dash and door panels
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
The 1.8E Sporty and 1.8G Sporty versions adds a bodykit which includes front and rear lips and side skirts. The Toyota Corolla Altis is available in 5 colours - Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Beige Metallic and Greyish Blue Metallic. The following is the price list for Peninsular Malaysia, individual private registration:
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6E - RM102,900.00
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E - RM109,900.00
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8E Sporty - RM112,250.00
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G - RM117,900.00
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G Sporty - RM120,250.00
Toyota targets sales of 800 units a month. Bookings had actually started being taken officially from the 7th of March 2008 onwards and up to yesterday evening there had been 798 bookings so far. It should have gone over 800 by today. Enjoy the rest of the photos shown below.
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15 inch wheels
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Manual air conditioning
Automatic climate control
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2008 Toyota Corolla Altis with Aerokit
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March 14, 2008 @ 6:47 am
A must have car for mid segmented users….
March 14, 2008 @ 6:51 am
Price is reasonable.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:02 am
I think it’s ugly.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:07 am
A little pricy for the limited options the car comes with. And to think that the full spec 1.8G Sporty priced at RM120k, only a little lesser than what you’d pay for a Civic 2.0. Overall, it doesn’t look that much more “WOW” and the power output of the 1.8 engine is nothing spectacular. No HID, 4-speed tranny and 1.8L engine compared to HID, 5-speed tranny and 2.0L? The Civic’s package definitely outshines the Altis’. My money’s on the Civic.
Just another classic case of Toyota’s conservative design doctrine.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:09 am
The main attractive here are two things. It’s a Toyota and the price is quite competitive. At least the Dugong’s Vios look uglier than its Altis sibling. I wonder why don’t there reduce the price more because it is from ASEAN country + our ringgit appriciate 100baht=RM9.89 compare to prviously during tyhe Dugong’s Vios launched it is 100baht=RM11.10. Hmmmm…Just do the simple calculation guys.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:14 am
After 7 years, all Toyota can come out is a facelift, no wonder there is no mention of words like “All New”. Guess Toyota know that they might get sued for using these two words.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:15 am
Hi Paul, thanks for the detail coverage !
March 14, 2008 @ 7:16 am
nikolo98,
Corolla is design for luxury feel, space and comfort. I’ll take altis anytime as I have being to the showroom to feel the interior before the launch. It’s CBU compared to CKD of Civic. Furthermore, Civic interior plastic is damn cheap compared to soft touch plastic of Corolla. My advice: Go to a showroom and feel it.
If I want a great feel driving car, I will go for Mazda 3 or 6, not Civic. Have read too many issues with the CKD Civic ie. huge gap panels, klonk noise, transmission problem etc etc.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:19 am
huhu old tech in a new body? rear lamps looks like it is a facelift.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:20 am
azrai, you are correct. even Thai corolla price increased even with the E20 petrol tax exemption in affect!
Furthermore it’s a complete CBU, unlike Civic CKD.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Too expensive for a C-segment category car. Even the 1.8G sporty is pricier that Civic 1.8 & Lancer GT 2.0 CBU Japan. I’m sure UMWT profit margin is high compared to others. Some more, this Altis is just a re-skinned, with same old engine inside….
Anyway, there are many who will buy this car. Poor consumer, always being cheated….
March 14, 2008 @ 7:32 am
posted at 6:30am, 11 comments before 8am, wahlau!
March 14, 2008 @ 7:39 am
yup Paul,
be prepared for massive traffic jam of ur blog. It happened to bkkautos too until blogger decide to pin it up…
notice how ppl nowadays would like to bash toyota just like proton? they will bash vios and now altis. but in the end, u will see vios + altis dominate the road.
guess u were in KLCC yesterday for the media launch. u r right. will hit 800 units sold b4 launching today! My SA informed waiting period more than 2 months already.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:48 am
not attractive at all…. dono what to say….
March 14, 2008 @ 8:11 am
The bodykit just make it uglier.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:11 am
haha, backroom space is so small, even the not so tall uncle behind doesn’t seems to have enough space for his legs…
March 14, 2008 @ 8:13 am
personally think it’s so-so, nothing to shout about unlike the old and the current Camry or Civic
March 14, 2008 @ 8:15 am
I still think Civic 2.0 is a better bet……… at this price Corolla should at least have HID lamps and 5 speed gearbox.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:21 am
it’s more like a facelift, toyota even try to distract you from the car by putting some hotchicks in the photo…and 4 speed auto is ancient history
Paul Tan says: eh, hot chicks is my contribution for your friday entertainment lar
March 14, 2008 @ 8:23 am
Corolla Altis will be meletup if the PRICE below RM99k for 1.6 (you didn’t enjoy few things ie Auto AC, missing center rear armrest, little underpower 1.6, cheapo rear suspension, 15 inch tires, normal steering etc) plus RM now stronger substantially than Thai Baht.
