2011 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 launch in India, new Toyota Corolla with 1.6-litre petrol engine

Toyota is planning to launch a face-lifted Altis with a 1.6-litre petrol engine (instead of the present 1.8-litre engine) in April 2011. The face-lifts also include a new front bumper, larger grille and redesigned tail lamps. The new Toyota Corolla Altis with the 1.6-litre petrol engine will likely be priced in Honda City territory of Rs. 8.5 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh.

According to CarIndia, the 2011 Toyota Corolla Altis has already been prepared for launch. The spy photos of test mules of the 2011 Corolla Altis surfaced on the Internet last month. The test cars were camouflaged only at the front bumper and rear tail lamps, confirming doubts about the upcoming model.

Engine

The 1.6-litre petrol engine that Toyota will introduce in the new Corolla Altis will produce 120 bhp of maximum power and will sell alongside the existing variants with a 1.8-litre petrol and 1.4 litre diesel engine. It must be noted that the Toyota Corolla Altis, with the 1.6-litre petrol engine, is the most sold variant in markets abroad. Related story: Toyota Corolla Altis diesel road test

Toyota Corolla Altis vs Honda City

Specifications	Toyota Corolla Altis Petrol	Honda City Petrol
Engine	1.6 litre petrol*	1.5 litre petrol
Power	120 hp*	116.3 bhp
Torque	157 Nm*	146 Nm
Dimension (length x width x height)	4,540 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,480 mm	4,420 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,480 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm	2,550 mm
Boot space	475 litres	506 litres
Price Range	Rs. 8.5 lakh – Rs. 10.5 lakh*	Rs. 8.3 lakh – Rs. 10.43 lakh*

* may vary

The Toyota Corolla has been very popular in India over the years and continues to sell well in its new avatar, the Corolla Altis. The company launched the Corolla Altis diesel last year which also has been reasonable sales. However the car is now a bit long in the tooth. The all-new Honda City has been attracting a lot of buyers, and the introduction of a 1600 cc variant of the Corolla might make buyers look at the car again.