A new hybrid era has begun in the country on September 9, 2019 when Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveiled the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis during a high-tech media presentation at the grand ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. The new vehicle marked another milestone in TMP history as the new Corolla Altis is the first in model to feature all three of the company’s latest technologies—Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), and Toyota Hybrid Technology.
TMP President Satoru Suzuki proudly stated that the all-new Corolla Altis is the first-ever model to be launched in the Philippines that completely embodies Toyota’s philosophy of “Ever-Better Cars“. “TNGA is the new standard of design and engineering and provides ‘Ever-Better Performance‘. TSS offers our customers with ‘Ever-Better Lives‘ while our Hybrid Technology helps create an ‘Ever-Better World‘”, said Suzuki.
The new Corolla Altis lineup includes a hybrid electric variant, the 1.8 V Hybrid CVT, marking the first time that the Toyota Hybrid technology is made available in a mainstream, high-volume model. This further boosts Toyota’s push to provide technologically-advanced and sustainable mobility options to more Filipinos. The new Corolla Altis features improved performance and accentuated appeal while retaining its legacy imbued in many Filipinos by the classic Corolla models. The new car elevates the Corolla image by enhancing performance, comfort and convenience while providing peace of mind with its advanced safety features.
Ever-Better Cars
With the TNGA platform, the new Corolla Altis has significantly improved its agility, stability, and visibility. The driver will feel more in control as the lower center of gravity and improved suspension provide less roll and sharper vehicle response. Visibility is better due to the reduced cowl height, thinner instrument panel, and re-positioned mirrors. Both the driver and passengers will be pampered throughout the drive with improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin and a more comfortable ride. Staying true to TNGA’s pillars—Core Strength and Emphasized Personality, the vehicle’s overall drive quality and appeal is elevated in pursuit of making “Ever-Better Cars”.
The exterior of the new Corolla Altis now features the signature Toyota trapezoidal lower grille that exudes a strong and wide stance while mounted above the grille is the Toyota emblem, centered at one sharp character line formed by the upper grille and headlamps. The 1.8 V Hybrid CVT and 1.6 V CVT variants feature defined bi-beam LED headlamps and LED line guide daytime running lights (DRL). The vehicle’s side view features a more dynamic and active look to emphasize the low center-of-gravity along with the front and rear bumpers. The tail section of the new car features sleek LED rear combination lamps that complement the striking look of the headlamps. The 1.8 V Hybrid CVT and 1.6 V CVT variants roll on sportier 17-inch alloy wheels.
Consistent with the sleek exterior, the interior adopts a minimalist design for increased sophistication and class. The simple and spacious cabin increases functionality and guarantees driver and passenger comfort to make driving the new Corolla Altis truly exquisite.
Hybrid and Regular Variants
In line with the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, the environment-friendly Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is now more accessible with the P1,580,000 Corolla Altis 1.8 V Hybrid CVT. It is powered by a 1,798 cubic centimeter Atkinson cycle inline 4-cylinder engine with intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-I), double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and sixteen valves (16V) that works in conjunction with an electric motor for a total maximum power output of 121 horsepower and 142 Newton-meters of torque. Hybrid Technology provides a smooth and quiet ride with better fuel efficiency while the battery self-charges during the drive. Three driving modes are available – Sport, Eco, Normal – giving the driver more control.
The regular variants of the new Corolla Altis are powered by a 1,598 cc inline four-cylinder engine with DOHC, 16V and Dual VVT-I that produces 121 horsepower and 153 Newton-meter of torque. All variants will feature the MacPherson Strut/Double Wishbone Type suspension, which provides excellent handling with a more stable and comfortable ride.
Using Technology for Safety and Peace of Mind
All variants of the new Corolla Altis are equipped with seven SRS airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts for the driver and all passengers to provide a reassuring sense of security. The high-strength frame of the vehicle adopts a body structure that is designed to absorb impact and disperse the collision energy to minimize cabin deformation in the event of a collision. Structure of the engine hood and cowl louver has also been developed to reduce impact energy to a pedestrian in the unlikely event of a collision.
The 1.8 V Hybrid CVT is the second variant in the TMP’s official lineup to feature TSS. While some available features were already introduced in the Hiace Super Grandia Elite, such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB), several new features that are now available in the new Corolla Altis include the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), which helps keep the vehicle centered by applying force on the steering to assist the driver in avoiding unintended lane departure. LTA works in concert with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which drives the vehicle at a constant preset speed when Cruise Control is activated and will adjust within the set cruise speed upon detection of another vehicle in front to maintain appropriate distance. Full speed range following function enables the vehicle to decelerate down to a stop when the vehicle in front comes to a full stop. This system is a variation of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that is included in the Hiace Super Grandia Elite.