Only greedy UMWT and confused T-badge buyers will buy one. BTW if I.8E around RM102k l’ll go for uncle-ish Altis than boy-ish Civic 1.8.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:26 am
hmmm 109k for the 1.8E.
Not bad.
Call it boring, call it uncle’ish, but a Corolla has never been a bad buy. It would potentially outlast the uncle that buys it….
Sure nothing much changed under the skin, but then again, why fix something that work well?
On top of that, I would trust a Thai Toyota CBU more than a local Honda CKD if our CKD Accord is any indication. Build quality is a dissapointment. Uneven panel gaps, badly fitted wiring harnesses…etc….it was back at Honda 3 times in the first month because it was badly put together and wont run properly (brakes dont work, gearbox wont shift, headlight wont light up….).
March 14, 2008 @ 8:27 am
Facelift for the so called “All New Altis”!!!???
I think most of us expect more than this…
The price is reasonable but for a facelift is not worth the penny…..
Agreed with the bros, Civic definitely the better choice.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:29 am
Offers an alternative to those that’s no keen on the radical Civic’s interior, and those that’s got a love for the Toyota badge (and trust me, there are!)
Dun talk about Lancer la, waiting period is a decade.
The Altis’s other plus point is that its a Thai CBU. Need to go touch and see to decide if the interios and fit & finish is better than Civic.
The downsides are the engine, lame styling, 4-speed gearbox (though at least they provide manual override), and possibly interior space, seeing how the wheelbase is much lesser than competitors. Its a little too close to Vios I’m afraid. Having said that, I still expect this to sell well, esp because of the “new” factor.
If I have the choice, still Civic 2.0l or Mazda 2.0l for me…..
March 14, 2008 @ 8:30 am
for me, this is way over price. not sure how many malaysian can affort it.
old engine, old setup… new skin… i rather call it face-lift.
anyway, i think it will sell in malaysia with the T badge on it.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Nice. But pricing especially the 1.6 is on the high side. Suddenly elantra looks very value for money for that price. As for the higher end model price, it is too close to its civic, lancer and focus rivals that are 2.0l. But in the end, cars with the toyota badge will woo more customers.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:56 am
This “All-New” 10th generation Corolla Altis, does look like a facelift of the 9th generation, except it now looks like a “melting” 9th generation, if not sagging
It is however way better than Japan domestic-market Corolla Axio http://paultan.org/archives/2006/10/11/2007-toyota-corolla-axio-launched-in-japan/ , which is basically the same except for dumpier front and rear. Even the widely criticised new Impreza looks better.
Remember when the 8th generation was just launched? It even manage to look “older” than the 7th it replaced. Then the mid-cycle facelift helped a bit. Still, Corolla, if not all Toyota, is usually safe, conservative looking.
Overall a boring looking car that WILL age well, mostly suitable for its potential buyers who wants Toyota’s image and reliability. If one wants something more exciting there are the Lancer, 3, Civic, and even the next Sentra… the Sylphy.
Why don’t they make a mini-Camry instead??? Which gives me idea for chopping! Hahahaha something to do over the weekend.
March 14, 2008 @ 8:56 am
i like the stylish&simple interior layout.
i don’t like the exterior..evolved dugong
March 14, 2008 @ 9:03 am
cun amoy….
March 14, 2008 @ 9:05 am
i will say this as an owner of the now superceded altis… i used to kutuk the altis like crazy, most particularly its sampan handling, the 4 spd auto, the vvti engine (which on paper now is even more outdated than the campro CPS) and the dodgy built quality on certain parts.
anyway, to cut a long story short i ended up with one (dont ask how…) and still hated it. but it sort of grows on you. i still like to condemn it in public, but privately i quite like the way everything fits together well, how the materials hold up well, how quiet the interior is, and how torquey the engine is. how the engine and gearbox works together so smoothly and seamlessly. u just dont think about it.
toyotas have always been conservative. they were the last japanese brand to switch to FWD back in 80s, and it didnt hurt their cars.
now they’re not switching to 5spd autos, but u know what, chances are when u r in one, and nobody tells u, u probably wouldnt care or know.
this looks a bit like a more athletic camry from the front (back is another story) and is perfect for those who want the comfort of a camry but not the size. i’d buy one sometime in the future. the civic is disappointing in this respect. it’s noisy, the engine’s more peaky and the suspension is harder.
different market segment altogether.
only beef i have with toyota is that they are effectively raising the price for this new model when there are so much cost savings, and these r not being passed on to consumers. greedy as usual…
March 14, 2008 @ 9:05 am
Disappointing…this is basically nothing more than a complex face-lift, with a few extra strawberries, cream, and sugar to pull in T-badge sweet-tooth suckers. The rear suspension is absolutely horrible, almost diabolical, in the ongoing version, and with the same setup on this clunker, I don’t except it to be any better. The road and wind noise was downright unbearable when my mom got the ongoing model brand new, but thanks to my dad’s DIY sound proofing, it was less apparent. I guess they might have fixed that, but I’m not certain. Maybe one of these days I’ll go for a test drive and see if the 2008 sugar-coated Altis gives me diabetes.
