Toyota
Corolla Altis
The ninth-generation Corolla, dubbed
the Corolla Altis, is manufactured in Thailand and
Philippines and the sold across Southeast Asia and
South Asia (including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan,
India and Thailand). It debuted in late 2001 as
model year 2002 as a bigger and more luxurious variant
of the Japanese Corolla, featuring unique interior
and exterior panels that separates it from the basic
Corolla. The Corolla Altis is targeted at consumers
who prefer more comfort than the current Corolla
but do not wish to buy the more luxurious Camry.
Two versions of engine are available, the 81 kW
(110 bhp) 1.6 3ZZ-FE engine and the 100 kW
(136 bhp) 1ZZ-FE|1.8 1ZZ-FE engine, both with
VVT-i technology.
In 2004, the Corolla Altis received its first facelift.
Changes include a new grille design, a sleeker front
bumper, redesigned fog lamps, new LED tail lights,
different alloy wheels and minor interior updates
(auto climate control became a standard feature
in lower end variants). Two years later, to keep
up with much newer competitors, the Corolla Altis
received its second facelift. Exterior changes include
another redesigned grille, redesigned chrome rear
license plate ornament, a new third LED brake light,
and a new steering wheel audio switch. A new aerokit
and new wing mirrors with signal indicators (similar
to the 2007 Camry) is available as an optional package
in Malaysia.
A low end variant of the Corolla Altis is also branded
as the Toyota Limo, featuring lower spec and intended
for taxi business in Thailand. It is not to be confused
with the low end taxi version of the Toyota Vios
which is also called Toyota Limo in Indonesia.
In Singapore, Toyota's exclusive authorised dealer
Borneo Motors originally sold the Japanese version
of the Corolla, but later replaced it with the Corolla
Altis.
In terms of product lifespan ( production lasted
for seven years ) and number of units sold, the
Corolla Altis easily outlived its Corolla predecessors,
making it currently the most popular Corolla variant/generation
in Southeast Asia.
(Source: Wikipedia.org)
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