Toyota Corolla Altis

March 13, 2008 09:48 PM Author: Chips

It's been quite a while since a new Toyota Corolla was launched… longer than usual in fact as the last model change was in 2001. Typically, Corolla model changes in its 42-year history have averaged 4 to 5 years but the 10th generation took some seven years to be developed. The reason for this, according to Yasuo Kamata, the Assistant Chief Engineer for the model, was because it is a global model and the planning had to be synchronized. Presumably, in the interests of reducing costs, Toyota wanted to streamline development of the new generation which has variations for North America, Japan, Europe and Asia.

Anyway, it's finally arrived in Malaysia (the media preview had actually been scheduled for March 6 but had to be postponed when UMW Toyota Motor, along with the rest of Malaysia, learnt that it would be voting day) and already, 800 units have been pre-sold (65% of orders are for the 1.8). That is what UMWT aims to sell each month this year and it once again shows the power of the Toyota brand.

As before, there are two engine choices - 1.8 litres and 1.6 litres - but the variations have been expanded to five from the previous two. Besides the Corolla Altis 1.8G and 1.6E, there is now a 1.8E and two extra versions with sporty bodykits included. Five colour choices (with two shades of silver) are also offered.

The styling for this tenth generation suggests that Toyota designers are striving to have a 'corporate face' for their models as it has the same bold frontal appearance that was first seen in the Camry and then the Vios.

Dimensionally, the overall length is just 10 mm longer than the previous Corolla Altis but the overall width has been increased by 55 mm to 1760 mm. The wheelbase is unchanged at 2600 mm while the overall height is reduced by 15 mm. According to Mr Kamata, the present dimensions are considered to be 'optimum' for this class of cars.

The new Corolla Altis has a wider and lower profile which was achieved by having the bottom of the A-pillar moved forward and the bottom of the C-pillar moved back to increase the angle of the window glass (which also improved aerodynamic performance). Using a modelling technique called "sweep cut," the designers crafted character lines that sweep from the bonnet toward the A-pillars. Other character lines carry rearward at the level of the door handles, emphasizing the low profile, and sweep down from the C-pillar and along the top edges of the rear fenders.

The combination headlamp (with a 3-bulb design that is integrated with the multi-reflector high beam) has an outline that follows the bumper shape, an interesting design touch. The shape of the headlamps is mimicked at the back with the large rear combination LED lamps.

The rear design of a sedan is always important and the new Corolla Altis has a sweeping cut of the rear pillar emphasising the flowing lines to the rear and the cab forward stance. The overall effect is strong and wide with the lower edge of the bumper adopting a sporty, aerodynamic look.

Standard for all versions of the new Corolla Altis are foglamps integrated in recesses at each end of the front bumper and supplementary turn indicators integrated in the door mirror housings. The latter feature, which places the indicators higher, provides better awareness of the driver's intentions to other motorists.

In shaping the new Corolla Altis, a lot of attention was given to aerodynamic efficiency which, at cruising speed, helps improve fuel economy as there is less wind resistance. Less turbulence on the body also lowers noise levels while stability at higher speeds can be enhanced.

Examples of the efforts to improve aerodynamics can be seen in the profile of the A-pillars which decreases wind noise. The upper side of the cowl louvre shape was also raised to regulate the flow of the air hitting the windscreen wipers. The windscreen glass is flush-mounted to smooth the flow of air over the glass and to minimize their exposure to airflow while they are at rest, the windshield washers are partially shielded by the rear edge of the bonnet, instead of on the top surface.

Smooth shapes with minimal differences in surface levels and precise panel gaps further reduce drag with the lower edge of the front and rear bumpers, and the rear body cut-off have been designed to minimise air disturbance. Even under the new Corolla Altis, efforts have been made to smoothen the airflow: underbody covers for engine, fuel tank and rear floor are fitted to create a flat surface.

In accordance with its premium positioning (in its class), the new Corolla Altis 1.8G comes with an extensive list of standard equipment and fittings, including Optitron meters for the instrument panel and a Multi-Info Display (MID). The Optitron meters, with their 3-dimensional appearance for the calibrations, were first used in various models of Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, and are noted for excellent clarity under all lighting conditions.

The MID is a LCD panel incorporated in the tachometer and gives the driver important information such as mileage travelled, cruising range on the fuel remaining in the 55-litre fuel tank, average fuel consumption, external air temperature and elapsed time since starting a journey.

Other items exclusive to the new Corolla Altis 1.8G include power-operated front seats with 8-way adjustment using knobs at the side of the seats, side protection moulding and chrome door handles, a chromed rear plate garnish over the numberplate, Wood trim is also standard for the top version of the new Corolla Altis range.