March 14, 2008 @ 9:05 am
to expensive …and ah pek look ….. no need aerokit……
March 14, 2008 @ 9:09 am
Wow so chun…….
I mean the chicks….
March 14, 2008 @ 9:22 am
the car is boring, but the chicks are hot!
March 14, 2008 @ 9:41 am
armandd said,
March 14, 2008 @ 9:22 am
the car is boring, but the chicks are hot!
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Ah yes, that ought to pull in a few extra buyers
March 14, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Whoa it has the same engine as an Elise non option roadie!
Tell me again who’s in this target market? Retirees? Sarawakians? People with no soul?
Yeah! There’s lots of them out there. It’ll do good. Something you’d expect from the most Profitable Auto Manufacturer. But at least now we know where they’ll lose money on.
March 14, 2008 @ 9:47 am
A lot of you seem to think that just because it’s a CBU as opposed to CKD, that the quality will be better - wrong! My cousin in Singapore got a Thai CBU Vios and the engine was rough and the bodywork was starting to rattle after two years!! I would say that there is a difference if it was a Japanese CBU - little things like paintwork quality - may be due to different specs - like german CBU’s compared to local CKD - more layers of undercoating and paintwork.
March 14, 2008 @ 9:50 am
fugly rear lamps.. front’s like a mini Camry..
March 14, 2008 @ 9:51 am
i went to visit ytd.i own new vios.
all i can say 80% vios look and feel.
im happy that this new altis doesnt make me disappointed buy new vios.
i buy civic than altis (even i anti honda)
March 14, 2008 @ 9:59 am
Hopefully the next Proton GXR with new 1.8litre engine will be better.
March 14, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Beautiful!! beautiful!! I’m talking about the chicks lah! The car? Nah! the same old package, stuck in a Toyota rut.
March 14, 2008 @ 10:28 am
The previous Altis (2002-2007/8) was the best seller worldwide, so Toyota thinking, adding some cream and icing is good enough for this new Altis.
But,.. will the legend comtinue ?
March 14, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Typical of UMW malaysia, TOYOTA = SUPER EXPENSIVE….
1.8 at 120k? i’d rather be in a 2.0 Elantra or even a 2.0 civic / Lancer for tht matter…
March 14, 2008 @ 10:36 am
Proton GXR? Kindly explain pls…
March 14, 2008 @ 10:39 am
I don’t get the exterior nor interior styling..:/ Too bad
March 14, 2008 @ 10:44 am
damn xpensive for 1.8!!!!!!!!!!
March 14, 2008 @ 10:46 am
wah… so uncle-ish but with younger feel than the previous altis.
2008 Altis - 30s-40s uncle/aunty.
March 14, 2008 @ 10:54 am
ZZZZZZZZ……
March 14, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Another disaster for local automotive industry. It is CBU from Thailand. Toyota sell 1more new Altis, Thailand economy will be at least RM 60K richer. Imagine how many new Altis, Camry and Vios (All Thailand CBU) being registered daily.
Does the government realize the daily loss? What is wrong with our National Automotive Policy, which makes Thailand richer daily???
Aother AP issue for Toyota lovers! Camry waiting time is min. 6 months. New Altis, I think at least 4 months.
By the way, I think now all Toyota looks the same from the front. There is no personality at all.
March 14, 2008 @ 11:08 am
scirocco said,
March 14, 2008 @ 9:05 am
i will say this as an owner of the now superceded altis
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Scirocco is right. You have to own one (or at least drive one on an extended time) to appreciate it. I had a rental Altis for 1 month, and i’m impressed.
The 1.8 is surprisingly torquey and very flexible powertrain for city use. Its very quiet, interior plastics are among the best, fit and finish is very good and nothing ever goes wrong with it.
But then, of course, this is assuming if you could look past the less than stellar design.
The 1.8E is 109k, now, i’m sure most can do without the extra garnish that pushes the price past 120k. I could live wihout the bodykit, 6 CD changer, electric seats, wood trim and VSC. This price is on par with a Civic 1.8S.
March 14, 2008 @ 11:27 am
its look awful
March 14, 2008 @ 11:30 am
The rear seat is so cramped compared to the Civic and Latio.
A car like this can get 800 bookings? what a joke…
March 14, 2008 @ 11:36 am
The rear design looks old fashioned. The interior is nice.
