All new Altis 2014

[Camrysfa]

 

as of now, my choice is K3...

 

 

In 2013, it wasn't a good year to shop for Cat A Jap or Kor Brand - bec the models were at tail end of their life cycle.

In 2014, with new Altis, K3 & Maz3, the mkt is more exciting .... yet to see who will lead the pack.

Think Civic & Sylphy which came in during 2013 already proven will not sell alot.

[Powxus]

 

In 2013, it wasn't a good year to shop for Cat A Jap or Kor Brand - bec the models were at tail end of their life cycle.

In 2014, with new Altis, K3 & Maz3, the mkt is more exciting .... yet to see who will lead the pack.

Think Civic & Sylphy which came in during 2013 already proven will not sell alot.

 

Civic is too lowly spec as compared to new Altis, Mazda 3 or Sylphy. It is also not cheap as compared to the rest so it is unlikely to be able to sell in large volume.

[Kangadrool]

The closest competitor to Altis is Slyphy.

 

1.6 vs 1.6

MIT vs MIT

CVT vs CVT

rear torsion vs rear torsion

[Camrysfa]

Ha, this article predicts the 11G Altis will appeal to the younger crowd.....

 

 

 

By Samuel Ee | The Business Times | Monday, Jan 20, 2014


It may sound unbelievable but the Toyota Corolla Altis has reinvented itself. The epitome of middle class conservatism has embraced a sportier look and ventured upmarket for its 11th generation model.

Whether this is successful depends on the beholder but what is certain is that this new Corolla Altis is a very different compact sedan from its predecessors.

At 4.62 metres in overall length, it is based on a longer and improved version of the previous platform. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 100mm to 2,700 mm to benefit both high-speed stability and interior space.

The latter is especially impressive. With rear legroom increased by 75 mm, it is superior to the previous Altis. And even though the new car's height is lowered by 20 mm, rear headroom is good.

The usual centre armrest with a twin cupholder is still there but it now looks more premium.

Apart from space, the cabin optimisation has included changing the familiar dashboard design, interior trim and colour, and the materials used for this popular family car. The new dashboard is the most significant of these changes. It is in a cool black with a soft-touch dashtop.

The fascia has faux carbon fibre and although hard plastics are used, the surfaces themselves do not look plasticky. True, some of the controls and handles will never feel European but overall, it is a very good improvement.

An ivory interior is an option for those who prefer a lighter, two-tone ambience.

More importantly, the more modern look should appeal to a younger crowd.

Cabin refinement has also increased with the old four-speed automatic transmission replaced by what Toyota calls a Super Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence.

The seven-step Super CVT-i smoothens the driving experience with its slick shifts. For sportier driving, it can also be manually shifted using the gear lever.

With its well-weighted electric power steering, handling is pleasantly neutral. At the same time, the optimised suspension system offers a rather comfortable ride.

It helps that the new body is more rigid and there is better insulation, including an acoustic windscreen. One big difference is the NVH or noise, vibration and harshness levels.

Where once the Altis' engine roar would fill the entire cabin under hard acceleration, now there is a low grunt.

In fact, you can barely hear the murmur of the four-cylinder power plant when it is idling.

But with bigger 16-inch wheels (from 15 inches before), there is a fair amount of tyre noise.

The amount of standard equipment has increased and it includes the smart entry and engine start system, auto climate control, auto LED headlamps, daytime driving lights, a rain sensor, reverse camera and 60:40 split-folding rear seat backs.

Add the new-found refinement and the Corolla Altis starts to become more attractive than it has ever been.

[Picanto]

As usual, such reviews always talk about the good stuff etc... Never really talk about the bad pts

[13177]

As usual, such reviews always talk about the good stuff etc... Never really talk about the bad pts

Any bad points on this new altis?

[13177]

 

as of now, my choice is K3...

 

In terms of spec and overall design, K3 not a bad choice. The only concern i have is the FC of K3. If compared K3, sylphy and new altis, thinking which one FC best?

[Lala81]

Any bad points on this new altis?

 

Still rear torsion leh...

 

Anyway anyone has a rough gauge of all these cars comparative pricing?

[X18]

Kia K3 ($119,999)

- 6AT

- 6 airbags

- keyless engine start

- auto headlights

- front fog lights

- rain sensing wipers

- cruise control

- reverse Camera

- rear aircon

- electrochromic rear view mirror

- driver's electric and memory seat

- OMV $18,013

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Toyota Altis ($128,988 after $4k discount)

- 7 speed CVT

- 2 airbags

- keyless engine start

- auto headlights

- LED headlights

- front fog lights

- rain sensing wipers

- navigation System

- reverse camera

- electrochromic rear view mirror

- OMV $18,777

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Nissan Sylphy ($116,800)

- CVT

- 2 airbags

- keyless engine start

- OMV $14,877

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

K3 got the most features but surprisingly Altis is not far behind. Kia has more airbags, cruise control, driver's electric and memory seat, rear aircon whereby Altis got built in GPS and LED headlights. Sylphy got the least features and very old school conventional interior design.

