The Toyota Corolla Altis has been a popular choice in the sedan segment for quite a while. It has a low, sleek silhouette, is comfortable to drive, and boasts several handy safety and convenience features. The latest version, in particular, is greatly admired, primarily for its advanced technologies, such as electrochromic mirrors and an air conditioning system with air purification technology. The Corolla Altis is fun as well as safe to drive.

Trims, engine, and transmission
The Toyota Corolla Altis is available in two trim levels: Standard and Elegance. Both have the same 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine with 16 valves and dual VVTi technology. With a displacement of 1,598 cc, this engine offers a maximum output of 96 kW (129 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 159 Nm. Both trims also have the same CVT (automatic transmission) system.

Although both trims have an identical powertrain, they differ in terms of features. For instance, the Standard trim features halogen lamps, while the Elegant version has LED lamps. They also have different tyre sizes; the Standard trim features tyres with a 205/55R16 rating, while the Elegance trim has wider tyres with a 225/45R17 rating.

Suspension
For a smooth driving experience, buying a car with good suspension is necessary. This is among the biggest reasons why the Toyota Corolla Altis is a good choice. It features one of the best suspension systems—the double wishbone suspension—in the rear and the MacPherson strut suspension in the front.

The double wishbone suspension has a pair of wishbone-shaped arms, which provide the Altis with exceptional stability on uneven surfaces. This suspension also provides excellent control and traction while cornering, which is why it is even used in professional racing cars. The MacPherson strut suspension system, which uses springs to absorb shocks, is also great for stability on bumpy roads, and its biggest advantage is its lightweight and compact nature. Together, these suspension systems improve comfort and safety.

Advanced technology
The new Toyota Corolla Altis is packed with some advanced features that provide a lot of convenience to both the driver and the passengers.

• Smart entry and start system
  To begin with, the Altis features a smart entry system, which detects when the car key is nearby. Upon detection, the door automatically unlocks, saving the driver the hassle of rummaging through their pocket or bag to find their keys. Likewise, it also features a smart start system, which allows the driver to start the car with just the push of a button, provided they are carrying the key with them.
• Smart wipers
  The Corolla Altis also features smart wipers, which turn on automatically when the car detects raindrops on the windshield.
• Smart mirror
  Like smart wipers, the Corolla Altis comes with a smart, electrochromic rearview mirror. At night, when the mirror detects high beams from vehicles approaching from behind, it dims itself to prevent any strong glares.
• Air filter
  To make every drive comfortable, the Corolla Altis has an air filter that filters out pollen and allergens in the air conditioner.
• Power-adjustable exterior mirrors
  The Corolla Altis makes navigating narrow lanes and streets easier with its power-adjustable exterior mirrors, which can simply be folded in and out.

Safety and driver-assist features
Even in terms of safety, the Toyota Corolla Altis is a great choice, given that it has some advanced safety and driver-assist features.

• Pre-collision system
  This system sends an alert when it senses a potential collision and even applies automatic brakes if required.
• Lane-departure warning with steering assistant
  Staying centred in a lane is important to ensure one’s own safety and that of others on the road. To assist with this, the Altis features a lane-departure warning system that creates an alert when it senses the driver leaving the lane. If necessary, it can also slightly operate the steering wheel to help the driver maintain their lane.
• Dynamic cruise control
  With this feature, the car can adjust its speed by itself to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid a collision.
• Blind-spot monitoring
  To make lane changing safer, the Corolla Altis features a blind-spot monitoring system, which sends an alert if a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot.

Along with these, the Toyota Corolla Altis includes other safety features, such as vehicle stability control, hill-start assist control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and brake assist.

Fuel efficiency
Besides convenience and safety features, good fuel economy is another aspect that makes driving enjoyable. As long as the car offers good mileage, one can focus on enjoying their journey rather than worrying about the emptying fuel tank, the next fuel station, or the high fuel prices. As the Toyota Corolla Altis offers a good fuel economy of about 15.6 km/l, it is a considerable choice in the sedan segment.

Pricing
The starting price for the Standard model of the new Toyota Corolla Altis is around S$161,388 and that of the Elegance model is around S$169,388. This price can increase as one adds more features to their car. It can also differ from region to region and whether or not the dealership has financing offers and discounts.