New Corolla Altis to likely launch in June 2011

Toyota is planning to launch a face-lifted Corolla Altis in India in June 2011. Earlier, CarToq had reported that test mules of the face-lifted model had been caught a couple of times, hinting the launch would occur soon.

On the exterior, the new model will feature slimmer and sharper headlamps, a twin slat front grille, redesigned bumpers, reworked tail lamps with LED stop lights, and horizontal chrome slats on the boot lid. Also read: Toyota Corolla 7-Speed AT launch soon

On the inside new elements like a LCD touch screen with DVD compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and Aux-in support, keyless entry with a start / stop button, remote boot opener, perforated leather seats, central arm rest for rear seat occupants, parking sensors and a new instrument console (with new interface and features) etc are seen.

The new model still misses out on rear AC vents, which some other cars in its segment such as the Volkswagen Vento and the Fiat Linea offer already.

Under the hood, the new model gets a new 1,798 cc (the current model has 1,794 cc) dual VVT-i petrol engine making 138 bhp of maximum power at 6,0000 rpm and 169 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

When compared with the older models engine specifications, power has increased by 8 bhp and the full torque comes at 200 rpm earlier. The new engine is mated to a seven speed Sequential Shiftmatic ‘Super CVT’ auto transmission. Also read: Toyota Etios MPV rumours

Currently, the Corolla Altis comes only with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency of the new Corolla Altis petrol (automatic) is 15.22 km/litre.

However, Toyota has not made any changes for the new Corolla Altis diesel variant, which is powered by a 1.4 litre D-4 D engine, is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and makes 87 bhp of maximum power and 205 Nm of maximum torque. (The diesel variant has no automatic gear option)

The present Corolla Altis faces stiff competition in the form of the Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta. Sales of the Corolla Altis saw a declining trend in the past few months.

This year, Toyota sold 1,139 units of the car in January, they sold 985 units in February, 953 units in March and 776 cars in April. Once the upcoming face lifted Corolla Altis is launched, there might be improvement in sales.

The following are ex-showroom prices (Delhi) for the current Corolla Altis model and all its variants:

The Altis petrol is offered in four trim levels: 1.8J, 1.8G, 1.8GL and 1.8VL.The prices of the petrol Altis models start from Rs. 10.38 lakh for the base version(1.8 J) and go up to Rs. 14.53 lakh for the top-end variant (1.8 VL).

The diesel version of Corolla Altis in July 2010 and offers it in 3 trim levels: D-4DJ, D-4DG and D-4DGL. The diesel Altis models starts at a price point of Rs. 11.31 lakh (D-4D J) for the base variant and goes up to Rs. 14.21 lakh for the top-end variant (D-4D GL).

Since April 2011, the company has hiked the prices of the Corolla Altis petrol models by Rs. 10,400 – Rs. 14,500 while the diesel variants are dearer by Rs. 14,100 – Rs. 17,700 applicable as per the variants.