March 14, 2008 @ 11:41 am
It has that camry, crown family resemblance which I think overall, is nice..except for the rear…one glance still looks like the previous model. Interior, biase je..the dark wood trim finish…mmm…sick and tired of it..soo 80’s instead of making it look elegant..check out the new C4 (for example), brush steel garnishl on black,simple, modern n gorgeous…however this new Altis’s door trim looks really radical..very organic n sculptured..nice!…too bad its d only thing worth mentioning inside…design wise that is…
March 14, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
The trend now is back to “oldies”
The head lamp is one of the nicest among new cars
March 14, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
noman666 said,
March 14, 2008 @ 7:16 am
nikolo98,
Corolla is design for luxury feel, space and comfort. I’ll take altis anytime as I have being to the showroom to feel the interior before the launch. It’s CBU compared to CKD of Civic. Furthermore, Civic interior plastic is damn cheap compared to soft touch plastic of Corolla. My advice: Go to a showroom and feel it.
If I want a great feel driving car, I will go for Mazda 3 or 6, not Civic. Have read too many issues with the CKD Civic ie. huge gap panels, klonk noise, transmission problem etc etc.
noman666,
Thank you for the advice but I didn’t make the comment without trying out the Civic already. I suppose your definition of luxury is different compared to mine and to me, the Civic feels adequately luxurious.
I suppose you also misunderstood my comment earlier. All I’m trying to get at is the ratio of the price you pay to what you get. I will however agree with you that the Mazda 6 does handle better (don’t know about the 3 though, never tried it yet).
No need to go ballistic over a simple comparison.
March 14, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
the look is nice for me.. but….
1.6 liter 109 PS engine
1.8 liter 132 PS engine
is a WHAT? WTH ?
no current engine power standard..
i doubt this car is underpower.. (the 1.6 one).
to overtake under 40kmh should be ok caused by the torque.. but above 100kmh.. hermmm.. to be considered…..
Hehehe… (harsh mode)
Is that A BRA TYPE OF SPEEDO METER CAP?
following gen-2? hehe
March 14, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
CBU from Thailand, so what?
I think the Thais is just the same like local quality.
Your CKD had problem doesn’t mean others will have too, and your CBU has problem doesn’t mean others will have too also.
CBU from Japan is different story. hehehe
March 14, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
Toyota cars always have bigger gear ratio at the 1st 2nd gear, result in better acceleration. Avanza auto 1st gear = 4000rpm easily LoL
March 14, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
nikolo98,
no worries. everyone have their own opinion. i indeed agree with u the engine specs and the price charged without giving u HID, auto sensor rain wiper etc. is a rip off. i just dont agree seeing ppl bashing the car here without even going to feel it in the showroom yet.
however i have being to the showroom and compared the interior quality of both civic n altis and i can say altis uses much better material. i think toyota is really targeting more on comfort as the extra features provided focuses on tat too.
wait till the new mazda 6 arrives, then u will know wat is ultimate pleasure driving machine. it’s already out in philipines. damn.
new altis? for 30~40 ah peks la :))
March 14, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
can i say UMWtoyota is a money sucker? provides not the best in its class but the most expensive above all. 1.8 still can sell with 120k? i think only people like the toyota badge will buy. exterior is like get punched old-altis..not so nice and less excitement compared to the old-altis
March 14, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
all models come with 2 front parking sensors and 4 reverse sensors as pictures showed? anyone can clarify? if it is true…wow! better than camry.
March 14, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
nicely priced n quite practical for a 1.8 sedan… juz the beige interior looks simply too odd… design wise is nth special since it shares the gene of the camry…
March 14, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Maroon color would be kinda nice. Interior is OK. That’s about it, I guess. The rest is a letdown. Pricing, engine, gearbox, power etc.. Poor unknowing buyers..
Thanks Paul for the heads up. I’ll inform my friends who intend to purchase a unit and let them decide.
March 14, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Bebelon,
yes. i can confirm 2 front and 4 rear sensors. below the aircond control also got 5 LED bulbs to display 5 corner of the cars. The respective LED will blink to tell u which sensor is detecting the obstacle.
March 14, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
i expect to see better design of he car, when Toyota say….ALL NEW, so I’m a bit dissapointed. The girls look better.
March 14, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
if the car comes with the girls i dun mind
March 14, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
i read so many feedback and there is one i really salute and laugh
BRA TYPE OF SPEEDO METER CAP
really loh…look like it….
March 14, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
They actually use the word ‘ALL NEW’ for this Altis in their Toyota website. You may look at it. http://www.toyota.com.my. ALL NEW? What’s new except the body is different? New PRICE range?
March 14, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
I think Honda will hand toyota its neck.
The new civic is the complete “all new” from the old.
As for altis, I don’t even notice the different.
What Facelift? oh you mean the model?
Wait for the “all new” Honda Accord. Camry will face the onslaught!
March 14, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Wow, this means the Latio “B segment” got same wheelbase with this new Altis “C Segment”.. not bad… Suspension layout also same…. mmmh???