 

IMO Toyota had greatly improve both the exterior and interior design of the latest Altis, and it is more features rich compared to the last gen. I will take the Altis from the above anytime.

[13177]

K3 got the most features but surprisingly Altis is not far behind. Kia has more airbags, cruise control, driver's electric and memory seat, rear aircon whereby Altis got built in GPS and LED headlights. Sylphy got the least features and very old school conventional interior design.

 

IMO Toyota had greatly improve both the exterior and interior design of the latest Altis, and it is more features rich compared to the last gen. I will take the Altis from the above anytime.

No wonder sylphy is even cheaper than K3.

 

Looks like among the three, altis still wins! But among the three i dont like the overall design of altis. In terms of design, i like K3 then follows by sylphy. I find the front dashboard area of the altis very old design.

[Baal]

Always found it strange that CVT is used with the term 7step/slick shift. Thought CVT is supposed to be constantly adjustmenting virtual ratio hence, should be seamless acceleration with no noticeable "steps"?

[Yaloryalor]

As usual, such reviews always talk about the good stuff etc... Never really talk about the bad pts

 

Not true, I remembered when the Lancer EX came out, the review in the ST was very bad. The guy (If I not wrong is Christopher) mentioned the engine noise is like chainsaw.

Kia K3 ($119,999)

- 6AT

- 6 airbags

- keyless engine start

- auto headlights

- front fog lights

- rain sensing wipers

- cruise control

- reverse Camera

- rear aircon

- electrochromic rear view mirror

- driver's electric and memory seat

- OMV $18,013

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Toyota Altis ($128,988 after $4k discount)

- 7 speed CVT

- 2 airbags

- keyless engine start

- auto headlights

- LED headlights

- front fog lights

- rain sensing wipers

- navigation System

- reverse camera

- electrochromic rear view mirror

- OMV $18,777

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Nissan Sylphy ($116,800)

- CVT

- 2 airbags

- keyless engine start

- OMV $14,877

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

K3 got the most features but surprisingly Altis is not far behind. Kia has more airbags, cruise control, driver's electric and memory seat, rear aircon whereby Altis got built in GPS and LED headlights. Sylphy got the least features and very old school conventional interior design.

 

IMO Toyota had greatly improve both the exterior and interior design of the latest Altis, and it is more features rich compared to the last gen. I will take the Altis from the above anytime.

Altis has really improved their look from ah peh to young sporty look. For the look itself can compete with Civic liao.

 

With the Toyota branding, Altis sure can sell very well. Maybe those wanted to change to Camry will consider Altis due to the high COE and overall price?

[Powxus]

Kia K3 ($119,999)

- OMV $18,013

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Toyota Altis ($128,988 after $4k discount)

- OMV $18,777

- CEVS rebate $5k

 

Seems like Borneo is making alot more profit than C&C.

[Toothiewabbit]

 

Not true, I remembered when the Lancer EX came out, the review in the ST was very bad. The guy (If I not wrong is Christopher) mentioned the engine noise is like chainsaw.

 

Altis has really improved their look from ah peh to young sporty look. For the look itself can compete with Civic liao.

 

With the Toyota branding, Altis sure can sell very well. Maybe those wanted to change to Camry will consider Altis due to the high COE and overall price?

I think this latest sportier design will go well with mod.

[Matrix0405]

 

Not true, I remembered when the Lancer EX came out, the review in the ST was very bad. The guy (If I not wrong is Christopher) mentioned the engine noise is like chainsaw.

Altis has really improved their look from ah peh to young sporty look. For the look itself can compete with Civic liao.

 

With the Toyota branding, Altis sure can sell very well. Maybe those wanted to change to Camry will consider Altis due to the high COE and overall price?

 

The new look beats CIvic and caught up wit Kia and Hyundai. Kia and Nissan face a formidable challenger.

[Yaloryalor]

 

The new look beats CIvic and caught up wit Kia and Hyundai. Kia and Nissan face a formidable challenger.

 

Some ppl still got the mentality "dun like Korean brand"

[Toothiewabbit]

Always found it strange that CVT is used with the term 7step/slick shift. Thought CVT is supposed to be constantly adjustmenting virtual ratio hence, should be seamless acceleration with no noticeable "steps"?

 

Yup, for some reasons, it comes with a continuously variable transmission and to allow the driver to feel the change in gear ratios.

[Baal]

 

Yup, for some reasons, it comes with a continuously variable transmission and to allow the driver to feel the change in gear ratios.

But that's only when driver use manual override & use pre set ratios?

Or even in D mode on its own it will "change gears"?