UMW Toyota has released preliminary specs for the upcoming 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis, signalling that a launch is imminent, perhaps as soon as January 2014, in time to capitalise on the CNY sales season.
As we’ve previously reported, the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis will be available in three variants – a 1.8E that’s priced at RM115k, a 2.0G priced at RM125k and a top-of-the-line 2.0V that’s priced at a pretty pricey RM137k – Honda’s basic Accord 2.0 costs less than RM5k more.
All engines are Dual VVT-i units, so it looks like we won’t be getting the US-market’s Valvematic engine. The 1.8 litre 2ZR-FE does 139 PS at 6,400 rpm and 173 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 2.0G and 2.0V use the 3ZR-FE, producing 145 PS at 6,200 rpm and 187 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed CVT gearbox with sports sequential shift, but only the 2.0V model gets paddle shifters. Both engines use an EPS steering system.
The specs of the 2.0 engine’s gearbox looks similar to the outgoing Corolla Altis. Curiously, the 1.8 litre model’s gearbox seems more advanced than the 2.0’s gearbox – it has a variable ratio for the reverse gear as well – 2.604 to 1.680 – whereas the 2.0 model has a fixed reverse gear of 1.668.
As for forward ratios, the 1.8 litre model’s gearbox has gear ratios of 2.480 to 0.396 with a 5.356 final drive, while the 2.0 litre engine’s gearbox specs are 2.396 to 0.428 with a 5.182 final drive.
The 1.8E and 2.0G model uses halogen projector headlamps while the 2.0V gets an upgrade to LED projector headlamps with daytime running lights and auto leveling. There are no auto headlamp or auto wiper function for all models. The 2.0V is further differentiated on the exterior with a smoked front grille, while the other cars have a chrome finish.
On the interior, the 1.8E and 2.0G get ‘standard’ trim finishing while the 2.0V gets something called ‘Cyber Carbon.’ Features exclusive to the 2.0V include keyless entry and start, cruise control, black leather seats, and an eight-way adjustable power seat for the driver.
The 2.0G and 2.0V get a seven-inch 2-DIN head unit with a touchscreen and reverse camera, while the 1.8E makes do with a regular 2-DIN head unit with a CD player. Navigation is an optional upgrade for the touchscreen head unit. Aircon is a single-zone unit as standard, and so are steering wheel audio controls.
In terms of safety, only the 2.0V variant gets VSC stability control and traction control. ABS is standard, and so are two airbags and ISOFIX points.
The specs are actually pretty interesting because thanks to the lighter kerb weight and more advanced gearbox, the Corolla Altis 1.8E actually has a top speed that’s 5km/h higher as well as 0 to 100km/h acceleration that’s 0.2 seconds faster than either of the 2.0 litre models. Fuel efficiently will likely be better as well. If you don’t need the extra equipment that the 2.0 models offer, it might be a better buy, but then again it lacks VSC stability control.
You can view the full specs and estimated price list in the gallery below.