March 14, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Reading the comments, I guess most of us have the same attitude towards the new Corolla - it is a competent all-rounder with robust mechanics, but woefully short on style and desirability. I honestly want to be positive about the new Corolla but I just can’t muster it - apart from knowing this car will do most things well.
March 14, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Why not try the new Elantraand save the 20K for a trip? I believe that Elantra is not far away from the Altis yet lot cheaper…
March 14, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
When I see it, it looks like the old Altis. When I sit on the rear seat, it feels like Vios. The only thing that’s “ALL NEW†is the price.
March 14, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
i really don’t understand toyota, they’re too overconfident…if honda and even the struggling misubishi and ford/mazda can come out with cars better than the corolla, why toyota with all the mega sales of camrys, landcruisers and hiluxes worlwide cannot make a model that creams the competition. And they try to pull a dumb marketting crap like a sporty variant…if it’s sporty, shouldn’t it be manual with lower stiffer springs and a higher revving VVTL-i?
March 14, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
ALL NEW price comes with Orlando Bloom… Toyota need to pay him premium for appearing in the advertisement… so pass the cost to the consumer…
but all in all, even the price is expensive, when there is a wiling buyer Toyota still will sell… cheers…
March 14, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
The back lights still looks quite similiar like the altis we have.
March 14, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
4G63T DSM said,
March 14, 2008 @ 11:08 am
scirocco said,
March 14, 2008 @ 9:05 am
i will say this as an owner of the now superceded altis
——
Scirocco is right. You have to own one (or at least drive one on an extended time) to appreciate it. I had a rental Altis for 1 month, and i’m impressed.
The 1.8 is surprisingly torquey and very flexible powertrain for city use. Its very quiet, interior plastics are among the best, fit and finish is very good and nothing ever goes wrong with it.
But then, of course, this is assuming if you could look past the less than stellar design.
The 1.8E is 109k, now, i’m sure most can do without the extra garnish that pushes the price past 120k. I could live wihout the bodykit, 6 CD changer, electric seats, wood trim and VSC. This price is on par with a Civic 1.8S
_____
u gotta be joking….. the old altis engine is so rough and noisy( when u rev)….even a honda city idsi is much quieter. what sort of refinement is that? maybe after driving for 1 month u got used to the noise and roughness i presume.
March 14, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
IMHO , this new altis is not comparable with current Civic eventhough there’re in the same segment. LAtio or even Elantra could be a better option, but hey … they dont have the “T” badge.!!!
March 14, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
jolly_idiot said,
March 14, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
They actually use the word ‘ALL NEW’ for this Altis in their Toyota website. You may look at it. http://www.toyota.com.my. ALL NEW? What’s new except the body is different? New PRICE range?
_____
i think only the model is all new. (the girls)
March 14, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
Xoomie said,
March 14, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
IMHO , this new altis is not comparable with current Civic eventhough there’re in the same segment. LAtio or even Elantra could be a better option, but hey … they dont have the “T†badge.!!!
_____
just buy a latio 1.8 , stick a toyota badge on it lor….and save 30k in the process.
March 14, 2008 @ 5:39 pm
The JDM Corolla Axio looks nice though…..maybe its the built quality of Thai CBU that makes it look ugly……..haiah…..
March 14, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Whats with all the plastic wood detail? To make the people who buy it think they bought a luxury car for 100 plus thousand?
I’m 34 and driving an 8th gen civic.. Hopefully i’m not described as an uncle yet la…Over 50 only call uncle la.. This altis is definately an Uncle car la..
March 14, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
Went to showroom to check out the 1.8G, I think exterior look is okay, but I think the interior is bit uncle look. I think my age is still better go for civic look…
March 14, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
IMHO, the Altis just launched, but in terms of newness, I think Civic looks much more new than the Altis. Just IMHO.
March 14, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
think the car looks like the previous model but has gone to the gym to trim and firm up, looks great to me, more sharp and ready for action,
btw the car is developed to be a practical (reliable, economical) car that can be relied on and also yet stylish, not for car freak like us who crave for high speed cornering, brutal acceleration, guess it’s for a different target customer
March 14, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
You must wonder why would anyone buy this over the current Civic. Prices are almost the same. The car interior looks neat but thats just it. Looks very very outdated in terms of design, and really you really need to think hard. Either you detest Honda or a Toyota freak
March 14, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Let’s not debate on merits and demerits of toyota or honda. To me, both have equally good range of cars.
At the end of the day, decision is actually based on one’s preference and need.
March 14, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
sorry to interrupt but did someone here know which tv station broadcast a formula one this year??
BTW that’s just ok car
March 14, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
norman666…
4 me u make a wrong comparison…mazda 6 is nt in d class of altis n civic…u shud compare the duo with mazda 3…camry n accord is the rite car to compare with mazda 6…
4 me…dis car is ugly…i hate it…bt it gt the good package which made ppl wanna buy it…IMO…i will choose mazda 3 all the time over dis altis n civic..
