Toyota upgrades the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia

Vid6639 · 11th September 2010, 15:43

Toyota have revamped the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia. The changes are not merely cosmetic. Along with a minor facelift the Altis now gets the 2ZR-FE engine which was available in the US and other countries but not Malaysia/Thailand.

The 2ZR-FE is the replacement of the 1ZZ-FE. It features Dual VVT-i on both intake and exhaust compared to the earlier intake only VVT-i. Power is up to 140PS.

The transmission has also been upgraded finally. From the outdated 4 speed AT box the new Altis now has a 7 speed CVT box.

The higher end models now get the 3ZR-FE 2.0L engine with dual VVTi. Power output is at 147PS. The lower end variants now have the 1.6L 1ZR-FE engine with an output of 120PS also featuring dual VVTi.

The new engines not only offer better performance but an increase in efficiency by 15% compared to the older engines.

More details here:
Facelifted Dual VVT-i Toyota Corolla Altis tested at Sepang!

Why is this important to us in India? Simple, Toyota India gets the kits for the Altis in India from Thailand. If the thailand plant is now making the upgraded Altis it is only a matter of time before Toyota India will have to switch over. I'm sure Toyota will try to stretch the existing one in India as much as possible because it's selling very well.

Toyota upgrades the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia-dsc_0789b.jpg

Toyota upgrades the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia-dsc_0735b.jpg

Toyota upgrades the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia-dsc_0722b.jpg

pics courtesy Paul Tan's Automotive News

evo · 11th September 2010, 16:55

Aha, this is good news. They could have launched the update with the launch of the diesel. Though, since it sells so well, it doesnt really matter.

The bumper and intakes look too aggressive for the Corolla, but I suppose with the Civic as competition, it makes sense. The wheel looks brilliant with that slightly flattened base.

It makes me happy that I didnt get a Corolla for the driver just before the upgrade.

tanwaramit · 11th September 2010, 18:58

the steering doesnt seem fully round, rather a subtle flat at the lower end. Good to see these versions launched in Thai/Malay markets.

How soon can we see them in India? Well it could be 6 months to 2 years.

CVT is an excellent job on the AT box.

R2D2 · 12th September 2010, 12:46

Yups I noticed this change in the engine a couple of months back when I was browsing the Toyota Thai site. I don't think they will introduce this engine just yet. The petrol Altis is doing quite well. They may think of adding some body kit bits to the car here as a refresh now that the car is 2 years old in the Indian market.

Toyota may wait for the next gen Civic to be released in 2011-12 (which is nearly certain to have about 140 PS on tap) and then introduce the 140 PS 2ZR-FE as a post mid life refresher for the Altis.

PS - here's another thread by sidindica - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...a-up-next.html

Cheers!

sidindica · 22nd September 2010, 15:31

The car's Thai website is up

New Corolla Altis - ?????????? ??????????? ????????????????

Malaysia launch is tomorrow.

zoom_vroom · 22nd September 2010, 17:07

The second one in white looks just like the Camry. Troubled times for Civic if it gest launched soon in India.

jaguar.runs · 22nd September 2010, 17:14

Paddle shifters! I wonder if this feature will be available in India.

DicKy · 22nd September 2010, 18:03

The redesigned front end makes the front of the corolla more attractive and palatable now.Wish they could do something about the bonnet shut line. It's an eyesore.
The 3 spoke steering looks sporty but don't want it to replace the existing one.Maybe in a sporty version would do.

MAS · 22nd September 2010, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by DicKy

Wish they could do something about the bonnet shut line. It's an eyesore.

+1

Toyota should integrate the white upper lip of the grill to the bonnet. In this way the bonnet shut line will not be visible.

aajtaksabsetej · 28th September 2010, 16:08

The tweaked headlamps are plus point for the car but I find the AC vent plastics shabby and not Toyota standard.

sachinj12 · 28th September 2010, 21:05

Excellent!! Now quickly get this to India and see the Civic sales vaporize. The car does look good, but 7 speed auto box to India? Wishful thinking

Parm · 28th September 2010, 23:59

well all i can say..."Honey i shrunk the Camry"!

Toyota is trying hard to compete with civic on the looks!

DicKy · 29th September 2010, 18:00

Yep, thats one mini Camry, and well Toyota doesn't seem to be too hurried in launching this version in india anytimes soon. But the jump from 4 speed to 7 speed A/T is massive.

sgiitk · 30th September 2010, 11:02

Agreed on the Civic front. First impression was that I was seeing a Civic. 7-speed AT but a CVT?? With a long flat torque curve why do they need a 7-speed. Also, CVT may be retrograde.

DicKy · 30th September 2010, 17:11

Well, well.. Just saw the CVT bit right now.
AFAIK, CVTs are mainly for city usage and have a highly discerning so called 'rubber band' effect(read in ACI)
The positive reason maybe in interest of fuel efficiency.

