Pros and Cons - 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G – When you choose comfort over power

Youthful is not a word one would use to describe the Toyota Corolla Altis. Despite being in the same segment as the Honda Civic, the Corolla Altis is not the go-to car for those with a taste for big wings, fancy aftermarket LED lights, and red emblems.

We’ve tried the Toyota Corolla Altis, and it has strengths that we can vouch for. It also lacks in certain departments, but that’s a given. If you’re still on the fence for a Toyota Corolla Altis, here are a few of its pros and cons that could hopefully help you out.

Con – The Corolla Altis is not fast

Let’s start with a con. The Toyota Corolla Altis is in no way lethargic, but if we compare it to the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 Sedan, its performance is uninspiring.

While both of its rivals do 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds, the Toyota Corolla Altis takes 11.4 seconds.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, basic performance figures like maximum power and maximum torque are the lowest in its class. (139 PS @ 6,400 rpm; 172 Nm @ 4,000 rpm).

If you’re looking for straight line speed, swipe left on the Corolla Altis.

Pro – Excellent ride comfort

Countering the lack of speed and power is the comfortable ride of the Toyota Corolla Altis. Believe us when we say it is the most comfortable in its class.

The Corolla Altis absorbs undulations well, providing a very relaxing driving experience. The soft suspension setup is complemented by the plush seats for all passengers.

Con – Cabin noise level could use some improvement

A minor turn off in the cabin would be the noise levels. It doesn’t look too bad next to the Honda Civic, but the Mazda 3 sets the bar high.

At 110 km/h, the Toyota Corolla Altis records 69 dB while the Mazda 3 sedan records 67 dB. Engine refinement of the Toyota Corolla Altis is good (refer our WapCar ratings), but the main culprit is tyre noise.

Tyre noise was quite prevalent in the Altis that we tested, even with a set of Michelin Primacy 4. Perhaps sound insulation near the wheel well could be improved.

Pro – decent handling

The Toyota Corolla Altis boasts double wishbone suspensions at the rear and MacPherson struts at the front.

Having driven it, the chassis suggests that the Corolla Altis could handle twice the power. What you do not get in the Toyota Corolla Altis is quick steering (Honda Civic) and excellent feedback (Mazda 3).

The car is well-composed in corners and there is a good sense of fluidity in its handling.

Con – Cubby space could be larger

Fancy items that one might like in the cabin of the Toyota Corolla Altis are the wireless phone charger, and the large infotainment screen. Live with it a bit longer, and the cubby space will start to feel insufficient.

The center console doesn’t offer much storage and the door bins are medium-sized at best. Not very handy to declutter the cabin.

For comparison, the armrest storage in the Honda Civic is larger and has two compartments. The glovebox in the Mazda 3 sedan has partitions for better organisation.

Pro – Full suite of ADAS with smooth dynamic cruise control

To further enhance the relaxing driving experience, the Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 G comes with a full suite of ADAS.

The dynamic cruise control is smooth, assuring, and works well in stop-and-go traffic. The Mazda 3 sedan's ACC (Active Cruise Control) does not work well in stop-and-go traffic. Lane departure assist works well consistently in various conditions.

Conclusion

Not the fastest in its class, but certainly the most comfortable. Bonus points of the Toyota Corolla Altis are the full suite of ADAS, and surprisingly good handling.

It is the perfect car for you if you prioritise comfort over power. There is still room for improvement in terms of cubby space and cabin noise, but nonetheless, a decent car.