March 14, 2008 @ 9:34 pm
THE CHICKS BRING ME ON! WOW…… I WANT AL THE AMOIS IN THE PICS!
GOOD MARKETING THERE TOYOTA. I LL BUY THE CAR IF THE CHICKS ARE INCLUDED.
March 14, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
raybrig85,
refer to my previous post “If I want a great feel driving car, I will go for Mazda 3 or 6, not Civic. Have read too many issues with the CKD Civic ie. huge gap panels, klonk noise, transmission problem etc etc.”
i did mention mazda 3 la
anyway. say watever u all like, i just came back from Cheras showroom and the units sold is already 800++, like wat Paul predicted.
maybe those tat buy think Civic is too futuristic and can give them heart attack. or they r just simply fed up with all the CKDs quality. who knows. but one thing is for sure:- New altis is selling like hot cakes!
March 14, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
‘wait till the new mazda 6 arrives, then u will know wat is ultimate pleasure driving machine. it’s already out in philipines. damn.’
i refer to dis statement…btw…cheers…yup…ya rite…i oso heard alot abt the civic ckd problem…
March 14, 2008 @ 10:17 pm
Just test drove the NEW Altis 1.8G. As a comparo as l test both cars, Civic 1.8S in busy Kuantan-Tg Lumpur Road; whereas new Altis from Semambu to Hiway (far less traffic). 3 people inside the cars.
At 80kmh Civic just 1.4k rpm, Altis about 2k rpm
100kmh Civic 2k rpm, Altis 2.5k rpm
Steering: Civic 1.8 Hydraulic more driver oriented. btw for normal driving EPS in Altis quite convincing at definitely will save some gasoline. Feel a luxury and upper class Camry
Tire noise about same but Civic more noisy from stock tires, Altis use Michelin
Build quality and interior finish, Altis have outperformed Civic towel feeling cloth though design-wise futuristic. Color choice also better in Altis
Torsion beam really a negative point for me as opposed to double-wishbone
Feature-wise Altis better BUT never justify the price unless the have KEY-LESS IGNITION like those found in Latio 1.8 Ti and 1.6ST-L hatchback
design is to relative but can’t rule out (or will perceived as) this is merely a heavy FACELIFT rather than a full model change (7 years really not worth the normally 4 years standard japanese full model change, like a Teutonic than Nipponic and apparently the outcome rather disappointing).
If UMWT can change price than, you should consider one. If l’m not mistaken, according to the SA, JD Power Thai rate the Altis slightly better in term of FC than Civic 1.8 (though l’m little doubt).
If you wanna try to make ya car more sporty than should go for Civic, this for more conventional person.
March 14, 2008 @ 10:17 pm
raybrig,
just like i have being banging new vios for the damn lousy interior quality material used, even when compared to the previous generation vios.
but look at the new vios mushrooming on every corner of every Malaysia street. that is wat i call marketing power.
Food for thought: “If this Corolla is a model which is sold thorought the globe and it’s the best selling car in the world, are we, the minority bashers in Malysia, the one who is immature, or are the majority of the world who are wrong? ” Ponder on it…
March 14, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
very supprise to look at the graph that at lower end,
1500 rpm 2000rpm, of how vvti extract the torque,
at 1500rpm 120nm
at 2000rpm 130nm,
this is the same figure yeild by VIM at low lift by Campro CPS at lower end,
and ofcourse up to the range ,with lift advantage campro exel/batter power and torque delivery,
so ,VIM works good,
March 14, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
im refering to 1.6 for both
March 14, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
boring design…nothing new. zzzzzzzzzzz
March 14, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
whats going on with toyota?? lack of idea? boring looks…..zzzzzz
im better off with civic or lancer
March 14, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
noman666 said,
What a short sighted dude, peeple around the world bought this car as their SAGA MK II, we buy it as Mercedes C-klasse equivalent.
March 14, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
have the civic 1.8 and had this as a replacement vehicle whilst the honda was getting fixed for engine failure. courtesy of honda. both cars near brand new.
bear in mind i also own the 2000 corolla (which has given zero problems for 8 years but i still love the civic) and have driven the currently superceded model alot and i was surprised with this 2008 model for the 1 week i had it.
compared to the civic, the big difference is in the comfortable ride and super smooth ride of the corolla. throttle response is as fast as the civic but provides the increased power smoothly. the corolla is quicker of the mark and would match the civic 2.0litre up to 6k rpm. gear changes are seamless in the corolla and it doesnt have the annoying civic clunk when changing gears or the jolt when switching to drive while on the throttle too fast.
the 4 speed auto vs 5 speed auto on the civic seems void in my experience. partly coz the corolla shifts so smoothly you cant really count it and fuel consumption is about the same with civic slightly in front thanks to the vtec economy cams.
interior and exterior ergonomics the civic wins. in malaysia the altis interior is spruced up to be a little classier. but the corolla design can grow on you.
both cars seem more expensive than they really are. close your eyes and the corolla would feel more expensive.
