Toyota Corolla Altis Generation 10

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.

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.

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 rpmMaximum torque: 170 Nm at 4200 rpm
3ZZ-FE (1598 cc)Maximum power: 80 kW/109 ps at 6000 rpmMaximum 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.