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The new Toyota Altis is getting more than enough help from its not so subtle marketing campaigns that has been doing the rounds. Even the official website seems to have a countdown ticking down to the 5th September launch date. It is now all but clear that I would be the replacement to the Corolla. It would be premature to say that it would start a new lineage and the Corolla name itself will be removed or for many it’s the Corolla Altis. I would not blame them as you would not let go of a badge that is the highest selling in the world and now you would rubbish it all when it is nearing its 10th avatar? The Corolla is a proven performer all over the world and even in India it has proved its mettle. Toyota is known well over for its increasing customer base because of its fine products that appeal to the regular buyer, a family man that is looking for attention to detail which the Japanese giant is all about. The attractive styling coupled with great value for money is always the strongest combination while targeting the masses.

The Altis has retained the Corolla bloodline but also has certain changes to make it look distinctive and new. The headlights are now separated from the grille with an extension of lines from the hood and the headlamps seem to reaching out towards the side mirrors. There is not much of a change in the rear. It is 10mm longer, 60mm wider and 20mm lower than the present model and even though these numbers are small they give the engineers and designers just a little more room to play. Also the cabin space will also improve. The lower center of gravity and the wider track, even though the wheelbase remains the same will improve the handling dynamics considerably. A four spoked steering wheel, similar to the Camry is expected along with other changes in terms of interior that it would borrow from the Camry. Another important feature is that the floor for the rear passengers is almost flat giving a more comfortable foot position for the passenger in the middle seat. The wheel arch intrusions into the boot will be minimized because of the use of a Torsion beam for the rear suspension. Toyota has worked on a new 6 speed manual transmission with a new clutch plate structure to reduce noise vibration and harshness (NVH). The door handles seemed to have been borrowed from the Vios. The Altis launched in Thailand had the old engine when it was launched whereas the Japanese and American versions have the new Dual VVT-I engines. The 1.6L 3ZZ-FE and 1.8L 1ZZ-FE, could be ones making it to India even though everyone is hoping for the Dual VVT-I engines.

With 30 million Corollas produced till date according to the company the 10th generation of the best selling car in the world is being awaited with much anticipation here. If not for its strong points it will ride heavily on its reputation built on great build quality and value for money that includes low maintenance costs. Be ready with your payment options on the 5th of September and you could be part of a Corolla culture that is 40 years old and still going strong.