March 15, 2008 @ 12:32 am
Congratulations to UMWT for their new launched Altis and kudos to Paul as well for his untiring coverage.
So guys, the choice is yours!!
March 15, 2008 @ 12:36 am
Hmmm, look lost to Lancer and Civic, power lost to Lancer and Civic, handling lost to Lancer and Civic, price lost to Lancer…mostly appeal to reliability-minded brand loyal uncles & aunties. I rather put my $$ in Lancer or Civic
March 15, 2008 @ 2:00 am
Disappointed!!! I’d rather put my money on Civic 2.0..
March 15, 2008 @ 2:04 am
If this model sell like hot cake, then malaysian really lack of choice to choose..
March 15, 2008 @ 3:22 am
Civic is still the better choice.
March 15, 2008 @ 8:48 am
Shamel, Topgun.. thanks for your review !
Will check it out this weekends
March 15, 2008 @ 9:17 am
personally, i love this car’s interior, exterior beauty can grow on u actually…it did to me, and i would buy this corolla for the classiness and feeling of relax after work drive home
March 15, 2008 @ 9:24 am
of course, the lancer by far is better than this boring toyota, but youll have to wait for 12 month @ 1 year to get your hands on the lancer. Civic still a great chice but theres no more popularity as there are to much on the road. may i prefer a hyundai?
March 15, 2008 @ 11:28 am
If u do not mind the ahpek look, and lazy to shop around…Altis is your
best choice…cause of the brand name!!!
(my money definetely goes to the Civic…2.0!!!)
March 15, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Hyundai Elantra definitely not bad BUT those driving should share with us their service experience. The price different is so substantial!
Toyota is decent car but the look-wise to conventional and definitely they didn’t pass the saving to us (unless with the same price they give us dual-VVT-i and CVT-i then no need to think further, just book one today).
Honda Civic finishing not that good as Toyota but overall exterior (remember Type-R look can easily be copied with rear bonnet spoiler and skirting for about RM5k or mugen kit few thousand more). I love their suspension and 5AT.
If waiting period problem is over, then lancer GT is bargain CBU not Thai-CBU.
Wanna have better car to drive and don’t bother the rest mazda3 2.0 is good for you.
BTW if service experience is ya concern then go for civic as their buyers not as many as Toyota (remember Avanza, Innova, Unser made toyota customer base biggest among non-national car). Honda next to Toyota in term of 3S outlets but fewer customer but Toyota has more modern and much bigger outlets nationwide.
If you willing to wait Nissan Sylphy also worth waiting unless their CRAZY pricing as they believe Nissan brand now even better than the likes of Toyota or Honda. Sylphy will be worth if 2.0 less than RM120k considering the badge. More than that better go for Camry 2.0 or sportier and bigger Accord 2.0 at RM145k.
March 15, 2008 @ 11:47 am
Nissan will offer Sylphy in 1.6 or 1.8 and 2.0. If the trims is ok as well pricing for RM99k, RM105k and RM119k maybe buyers will consider.
If Nissan have new brand and specialized channel, Infiniti instead of Nissan, Sylphy is a good try to make it product premium. So far under Nissan brand they can’t price their product higher than Toyota or Honda.
March 15, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
i think enough said bout dis altis…i hate it oso bt be prepared to c it a lot in our road…like the dugong vios…paul…i think u shud make a new post…
March 15, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Are Malaysian market not good enough for dual vvti with 125hp engine like our Thai neighbour is having??? Why the price is getting higher for 1.6L car from ASEAN??
Paul Tan says: neither thailand or singapore gets dual vvti engines. their engines are the same as ours.
March 15, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
it’s ugly. to depart money for that car is mind boggling. Honda Civic is still the best C segment car in the industry.
March 15, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Great fights, dudes.
How many of the bashers here are afford to buy > 110K cars? If you can’t get the grape, dun assume it is sour. Go and test-drive…
The preference on car is much more dependent on your driving behaviour. If you need a comfort driving, Toyota is the best (my personal opinion). If you need something more sporty at a reasonable price, go for Civic. THe choice is always yours.
If you are not afford this two, blame the G or AP holders. Otherwise, work hard to get the money, of course through legal channel.
Happy weekend.
March 15, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
I saw the car today in toyota showroom, it’s really different when you see the real car and I really love it, it’s like mini camry. I don’t mind 1 vvti compare dual vvti as lose the exhaust timing intelligence feature. The car size is bigger and I decided to get 1.8E immediately because I don’t like wood fake plastic and 109K include tinting, michelin, cbu, etc which worth for it. Compare to civic, I still like altis’s design and toyota reliability, didn’t own a civic car also already bored looking on civic current design as too many civics on the road now and the civic’s trademark towel cushion. I also don’t want to risk broke down in the middle of the road cause 4 of my 6 civic owners who are my friends experience few problems especially broke down at middle of the road and engine died. Probably alor gajah QC problem on assemble process. No offence to honda hardcore fan, it’s just my personal opinions.
