Cabin and features
As one would expect the cabin, dashboard and the features list of the new Corolla have been given a complete overhaul. The two-tone, black beige dashboard is brand new with a black top and beige lower portion separated by a satin silver bar. Central A/C vents are sleek horizontal units while the side vents are triangular with round outer edges. The three spoke steering wheel is new with a silver insert forming the bottom spoke. There is intelligent use of satin silver and chrome across the cabin the lift the aesthetic appeal of the cabin.
The touch screen panel on the center console is surrounded by a special pattern which at first appears to be faux carbon fiber, but look closely and you’ll realize that it’s a plastic with white print over it and given a lacquered finish.
Center console, as mentioned above comprises of a digital clock at the top, with a touchscreen panel below featuring controls for audio system, telephony and navigation. The touch-screen, however, isn’t bright enough, nor is it pixel dense. Response to touch isn’t too good either. While the audio system supports USB, Aux-in and has Bluetooth feature too, it doesn’t look upmarket enough for a car in this segment. The buttons for the touchscreen panel too are low on quality and finish. It’s a shame, because the rest of the cabin is high on quality and finish.
Below the touchscreen panel, you have a display and A/C controls. The new Corolla Altis features an automatic air conditioning unit. No two zone climate control here. There’s also a 12V power socket below the A/C control buttons.
The instrument console features analogue speedo and tacho units with tell tale lights and a central MID offering all the relevant information. Engine temperature and fuel gauge readings are integrated in the tacho and speedo units respectively. The display shows the drive mode engaged, odo and trip readings along with average fuel efficiency and distance to dry.
Driver’s seat is big, wide, and 8 way power adjustable. Steering is tilt and telescopically adjustable and features mounted controls for audio, telephony and voice commands. Cruise control can be engaged using a stalk behind the steering wheel below the lights stalk on the right. There are also separated buttons on the steering for cycling audio sources / mute and information display on the MID.
Cabin space is liberal, and the Corolla comes across as an extremely comfortable car with bright, airy and comfortable interior. Seats are big and wide offering great support both at the front and at the back. Back seats on the Corolla have always been considered the best in the business and the ons on the new model are no exception. The back seats on the Corolla are adjustable for recline angle too.
There are bottle holders on both front and rear door panels, and more cupholders between the front seats and in the rear armrest. Boot space, though generous at 470 liters isn’t class leading. The glove box is quite big and the central front arm rest offers a big enough space for storing small to medium sized items.
Feature list as regards safety and security includes twin airbags, ABS, anti glare mirrors, reverse camera and engine immobilizer. We would have liked the car to have traction control too, but the feature isn’t available. Other features include push button start, steering mounted audio and telephony controls, Cruise Control, paddle shifters, tilt + telescopic steering wheel, 8 way adjustable power seat for the driver, auto headlamps and leather upholstery.
While the new Corolla Altis offers a very comfortable, spacious and well thought out cabin, it isn’t quite there with rest as regards equipment on offer. Rear A/C vents and sunroof, in our humble opinion should have been the part of the package too.
Variant wise chart of the new 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis’ features and specs is provided below (click on the images to expand)
Next page for images of features and details with captions>>>
Thanks Deo. This is the Indian version.
Cheers!
Nice review, did you test the Indian version or the one from another shores?