2020 Toyota Corolla Altis rolls out, starts Php 999K

Have you been eagerly waiting for the all-new Corolla Altis’ arrival? Wait no more as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially unveiled the all-new compact sedan to the country.

Featuring a sleek new look inside and out, the 2020 Corolla Altis now sits on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform and is now available as a hybrid for the first time.

Starting off with its looks, the 12th-generation Corolla Altis gets a Camry-inspired front fascia. It gets tapered headlights, a distinct front grille, a huge front bumper with a black lower air intake, and C-shaped corner bezels. A fresh pair of taillights and a reshaped trunk lid, meanwhile, give the Corolla Altis a cleaner and more fluid shape than before. Finally, a choice of 17-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels is available on the Corolla as well, depending on the model variant.

Inside, it has a new, more upmarket dashboard and center console. A floating touchscreen makes its home on the center dash while a new automatic climate control system sits below it (base models come with manual airconditioning). There’s also a new three-spoke steering wheel complete with multimedia/cruise control buttons, along with a revised instrument cluster.

Regardless of variant, all models of the Corolla Altis will now come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system. It supports AM/FM radio, Aux, USB, Bluetooth, CD/DVD, as well as T-Link for pairing Android or iOS devices. A six-speaker sound system, 12V power socket, and one-touch up and down power windows are also available in the new Corolla Altis.

Available only on the top-of-the-line V models are: 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, electronic parking brake, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seats, and a rear sunshade.

Under the hood, the Corolla Altis comes in two engine choices. Non-hybrid versions have the carried-over 1.6-liter 1ZR-FE four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i. It produces 121 PS at 6000 rpm along with 153 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm. It can be paired to either a CVT or six-speed manual gearbox.

Go for the hybrid and it gets a 1.8-liter inline-four dubbed the 2ZR-FXE. The engine alone only puts out 97 PS at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 3600 rpm. But thanks to an electric motor, the hybrid system has a combined output of 121 PS. It too is connected to a CVT that drives the front wheels. Like the Prius, the Corolla Altis Hybrid comes with three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. It even has EV (electric vehicle mode) which allows the sedan to run on pure electricity.

Just like the all-new Vios, Toyota made sure the 2020 Corolla Altis is equipped to the hilt when it comes to safety. From the entry-level manual all the way to the top-of-the-line hybrid, the sedan comes with the following: seven airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and a security alarm. Top-of-the-line V variants, however, come with a reverse camera and parking sensors.

Similar to the Super Grandia, Toyota Safety Sense is now available as well on the Corolla Altis. Fitted only on the 1.8 V Hybrid, it provides the following driver aids: pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Pricing of the 2020 Corolla Altis:

1.6 E MT - Php 999,000

1.6 G MT - Php 1,045,000

1.6 G AT - Php 1,115,000

1.6 V CVT - Php 1,185,000

1.8 V Hybrid CVT - Php 1,580,000

(+Php 15,000 additional for White Pearl paint on the 1.6 V and 1.8 V Hybrid)