Which 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis variant is right for you?

The 12th generation Toyota Corolla Altis compact sedan gets a refreshed interior and exterior looks. It boasts of modern aesthetics that complements functionality and practicality. The upgraded safety features and good engine performance drastically improved comfort and ride quality. All these features combined make new Toyota Corolla Altis an appealing vehicle to the young urban professionals who value practically, comfort, and style.

2019 Corolla Altis dimensions -

Variant	1.6 E M/T	1.6 G M/T	1.6 G CVT	1.6 V CVT	1.8 V Hybrid CVT
L x W x H (mm)	4630 x 1780 x 1435	4630 x 1780 x 1435	4630 x 1780 x 1435	4630 x 1780 x 1435	4630 x 1780 x 1455
Wheelbase (mm)	2,700	2,700	2,700	2,700	2,700
Turning circle (m)	10.6	10.6	10.6	10.6	10.6
Ground clearance (mm)	140	140	140	140	140

• Dimensions - The 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis models come in a 4-door, mid-size sedan body that can seat five people. In terms of dimensions, all five variants have the same length and width. Standard height is at 1,435mm except for the 1.8 V Hybrid CVT model. With a height of 1,455mm, the 1.8 V Hybrid is higher by 20mm compared to the other models.
• New Corolla Altis colors - All variants come in Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Freedom White. The Celestite Gray Metallic and Dark Brown Mica Metallic options are available in all four Altis variants except the 1.6 E M/T model. Only the Corolla Altis V variants come in additional White Pearl color for an add-on price of Php 15,000.

2019 Corolla Altis engine & performance -

Variant	1.6 E M/T	1.6 G M/T	1.6 G CVT	1.6 V CVT	1.8 V Hybrid CVT
Engine	1,598cc In-Line 4	1,598cc In-Line 4	1,598cc In-Line 4	1,598cc In-Line 4	1,798cc In-Line 4
Horsepower	121 hp @6,000 rpm	121 hp @6,000 rpm	121 hp @6,000 rpm	121 hp @6,000 rpm	97 hp @5,200 rpm
Torque	153 Nm @5,200 rpm	153 Nm @5,200 rpm	153 Nm @5,200 rpm	153 Nm @5,200 rpm	142 Nm @3,600 rpm
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual	Continuously Variable	Continuously Variable	Continuously Variable
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel tank	50L	50L	50L	50L	50L
Front/ Rear brakes	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc
Front/ Rear suspension	Independent MacPherson strut/ independent multi-link	Independent MacPherson strut/ independent multi-link	Independent MacPherson strut/ independent multi-link	Independent MacPherson strut/ independent multi-link	Independent MacPherson strut/ independent multi-link
Wheels	16-inch alloy	16-inch alloy	16-inch alloy	17-inch alloy	17-inch alloy
Tires	205/55R16	205/55R16	205/55R16	225/45R17	225/45R17

All 2019 Corolla Altis comes with the same front-wheel drivetrain, disc brakes, and suspensions. The 1.6 E M/T, 1.6 G M/T, and 1.6 G CVT are paired with a 16” alloy wheels and 205/55R16 tires. While the V-models come in 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/45R17 which adds more safety.

Under the hood, all Corolla Altis models share the same 121, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine. Only the top-of-the-line 1.8 V Hybrid CVT has a bigger engine size which results in it having a higher displacement, power, and torque. However, it does have a smaller fuel tank capacity (-7L) as compared to the rest of the 2019 Altis models and uses Hybrid fuel as opposed to the usual gasoline.

Safety & Security

All 2019 Corolla Altis specs sheet tells that all its variants come with the following standard features:

• 7 Airbags
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• ABS
• Security Alarm
• Stability Control
• Electronic Door Locks
• Speed Sensing Door Locks
• ISOFIX

Added safety features that can be found in both the 1.6 V CVT and 1.8 V Hybrid CVT are the Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Rear and Front Parking sensors, and Hill Start Assist. The Lane Departure Warning and Blind-spot Detection are security systems that can only be found in the top 1.8 V Hybrid CVT model.

Other features -

• Other noteworthy features that come with all the 2019 Toyota
• Altis models are:
• Power Steering
• Power Window
• Power Outlet

All models except the 1.6 E M/T comes with steering wheel audio control and automatic climate control A/C System.

In terms of the infotainment system, do not get your hopes up. All variants come with the usual display audio with CD/DVD/MP/AUX/USB/Bluetooth and AUX, USB, and Bluetooth for connectivity. None of the models have a navigation-ready system. Not much bells and whistles there, even for the higher-end models which only differs in terms of the Push Start Button and the Keyless entry feature. However, Toyota tries to make up for it by using leather upholstery in the V models for an added feel of luxury and Electric Adjustable Seats for the 1.8 V Hybrid CVT.

2019 Corolla Altis price list -

Variant	1.6 E M/T	1.6 G M/T	1.6 G CVT	1.6 V CVT	1.8 V Hybrid CVT
Price (Php)	999,000	1,045,000	1,115,000	1,185,000	1,580,000

The price range of 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis variants are comparable and dare we say, more affordable than other cars in the same segment as the Kia Forte that starts at Php1.05M and MG6 which starts at Php1.06M. However, Hyundai Elantra’s basic model is cheaper by Php30,000 at Php970,000 compared to the Altis 1.6 E M/T variant. While Nissan Sylphy’s basic model is the cheapest on this segment with a starting price of Php908,000.

Which Toyota Corolla Altis variant gives the best value for money?

If you are on a tight budget, getting the Corolla Altis 1.6 G CVT is a good compromise. You’ll get some of the essential features of the higher models and the continuously variable transmission that is not available in both the 1.6 E M/T and 1.6 G M/T models.

But if you have an extra Php 70,000 to spare, better go with the Corolla Altis 1.6 V CVT to get the best value for your money. Although the 1.8 V Hybrid CVT has more power and torque due to its larger engine, the price difference (additional Php395,000) is not worth the upgrade and other features that you would be getting.

Also Read: 2019 Toyota Corolla Altis vs Hyundai Elantra - The better sedan