With more than 40 million units sold since its inception in the sixties, and boasting “a new generation of style and excitement”, UMW Toyota Motor the manufacturer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has launched of the all-new 11th generation Toyota Corolla Altis. Order taking began last year in November and thus far UMW has received more than 1,000 bookings for the new Altis. With modest hopes to sell 9,000 units this year, I personally told Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor, that the number would be achieved by mid-year.
Based on the phenomenal success of the recently launched Vios – more than 20,000 bookings to date – and judging from the initial positive response of the new Altis, I’m quite sure this target is more than feasible.
The new Altis includes improved styling; it looks a lot sportier now, especially the 2.0V Sport version, as well as advanced automotive technologies and upgraded features for all variants (three in all), which should bode well for those who want this car but are on a tight budget, since prices range from below RM115k to below RM140k.
A bit of history, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars globally, with over 40 million units sold in more than 150 countries. Since it was first introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has undergone 10 model changes. I personally own the 4th generation KE70, and it’s still going strong.
It appears that Toyota was indeed listening to its customers because the evolution of this “Global Car” sees a lot of improvements to meet actual customers demand. “The Toyota Corolla Altis accounts for one in five vehicles sold in Toyota’s 76-year history. Toyota Corolla Altis was first introduced to the Malaysian market in 2001. We have sold close to 64,000 units till last year, which is a testament to Malaysians’ confidence in the Toyota brand”, said Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
He added “We have taken on a more advanced and dynamic approach in the development of the new Corolla Altis and as such, met all of Toyota’s hallmarks – quality, safety, reliability, performance and excellent value.”
The “modern prestige” exterior styling resulted in many enhancements. The front of the car features a trapezoidal grille design with a chrome-plated bar which extends from the Toyota emblem to the outer-edges of the first-in-class LED headlamps with DRL. The wheelbase of the new Altis has been extended for more spacious cabin and a comfortable sporty driving position.
Five colours are available, and these include White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black and two newly introduced colours – Grey Metallic and Dark Brown Mica Metallic. Interior wise the new Altis utilises soft-touch material to create a smooth looking grain finish. Modern, clean accents and ornaments also further complement the “Iconic Dynamism” interior theme.
In terms of powertrain, the new Altis has also been redesigned under the hood. Rear seat passengers in the 2.0V variant will enjoy an added touch of comfort and luxury usually only seen in luxury vehicles. These include reclining rear seats and illuminated cup holders, amongst its barrage of interior improvements.
Speaking at the launch event, UMW Toyota Motor President Datuk Ismet Suki said, “The All-New Toyota Corolla Altis is more than just a mere ‘improvement’. Instead, it takes on a completely new and forward-looking approach. We are truly confident that this new model will prove to be a breath of fresh air to the market.”
“The Corolla has been in the lives of Malaysians for generations. Today we mark the continuation of this heritage. As such, this celebration of the Corolla’s legacy is celebrated together with all Malaysians,” he added.
The All-New Toyota Corolla Altis will be made available in three variants. The 1.8E variant will be priced at RM114,000 while the 2.0G variant will carry a RM123,000 price tag. The top-of-the-range 2.0V, meanwhile, is priced at RM136,000 (all prices quoted are OTR with insurance). Stay tuned to AF for the full video review of the new Altis coming soon!
