Toyota Corolla Altis 2013-2017 VL AT

Toyota has finally launched the much awaited 2014 version of Toyota Corolla Altis in the Indian car market, which is available in five petrol and four diesel variants. Among these, Toyota Corolla Altis VL AT is the top end variant, which is powered by a 1.8-litre dual VVT (dual variable valve timing intelligent) petrol engine. This mill is coupled with a Super CVT-i with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission gear box. It can produce about 138bhp in combination with 173Nm, while displacing 1798cc. This power plant is incorporated with an electronic fuel injection supply system, which can generate approximately 11 to 13 Kmpl. The car manufacturer has given this sedan a number of striking exterior features, which makes it looks captivating. The list of features include automatic headlamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, an elegant set of alloy wheels and so on. On the other hand, the luxurious cabin is blessed with a set of innovative aspects, which are navigation system in audio screen, cruise control function, a multi-functional steering wheel, ECO driving indicator and many other such functions. Currently, the company is selling this sedan in seven exterior paint options. The list of colors include Grey Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Mica Metallic, Super White with metallic finish, Celestial Black, Blue Metallic and Champagne Mica Metallic for the buyers to choose from.

Exteriors:

It is a premium sedan model that comes with a very sleek and aerodynamic body structure. To start with the front facade, it is designed with a bold radiator grille that has a lot of chrome treatment. This grille is embossed with a prominent company insignia in the center and is surrounded with a well designed headlight cluster. It is equipped with high intensity automatic LED headlamps and turn indicators. The body colored bumper is designed with a wide air dam along with a pair of round shaped fog lamps that also has day time running lamps. The side profile is fitted with body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors, while the window sills are chrome treated. These electrically adjustable ORVMs are retractable and integrated with side blinkers. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 16 inch multi spoke alloy wheels, which are covered with 205/55 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. On the other hand, the rear end comes with well designed LED tail light cluster. The large tailgate is equipped with a chrome strip and company insignia. The windscreen has a centrally located high mounted brake light and is also integrated with a defogger along with a wash and wipe function as well.

Interiors:

The company has done up the interiors of this top end variant stylishly and incorporated it with a lot of sophisticated features that gives it an ultra modern look. The well cushioned seats provide enough leg space for a minimum of five passengers and they are covered with leather upholstery. The multi functional steering wheel is mounted with audio, cruise and phone control buttons. The dashboard inside looks superb with wood finish audio system and the meter console. The AC vents are in rectangular shape and placed at both end of the dashboard for better air circulation. Apart from these, it also has 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, chrome finished inside door handles, wood finished door armrests, sun visors with vanity mirror, illuminated entry system, rear sun shade and so on. The company has also given this variant a number of storage aspects, which are front personal lamp with storage, rear center armrest with cup holder, door map pockets, front seat back pockets and several other aspects.

Engine and Performance:

This Toyota Corolla Altis VL AT is powered by a performance packed 1.8-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1798cc . This 4-cylinder based engine can generate about 138bhp at 6400rpm along with 173Nm of maximum torque output at 4000rpm. It is coupled with a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission gear box, which helps in delivering a decent acceleration and pick up. This petrol motor is incorporated with an EFI supply system, which can produce 11 Kmpl in the city traffic, while its mileage goes up to 13 Kmpl on the highways.

Braking and Handling:

The car manufacturer has blessed this luxurious sedan with an advanced suspension mechanism that improves driving dynamics and stability of the vehicle. Its front axle is assembled with the McPherson strut , whereas the rear axle comes fitted with a torsion beam type of suspension mechanism. On the other hand, the braking mechanism is quite efficient. The front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear wheels get a set of solid disc brakes. This variant is blessed with an electric power assisted steering system, which is quite responsive and makes handling effortless even in heavy traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

The list of features include tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, rear reclining seat, rear power socket, automatic headlamp leveling device , push start/stop button, multi-information with meter dot display and several other aspects. The advanced audio system comes with touchscreen along with Bluetooth connectivity and SD card slot. Apart from these, it is also bestowed with an automatic air conditioning system with heater and cruise control function as well.

Safety Features:

The company has given this Toyota Corolla Altis VL AT variant with a number of protective aspects. The list of features include wireless door locking system with smart key access, reverse camera with display in audio screen, an advanced engine immobilizer with alarm, a pair of fog lamps and anti glare internal rear view mirror. It also has SRS airbag for driver and front co-passenger, 3-point seat belts for all occupants with pretensioner and load limiter for enhanced safety. In addition to these, for efficient braking mechanism, this trim is also equipped with ABS and EBD along with brake assist function as well.

Pros:

1. Plush interiors with ample space.

2. Lots of comfort and safety aspects incorporated.

Cons:

1. Price tag can be more competitive.

2. Ground clearance is not up to the mark.