Both 1.8-litre versions have additional switches on the steering wheel to operate the audio system, 60:40 folding rear backrest to extend boot capacity (which can take four golfbags) and a centre armrest for rear passengers.

For convenience, the air-conditioning system in both 1.8-litre versions are automatic and when the driver sets a specific temperature desired, the system will automatically cool down the cabin and maintain the temperature in the most efficient way possible using a combination of blower speeds and vents.

For the comfort of the front occupants, the centre armrest (which serves as a cover for the storage box) between the seats is not only set high but can also extend forward to a comfortable position. The driver will also appreciate the two-way adjustment for the steering wheel - for height as well as for reach. Rear occupants also enjoy more comfort with the flatter floor as the centre hump which runs along the middle of the cabin is lowered, increasing legroom.

Storage space is plentiful with as many as 21 different compartments for small items and drink containers (we counted!). Even the glovebox has extra capacity with its dual compartment design - and no, the extra compartment is not an empty airbag slot for the passenger since all versions have airbags for both front occupants. Besides having a dampened drop-down feature, the glovebox handle is also offset closer to the centre console to make it easier for the driver to open it.

Given that many people often spend long periods of time in a car, the audio system chosen is said to offer high quality sound reproduction and radio reception. The head unit, which can play CDs with mp3 or WMA formats as well as conventional audio formats, is neatly integrated in the dashboard. Six speakers are provided as standard for the Corolla Altis 1.8G (which also has an in-dash 6-CD changer) while the Corolla Altis 1.8E and 1.6E have four speakers.

Sound-absorbing coating and material is carefully positioned through the dash and floor to maximum effect while further sound insulation is placed throughout the interior with roof silencers between the roof reinforcements, sound insulating carpets and felt in each trim panel. Finally, road noise is further suppressed by installing sound-absorbing material under the wheel arches and door seals are double insulating.

Tests by Toyota engineers confirm the effectiveness of the noise-reducing measures taken for the new Corolla Altis. At speeds up to 100 km/h, the new model is quieter and even with the door closed and engine switched off, the transmission of noise from outside is claimed to be less than before.

The two all-aluminium engines available are actually the same as before and while they have undergone improvements and internal friction has been lowered, their output is also slightly less:

1ZZ-FE (1794 cc)
Maximum power: 97 kW/132 ps at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 170 Nm at 4200 rpm

3ZZ-FE (1598 cc)
Maximum power: 80 kW/109 ps at 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 145 Nm at 4400 rpm

The reason for the reduction in output has been due to raising the emission control standard compliance to the more stringent Euro-3 level, which has required (among other things), the installation of two catalytic converters. The Malaysian government has yet to upgrade its emission control standards to Euro-3 but since there was an indication that it would do so in due course, Toyota decided to offer the engine which met the higher standard, according to Akio Takeyama, Executive Director of UMWT.

Though the output is slightly lower than before, Mr Kamata said that the engineers have actually managed to improve the new car's performance by adding an Electronic Throttle with intelligence (ETCS-i) as well as enhancing the design of the intake/exhaust manifold areas. Gear ratios have also been revised to improve responsiveness. Toyota's own tests conducted at its R&D track in Thailand with the new 1.8-litre Corolla Altis sold in Malaysia show that the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 11.37 seconds, quicker than the 12.45 seconds of the previous model. For the 0 to 400-metre sprint, it takes 17.99 seconds now whereas the previous model took 18.63 seconds. Intermediate acceleration is also better as the torque curve has been made flatter and acceleration from 80 to 100 km/h takes less than 2 seconds.

The standard transmission for all versions of the new Corolla Altis is a 4-speed electronically-managed automatic transmission which has the Toyota Super ECT (intelligent programming which optimises gear selection, especially on hilly terrain). For the 1.8-litre versions, transmission operation is sequential and the shifter has a gated slot which gives an experience like that of a manual transmission.

Why not a 5-speed automatic transmission, which Honda offers in the Civic 2.0? To this question, Mr Kamata would only say that 'the 4-speed transmission is considered as best suited for the model'.

The chassis of the new Corolla Altis has high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross-members for its strength, rigidity and lightweight construction. To this is mounted a MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar. The newly-developed, compact and highly rigid front suspension the MacPherson strut in-board of the wheel hub to reduce noise and vibration.

The rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock absorber arrangement with a torsion beam, the same layout that was also used previously. A torsion beam design is less complex and cheaper than an independent set-up and typically, Toyota uses a platform for two generations so it's not surprising that there is no major change to the suspension.

