Variants Discussion: Which Toyota Corolla Altis model is the best?

The Toyota Corolla Altis has different creatures under its hood. One of which is an earth-loving hybrid.

(All Image from Toyota PH)

There are three variants which share the 1.6 1ZR-FE engine. The GR-S variant and lower share the 1.6L Dual VVT-I, 4 Cylinder in-line DOHC, 16 Valve engine. It produces an ample 121 horsepower and 153 Newton meters of torque. Its tank capacity is at 50 liters. This is mated in a CVT, except for the E variant which can be bought with a Manual Transmission.

The second creature under the hood is the 2ZR-FXE engine. It is found in the 1.8 V Hybrid CVT which has a VVT-I, 4-cylinder in-line DOHC 16 valve engine and an electric motor. The conventional gasoline engine makes just 97 horsepower and 142 Newton meters of torque, close to an older generation Vios engine, but with the electric motor which produces about 72 horsepower. 

Meanwhile, not everything is under the hood. The electric motor is found somewhere else towards the rear chassis of the car. It works on lower speeds so it’s saving on gasoline on idle or stop and go traffic. When you accelerate, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor pushes you for optimum performance. The electric motor also recharges when you brake, where the motor generator recovers the kinetic energy from the braking process and uses it to charge the hybrid battery.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the figures from the 1.6L engine seems predictable enough as it compares with engines of similar size, but the hybrid one is a whole new specie. It produces 11-12 liters in the city, BUT in heavy traffic. A respectable 16 liters in regular driving in the city, while a 27-28 liters in the highway. With gas prices shooting up, a hybrid engine like the Corolla Altis can be a great choice. It can give you more than just your money savings on fuel costs, but also a clearer conscience about the Earth’s environment. Try to do the math, as the Hybrid Corolla Altis is 300,000 pesos more than the GR-S CVT which is retailed at PhP 1.3 million. Compute how many years will you break-even. Consider the maintenance cost of a hybrid battery, as well.

But if you are willing to blow more cash for a truck which the back space you will never use, or a 7-seater SUV where you have only 4-5 members in the family and your daily drive consists of crawling in the metro streets or running through the expressways, then consider buying this wondrous Corolla Altis. If you think you need a sportier version, come, and check the Corolla Cross which also has a Hybrid.