MANILA: Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) added two new variants to the Corolla Altis roster, namely the E HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) CVT and G HEV CVT trims.
Slotted in between the entry-level Toyota Corolla Altis E CVT model and top-of-the-line GR-S HEV CVT trim, the two new additions to the midsize sedan family are aimed at making hybrid cars with Japanese engineering more accessible to Filipino car buyers.
Screenshot from Toyota Motor Philippines websiteOn that note, here is a quick look at what the two new-energy vehicles from TMP have to offer.
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TMP gave its “E-level” compact sedan a hybrid heart, powered by the tried and true 2ZR-FXE engine packing a displacement size of 1,798 cubic centimeters.
Facilitating power distribution to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission.
Photo from Toyota Motor PhilippinesThe said setup makes 120 horsepower and 142 Newton-meters of torque.
It is worth noting that the range–topping “gazoo-fied” variant of the Toyota Corolla Altis uses the same powertrain system: an in-line four, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft gasoline mill with chain drive and dual intelligent variable valve timing.
They also have Eco, Normal, and EV (electric vehicle) modes, with the Sport mode native only to the GR-S model replaced with Power for the new electrified models.
For fit and finish, would-be owners can expect appointments that balance upmarket styling with some casual flair. After all, the Toyota Corolla Altis has earned the nickname “baby Camry” due to its elevated styling and list of features.
As such, it gets things like headlamps with LED daytime running lights, smoked LED combination taillamps, a high-mount stop lamp, and a rear spoiler. It rolls on a set of 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 highway tires.
Photo from Toyota Motor PhilippinesCreature comfort is enhanced with leather upholstery. The driver will get a six-way manual-adjust seat, while the front passenger will settle for a four-way manual-adjust seat. Rear passengers get a bench-type seat with a 60:40 split feature.
Tech-wise, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 E HEV CVT gets a seven-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a nine-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Those who like to listen to music or get updated with their favorite podcast will get a four-speaker sound system.
For charging devices, a 12-volt power socket is available; while a single-zone climate control system will keep occupants cool in hot weather.
Controls found on the multi-functional steering wheel include buttons for display, audio, phone, voice command, cruise control, and lane tracing assist.
For brief halts and smooth deceleration, a set of disc brakes is employed. The front wheel axle gets ventilated discs while the rear axle uses solid ones.
Its safety features include the following:
The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G HEV CVT uses a similar setup to the abovementioned, therefore producing the same power figures and achieving mirrored fuel efficiency, which TMP claims to be around the following numbers:
|
City driving |
24.4 kilometers per liter (kpl) |
|
Highway driving |
22.2 kpl |
|
Combined driving |
22.7 kpl |
Screenshot from Toyota Motor Philippines websiteThe above numbers are met with the use of Toyota’s “Dynamic Force Engine” with “world-leading thermal efficiencies thanks to its high-speed combustion technology and variable control system,” paired with “self-charging electric motors,” which “eliminates the need to plug in your vehicle.”
Toyota HEVs, such as some models of the Corolla Altis, Camry, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Yaris Cross, Alphard, and Zenix, are touted as vehicles that “combine the power of conventional engines with the fuel savings and eco-friendliness of electric motors.” Therefore, “they maximize driving performance while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.”
It’s natural for the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G HEV CVT to build from the features of the lower “E” variant.
On that note, its exterior features now boast all-LED lighting with LED front fog lamps and a set of 17-inch alloys shod in 225/45 road tires.
Retained are most styling features, like the sharp-looking lights, blacked-out side mirrors, some chrome appliques atop the window, body-colored door handles, and the classic sedan silhouette.
Photo from Toyota Motor PhilippinesInside, occupants can now get a better auditory experience with six audio speakers. The driver, too, now gets to enjoy seats (all of which are swathed in leather) with an eight-way power adjustability feature with lumbar support. The front passenger seat has a four-way manual setup.
Braking system and suspension setup are the same, so buyers can expect the same level of comfort and ride quality with the higher “G” grade. The larger wheel and tire combo could make some difference, too, in driving and riding dynamics, but might take trained senses to spot.
In the area of safety, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G HEV CVT gets additional technology in the form of a blind spot monitor.
The Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 E HEV CVT costs P1.504 million.
On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G HEV CVT will set customers back some P1.617 million.
The sum of P113,000 will spell the difference between a larger wheel set, improved illumination, better seat functions (at least for the driver), and slightly improved safety.
Also read:
Toyota takes ‘evolved’ GR Corolla to global stage
Toyota launches 299-hp GR Corolla in Japan
WATCH: Toyota GR Corolla featured in 2 new campaign videos
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