I dont think either of these models are going to outsell the other by huge margins. But the Altis will have to do a lot of work to bring back lost volumes to Toyota.
Agreed with the Quality/Reliability factor and all that, but if that was Toyota's saving grace how come the Civic is easily outselling the present Corolla. Agreed that its a generation behind but its also sold (after discounts) more than 3 lacs less. The Civic has the blessing of the Honda brand name which in India weighs in more than a Toyota anyday, primarily due to the Taxi image of the Qualis/Innova. Also the Civic looks far better even compared to the new Altis (subjective matter).
Toyota also has the inherent talent of shooting at its own foot.
Firstly, they will horribly overprice it. They always do, just look at the Camry. They still havent rethought their strategy despite the Accord pulling in decent volumes.
They will never bring in the diesel variant. Competing with a Honda petrol unit wont be easy, bring in a diesel and there is no competition outright.
Honda still does not have a Service back up for diesel engines and they will not be in an easy position to reply to a Diesel Altis.
Toyota has a Diesel infrstructure in place ever since they have started in India. Considering that at least 80% of the Altis will be imported for assembly, especially the engine, why not plonk in a Diesel one.
All this will only fall to deaf ear.
Expect Toyota to sell the Petrol Altis at 12-14 lacs and still let the Civic lead the segment.