The suspension layout separates the coil spring and damper while allowing a wider track for the cargo area to have a larger volume. Newly-designed slanted trailing bushes allow precise control of camber and toe changes in response to lateral forces and the geometry has also been set to enhance stability is achieved in straightline driving.

Disc brakes are fitted front and rear with 15-inch ventilated discs for the front brakes for fade-free performance during hard braking and in conditions where there is frequent use of the brakes. The brake components have been redesigned to reduce weight and increased effectiveness is provided with high-friction pads.

In a significant departure from the past, power assistance to the steering rack is now supplied by a compact electric motor, speed reducer and torque sensor built into the steering column. The amount of assistance the system delivers varies according to engine rpm and road speed (and it can be programmed by the engineers too). EPS, as this system is referred to, also contributes to negating the engine output reduction as it doesn't 'rob' engine power.

Use of EPS should also enhance fuel economy because it uses electrical power only when assistance is necessary. It does not require oil (which is also good for the environment), unlike conventional hydraulic power steering systems with energizers. In the unlikely event that an abnormality should occur within the EPS, a fail-safe function will shut down the output current. The system then becomes fully manual (and will feel heavier) but remains fully operable. A warning lamp in the dash will illuminate to warn the driver of the abnormality which should be checked as soon as possible.

As with all Toyota models today, the new Corolla Altis has passed the Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) which is Toyota's tough in-house set of crash safety standards relating to Passive Safety. GOA standards, established on the mid-1990s and periodically updated, are said to be comparable to the standards set by many countries and in some cases, even exceed them.

Structural reinforcements and crossmembers are placed through the body to disperse impact energy around the passenger compartment and minimise the risk of injury to the occupants. Specific items include high-tensile sheet steel in reinforcements, crossmembers and tunnel-bracing, and roof reinforcement. Door impact beams help reduce intrusion in side impacts and disperse energy around the bodyshell. In addition, impact-absorbing materials in the door panels and trim help to suppress impact forces.

Both front occupants have airbags as supplementary restraint to the seatbelts which have force-limiters and pre-tensioners to enhance their effectiveness. The front seats are also constructed to reduce whiplash injury (which can occur during a severe rear-end collision) while energy-absorbing materials in the upper areas of the cabin reduce injuries to the head. For the driver, there is the added protection from being injured by the steering column as it will collapse during a severe frontal impact, preventing it from being forced further inwards.

Considerable work also went into designing the bonnet and frontal areas of the new Corolla Altis to reduce the effect of impacts on pedestrians. The rear edge of the bonnet (where an adult head might land) has a crushable structure and the windscreen wiper pivot can drop away beneath the cowl in the event of an impact. On the front edge of the bonnet, the dent reinforcement has been moved away from the main surface and the bonnet catch moved down and away from the design surface. Impact absorbers are mounted ahead of the bumper and radiator fixings.

All versions of the new Corolla Altis come with 4-wheel ABS and Brake Assist (which boosts braking pressure during emergency braking) . Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), also available, enhances ABS by optimizing the brake force on each wheel. This is important because loads in the car may vary and dynamic forces will also differ during cornering. EBD distributes the force applied to the front and rear brakes according to the conditions so there is more stable braking. It can also control the braking of the right and left wheels separately to ensure that braking during cornering is stable.

As with the previous generation, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control System (TRC) is available only in the Corolla Altis 1.8G. This provides higher levels of driving stability, especially on wet and slippery surfaces. Using data from various sensors, VSC detects wheelspin during high-speed cornering or cornering on slippery surfaces, a condition which can cause the car to skid out of control and possibly crash. Should such a condition is detected, the system applies the appropriate amount of braking force on the wheels and also cuts back on engine power to allow stability and grip to be regained.

VSC has the ability to detect whether the condition is oversteer or understeer and takes the necessary action to neutralize the dangerous condition immediately. If it is oversteer, power is cut and the brake on the front outside wheel is applied; an understeer condition is neutralized by also cutting the power but applying the brake on the rear inside wheel.

TRC is an integral part of VSC but its function differs slightly. TRC prevents wheelspin when accelerating hard on slippery roads so that it is possible to move forward positively. It does this by lowering engine torque as needed and also applying braking force on any wheel that is spinning.

For the first time since the Corolla was introduced here in the 1960s, the model is not being assembled in Malaysia. Like the latest Camry, it will be imported from the huge Toyota factory in Thailand as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model. Explaining this change, UMWT MD Kuah Kock Heng said the reason is not due to the assembly plant in Malaysia lacking capacity but is due to Toyota's regional strategy which aims to achieve better economies of scale for each model.

Source: Motor Trader