March 15, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
merzed said,
March 15, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
New Camry burn on the highway before deliver to owner LoL
March 15, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
IsaacVky…its internal combustion engine! whichever cars that use internal combustion engine have that risk, but be silly to say tat…tis also included campro engine, all have that risk.
back to topic, i just back from showroom, damn i love this car even though im a driver. cause its just so comfort, makes me feel good when driving back home after work…
March 15, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Ya, me came back from showroom this afternoon and tested this new Altis. Thumbs up. Test it, see it and drive it by yourself. Don’t just look at the specs or pictures and start your condem here.
March 15, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
toyota must be joking. 120k for this piece of junk? what’s with the ancient torsion beam suspension? is that the best toyota engineers can come up with??? i own the out-going 1.6E altis, and the engine is a joke. i just basically leave the ECT on PWR mode 100% of the time. for all u guys thinking of a car in this class, just 2 words — FORD FOCUS!
March 15, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
merzed said,
March 15, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Really dude? 4/6 of ya friend not satisfy with Civic FD1?
March 15, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
Another dugong car for the dugong generation.
March 15, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
lone-star said,
March 15, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
toyota must be joking. 120k for this piece of junk? what’s with the ancient torsion beam suspension? is that the best toyota engineers can come up with??? i own the out-going 1.6E altis, and the engine is a joke. i just basically leave the ECT on PWR mode 100% of the time. for all u guys thinking of a car in this class, just 2 words — FORD FOCUS!
—————————————————————-
Have you thought about the resale value? We Malaysians are very price sensitive!
March 15, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Yeah, Ford Focus is a better car.
March 15, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
wah so many negative comment…despite from the very same look like the prev generation, old engine, not so luxury interior…there will many buyer that seeking T badge so call reliability and good resale value…not more than that…this car is for uncle type person that seeking comfort in journey from A to B…thats all…still for me for that price tag its not worth it…better go for civic or elantra or mazda 3…lancer?? not worth it to wait…
March 15, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
i’ve try 1.8G this moring… feel great (cos new car)
but interior only audio system look better than previous..
now thinking for camry or civic or other upcoming new model…
March 15, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
Just went to the toyota showroom today to view the new altis. Very very disappointed.
I think the Latio 1.8 is much much better. Latio is more spacious, has a better all alluminuim engine, HID lamp, keyless entry etc at a much cheaper price.
I will go for the Latio anytime. Just my opinion
March 15, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
I strongly urged the Toyota management team to change the entire design and product development team! As usual, the car is nothing but total disappointment. From the looks to the technical specifications, it was like we are still living in the 90’s. The brand need a through revamp just like our …!
March 15, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
merzed
could you elaborate what happened to your friends’ civics?
im bloody pissed at honda.
March 15, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
kurang menyerlah..enjin serupa avanza/vios..cara toyota kurangkan kos
sunggung sedih…
think the Latio 1.8 is much much better. Latio is more spacious, has a better all alluminuim engine, HID lamp, keyless entry etc at a much cheaper price.
I will go for the Latio anytime. Just my opinion
March 15, 2008 @ 11:13 pm
ya indeed, Focus is really a great car, but under rated locally….
less people know about how good the Focus is…..
btw, Civic is just perfect, at least better than Tor-tis…..
March 15, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
the front looks nice…but the rear is really eyesore to be looked at….the rear lamp design is not up to standard…the interior does not astonished buyers as compared to the current new honda civic. Anyway this design is still better looking than the old Altis design. Another draw back from this new Altis is the engine horsepower and torque output…..1.6 version is capable of outputting 109 ps and 149 of torque…not much differ as compare to the 1.5 Vios…whereas the 1.8 version the performance still does not match on par with the current Honda Civic. Overall Honda Civic still is the leading class in the small sedan category…..In addition Honda Automobiles are driver friendly…allowing the driver to feel comfortable,easy driving and fun to drive as well. Toyota Cars are meant for reliability only but are rarely driver friendly.
March 16, 2008 @ 12:12 am
i think honda civic is nt a leading class in the small category….ford focus n vw golf is the world class leading for small car category…
March 16, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Uncle ish looks?That’s the main idea,these uncles can afford this car and thats why it’ll sell…
March 16, 2008 @ 3:01 am
120k for automatic & low hp,wat the heck?better go for a S15 250hp 128k or skyline R33 280hp 133k la,lol….no offense…even proton satria 130hp for 55k.
March 16, 2008 @ 3:06 am
alexsincl said,
March 15, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
I strongly urged the Toyota management team