For under RM 150k, the Toyota Corolla Altis is superior to all in comfort

Regardless if you’re an enthusiast or the casual everyday driver, everyone appreciates comfort. And for under RM 150k, there’s no other car more comfortable than the Toyota Corolla Altis.

You might be asking, what about SUVs? Well, as we’ve explained this in an earlier article - like for like, a sedan is more comfortable than an SUV.

It’s simply physics, SUVs have higher centre of gravity, which means the driver as well as the passengers are seated further away from the pivot point of the car. That translates to amplified lateral motions in an SUV.

Also read: SUV vs Sedan - Which is more comfortable?

Imagine going over a large dip on one side of the road that causes diagonal body movements, the high seating position of an SUV causes the driver and/or passengers to experience more lateral forces in the cabin compared to a sedan.

Simply put, your body will be thrown around more in an SUV. It also translates to more body roll in corners.

With a sedan like the Toyota Corolla Altis, the suspension can be tuned to be supple without introducing as much body motions if it were an SUV. And in the Corolla Altis, describing it as pliant wouldn't do it justice. It's like riding on a mattress.

Other cars can get close in terms of suspension pliancy, but where the Corolla Altis pulls ahead of others in terms of comfort is the seats. The sculpture and padding for side bolsters, lumbar, and lower thighs are absolutely spot on.

Combine the plush seats with the cushiony suspension, the Corolla Altis is by far the most relaxing and comfortable car to drive this side of RM 150k, never mind its segment. Think mini-Camry and you’re not far off.

Underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), it possesses the “TNGA magic” in the sense that the comfort it has doesn’t come at the expense of handling. It’s taut and utterly composed through the corners.

The double wishbone suspension at the rear gives it the fluidity in absorbing mid-corner bumps, boosting driver confidence.

Performance from the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated Dual-VVTi engine is more than sufficient for your daily runabouts and returns greater fuel economy than its turbocharged competition. It's refined and there's zero doubt about its reliability.

The enhanced 7-speed sequential Shiftmatic CVT also pairs well with the engine and works smoothly.

But the Corolla Altis isn’t just about its ride and handling. Safety is also at the forefront with 7 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control as standard.

As for advanced safety, the suite of Toyota Safety Sense includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist & Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).

The DRCC is exceptionally smooth in operation but the highlight here is the LTA, which is Toyota’s label for lane centering. Unlike its closest competition, it works at all speeds with the DRCC. This allows drivers to take a step back in traffic jams and reduces their fatigue.

There are also tire pressure warning system, child lock and ISOFIX, front and rear parking sensors, front and rear digital video Recorder (DVR), 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), and Reverse Link Function that tilts the side mirror while reversing for better visibility.

Inside, the supremely comfortable seats are complemented by an airy cabin equipped with a 7-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID) display with Optitron Meter, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charger, and electrochromic mirror.

Since the introduction of the first Corolla Altis, Toyota has sold more than 150,000 units in Malaysia. It’s economical to run and has proven track record for its reliability, at a relatively affordable price point (from RM 130,888 to RM 141,888). It’s also one of the most trusted brands among Malaysians.

Also read: Consumer Reports: Toyota and Lexus top reliability charts, yet again

If you want to combine fuss-free motoring experience with first-class comfort for under RM 150k, we can’t think of a better car than the Toyota Corolla Altis.

Also read: Review: 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G - Slowest in class, but does it matter?