It seems Indonesia and the Philippines are getting a sportier facelift for the Toyota Corolla Altis. After quietly debuting over in those countries in 2008, Toyota has now refreshed the exterior of the Altis with a new matt black lined grill/bumper arrangement, black-out lights and sportier looking alloy wheels. I suppose Toyota wants to get rid of that 'uncle' image its cars portray and maybe get the hip, youngish clientele that went for their Vios to come back for another Toyota when they get older.

The fun thing about this Corolla Altis is that it now sports a power upgrade too. It now gets 120bhp and 154Nm from the 1.6liter 4cylinder engine instead of 107bhp and previously. The 2.0liter 4 cylinder also gets a boost in power; 145bhp over 135bhp. Too bad Toyota does not sell and market the 2.0liter over in Singapore and Malaysia (only a 1.8liter version above the 1.6liter version). It would be a fun car to drive, regardless of its frumpy 'unclemobile' image.

Toyota credits a new induction system that allows more air into the combustion chamber which improves fuel consumption and power in the engines. The 2.0liter in the Philippines comes equipped with a CVT type transmission that comes with flappy pedals behind the steering. The 1.6liter over there comes with, get this, a 6 speed manual gearbox. Toyota is really making the Altis into a sportier creature.

Sales in the Philippines begin in September of this year. And check out the fully tricked out version that was on display at the recent 2010 Indonesia International Motor Show below. Can we have these very sporty (compared to what we have) versions over here please?

Source: motioncars/author's own