You’ve seen the all-new Malaysian-spec 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis in our small set of preview pictures yesterday, and now it’s time to see how it visually stacks up against the car it replaces. Take a look above – there’s no doubting the car’s “all-new” tag now, is there?
Well actually, some bits are new, while others are not. On the outside at least, it’s all change. The second-generation Corolla Altis, post its 2010 facelift is still a rather handsome looking car. Put it next to the third-gen Altis, however, and you’d think it was penned in the Nineties.
Sharp lines now replace simple curves, making the new model appear significantly more aggressive and modern than before. Some will like it more than others, but it certainly garners more attention on the road than the oh-so-boring car it replaces.
The 2014 car, with its 100 mm-stretched wheelbase, has grown in size – 80 mm longer, 16 mm wider but 5 mm lower. Masking the physical growth are massively enlarged head- and tail-lamps, and like on the latest Vios, they stretch deep into the side panels too.
Apart from the badges – which have now been simplified to fix the old car’s cluttered back end – you’d hardly guess that these two cars are related at all. Fortunately, the theme continues inside too.
The age-old waterfall treatment is now gone, and in its place lie a new cliff-faced centre console with simplified controls. Another love-it-or-hate-it design, this definitely is. The classic digital clock is still present, though, lest you forget you’re in a Toyota.
A lot of people forget that the outgoing car already has plenty of soft-touch plastics, and you’ll find a lot more quality materials in the new Altis. The entire dash top and all four door cards are pleasant to the touch, and the rest of it, though equally hard, are better than those in a comparable Honda Civic.
Like the Vios, the seats are much improved. The fronts, especially, are much more supportive than before. Rear passengers get more space and comfort (the back rest reclines now) than before too, but will still have to rely on the front air-con blowers.
So what do you think, has Toyota improved it enough? We have reviewed the outgoing Corolla Altis when it was launched in 2010 (read it here), and as for the 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis, check out our full drive report here. Enjoy the comparison photos and like-for-like “new vs old” galleries below. We also have a similar gallery on the old and new Toyota Vios here.
2014 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Toyota Corolla Altis comparison highlight a divide in opinions, with some praising its reliable reputation, comfort, and modern design while others criticize its price, outdated features like the engine and safety specs, and the minimal improvements over previous models. Many feel the car looks better but argue it’s overpriced given its limited safety features, such as only two airbags in most variants. Some comments compare it unfavorably to competitors like Mazda3 or Kia K3, citing better features and value for money. Resale value, reliability, and UMW Toyota’s strong after-sales service are viewed positively, but critics express disappointment with the high pricing and certain design choices, like the center console. Overall, the sentiment is mixed, with appreciation for aesthetics but concern over affordability and features.