It would appear that 2020 will be a battle royale in the C-segment as Toyota has just opened order books for the all-new twelfth-generation Corolla, hot on the heels of the all-new Mazda 3 and the refreshed Honda Civic with Sensing active safety.
Although one of the best-selling nameplates globally, the Corolla Altis here has largely been eclipsed by the likes of the Civic. Toyota’s about to change that with the all-new Corolla that rides on the TNGA platform; Toyota’s New Global Architecture, that promises better performance, superior driving dynamics and comfort. Models such as the C-HR, Camry and Prius have already reaped the benefits of the platform.
The Asean market Corolla doesn’t stray much from the American market model but ditches the over-the-top aggressiveness for a more grown up façade here. It’s still quite a looker though and a huge improvement over the outgoing model.
UMW Toyota Malaysia have confirmed two trims for the Corolla Altis here; a 1.8G and 1.8E with on-the-road pricing estimated to be RM136,888 and RM128,888, respectively.
Based on the Thailand specs, we can assume the 1.8-litre 2ZR-FBE engine will make an identical 138hp and 177Nm of torque that drives the front via a CVT box.
Inside, the Corolla now sports a layered dashboard with a freestanding touchscreen head-unit for the infotainment. Expect Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity to be included. Rear occupants now benefit from rear air-conditioning vents.
To stay on par with the incoming refreshed Civic and its Sensing active safety, the Corolla Altis will be packing the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of active driver assist tech. The moniker refers to the integrated active safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and auto high beam. However, TSS in the Malaysian-spec models might not include all the above-mentioned tech. Seven airbags and stability control should be standard.
It does look like we’ll be missing out on the GR Sport trim as well that runs a more powerful 1.8-litre engine with plenty of sportier accessories.
For more information and booking details, visit toyota.com.my or walk in to any authorised Toyota dealership throughout Malaysia.