11th September 2010, 15:43	#1
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,789 Thanked: 44,079 Times View My Garage	Toyota upgrades the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia Toyota have revamped the Corolla Altis in Thailand and Malaysia. The changes are not merely cosmetic. Along with a minor facelift the Altis now gets the 2ZR-FE engine which was available in the US and other countries but not Malaysia/Thailand. The 2ZR-FE is the replacement of the 1ZZ-FE. It features Dual VVT-i on both intake and exhaust compared to the earlier intake only VVT-i. Power is up to 140PS. The transmission has also been upgraded finally. From the outdated 4 speed AT box the new Altis now has a 7 speed CVT box. The higher end models now get the 3ZR-FE 2.0L engine with dual VVTi. Power output is at 147PS. The lower end variants now have the 1.6L 1ZR-FE engine with an output of 120PS also featuring dual VVTi. The new engines not only offer better performance but an increase in efficiency by 15% compared to the older engines. More details here: Facelifted Dual VVT-i Toyota Corolla Altis tested at Sepang! Why is this important to us in India? Simple, Toyota India gets the kits for the Altis in India from Thailand. If the thailand plant is now making the upgraded Altis it is only a matter of time before Toyota India will have to switch over. I'm sure Toyota will try to stretch the existing one in India as much as possible because it's selling very well. pics courtesy Paul Tan's Automotive News
	() Thanks

11th September 2010, 16:55	#2
evo BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kolkata/Shillong Posts: 780 Thanked: 160 Times View My Garage	Aha, this is good news. They could have launched the update with the launch of the diesel. Though, since it sells so well, it doesnt really matter. The bumper and intakes look too aggressive for the Corolla, but I suppose with the Civic as competition, it makes sense. The wheel looks brilliant with that slightly flattened base. It makes me happy that I didnt get a Corolla for the driver just before the upgrade. Last edited by evo : 11th September 2010 at 16:57.
	() Thanks

11th September 2010, 18:58	#3
tanwaramit Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dilwalon ki Dilli Posts: 1,942 Thanked: 514 Times	the steering doesnt seem fully round, rather a subtle flat at the lower end. Good to see these versions launched in Thai/Malay markets. How soon can we see them in India? Well it could be 6 months to 2 years. CVT is an excellent job on the AT box.
	() Thanks

12th September 2010, 12:46	#4
R2D2 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 3,254 Thanked: 5,830 Times	Yups I noticed this change in the engine a couple of months back when I was browsing the Toyota Thai site. I don't think they will introduce this engine just yet. The petrol Altis is doing quite well. They may think of adding some body kit bits to the car here as a refresh now that the car is 2 years old in the Indian market. Toyota may wait for the next gen Civic to be released in 2011-12 (which is nearly certain to have about 140 PS on tap) and then introduce the 140 PS 2ZR-FE as a post mid life refresher for the Altis. PS - here's another thread by sidindica - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...a-up-next.html Cheers! Last edited by R2D2 : 12th September 2010 at 12:50. Reason: added PS
	() Thanks

22nd September 2010, 15:31	#5
sidindica Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 4,902 Thanked: 8,341 Times	The car's Thai website is up New Corolla Altis - ?????????? ??????????? ???????????????? Malaysia launch is tomorrow.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2010, 17:07	#6
zoom_vroom BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Faridabad Posts: 262 Thanked: 52 Times	The second one in white looks just like the Camry. Troubled times for Civic if it gest launched soon in India.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2010, 17:14	#7
jaguar.runs BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dubai Posts: 277 Thanked: 105 Times View My Garage	Paddle shifters! I wonder if this feature will be available in India.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2010, 18:03	#8
DicKy Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TVPM Posts: 4,334 Thanked: 14,846 Times	The redesigned front end makes the front of the corolla more attractive and palatable now.Wish they could do something about the bonnet shut line. It's an eyesore. The 3 spoke steering looks sporty but don't want it to replace the existing one.Maybe in a sporty version would do.
	() Thanks

28th September 2010, 16:08	#10
aajtaksabsetej BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 27 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	The tweaked headlamps are plus point for the car but I find the AC vent plastics shabby and not Toyota standard.
	() Thanks

28th September 2010, 21:05	#11
sachinj12 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,187 Thanked: 168 Times	Excellent!! Now quickly get this to India and see the Civic sales vaporize. The car does look good, but 7 speed auto box to India? Wishful thinking
	() Thanks

28th September 2010, 23:59	#12
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 898 Times	well all i can say..."Honey i shrunk the Camry"! Toyota is trying hard to compete with civic on the looks! Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

29th September 2010, 18:00	#13
DicKy Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TVPM Posts: 4,334 Thanked: 14,846 Times	Yep, thats one mini Camry, and well Toyota doesn't seem to be too hurried in launching this version in india anytimes soon. But the jump from 4 speed to 7 speed A/T is massive.
	() Thanks

30th September 2010, 11:02	#14
sgiitk Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurugram Posts: 7,971 Thanked: 4,805 Times	Agreed on the Civic front. First impression was that I was seeing a Civic. 7-speed AT but a CVT?? With a long flat torque curve why do they need a 7-speed. Also, CVT may be retrograde.
	() Thanks

30th September 2010, 17:11	#15
DicKy Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TVPM Posts: 4,334 Thanked: 14,846 Times	Well, well.. Just saw the CVT bit right now. AFAIK, CVTs are mainly for city usage and have a highly discerning so called 'rubber band' effect(read in ACI) The positive reason maybe in interest of fuel efficiency.
	() Thanks