My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review

Severus · 13th March 2016, 22:36

Two little updates

Fuel efficiency has been on the rise for the last few months.. Now somewhat steady on this:

My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review-imag1778.jpg

I noticed a few months ago that the leather on the steering wheel had begun to chip off. If the car was 15 years old, this would just be another thing. But on a 1.5 year old Corolla? Unexpected, to say the least..
Anyway, got a leather (or faux leather, not sure) cover stitched on the wheel. It's not one of those hard, standard size steering covers you oft see being sold at traffic signals. This one's rather high quality and foam lined on the inside. It has to be wrapped on to the wheel and then stitched. Interesting to see the work-in-progress! I'm sorry I forgot to click pictures of the leather chipping off. Take a look at the post-makeover wheel though. I think it looks rather nice..

My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review-imag1784.jpg

Yeah, I'm wearing red pants. Don't judge, those are my tracks!

dezrskb · 25th July 2016, 22:53

Damn good review Severus !!!
After driving Skoda Laura Diesel MT for about 4and odd years, I am looking for replacement and I was looking at this car and a good review. Yours is very detailed and informative.
Just few doubts
1. I have heard that Toyota's AC is quite efficient. Definitely my Laura's AC was weak. Summer where I live is very hot and humid. So a Good AC is must for me. I know there are no rear AC vents but - how good is AC in cooling entire space quickly? and also how much does AC affect the engine power and mileage ? My AC is nearly always on.

nik_kapur · 26th July 2016, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezrskb

Damn good review Severus !!!
After driving Skoda Laura Diesel MT for about 4and odd years, I am looking for replacement and I was looking at this car and a good review. Yours is very detailed and informative.
Just few doubts
1. I have heard that Toyota's AC is quite efficient. Definitely my Laura's AC was weak. Summer where I live is very hot and humid. So a Good AC is must for me. I know there are no rear AC vents but - how good is AC in cooling entire space quickly? and also how much does AC affect the engine power and mileage ? My AC is nearly always on.

The AC on the Altis is insanely good. I can bet my life that its the most efficient unit you will find. My dad was so happy with the AC in my car that he went and bought himself an Altis.

drmohitg · 26th July 2016, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezrskb

1. I have heard that Toyota's AC is quite efficient. Definitely my Laura's AC was weak. Summer where I live is very hot and humid. So a Good AC is must for me. I know there are no rear AC vents but - how good is AC in cooling entire space quickly? and also how much does AC affect the engine power and mileage ? My AC is nearly always on.

It is an absolute chiller. The temperature in my car is usually set at 24-25 degrees and still the cabin feels cold. Everyone who sits in the car vouches for the effectiveness of the AC including the rear seat passengers and more often than not I have to decrease the airflow or increase the temperature to keep things under control.

Modern cars have negligible effect on the engine power with use of AC.

Severus · 31st July 2016, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezrskb

Damn good review Severus !!!
After driving Skoda Laura Diesel MT for about 4and odd years, I am looking for replacement and I was looking at this car and a good review. Yours is very detailed and informative.
Just few doubts
1. I have heard that Toyota's AC is quite efficient. Definitely my Laura's AC was weak. Summer where I live is very hot and humid. So a Good AC is must for me. I know there are no rear AC vents but - how good is AC in cooling entire space quickly? and also how much does AC affect the engine power and mileage ? My AC is nearly always on.

I'll reiterate - A/C is a chiller!

Regarding the effect on engine, to be honest I haven't noticed any drop in power. As drmohitg puts it, effect of A/C on engine in modern cars is negligible. Especially in the higher segments.

As you are replacing Laura diesel, am I correct in assuming that you are looking at Corolla diesel? I haven't driven the diesel version but its performance is supposed to be very dull.

krishtk · 2nd August 2016, 23:19

Hi Is there a news if a Corolla 50th anniversary edition. Am looking to buy an Altis (after a Honda civic for 9 years). Max discount that I have negotiated is Rs 50K. Also I prefer manual to AT, any specific observations on which is better MT or AT.

dezrskb · 5th August 2016, 22:13

Hi Krishtk
I test drove an Altis couple of days back 1.4L Diesel MT. When you say you prefer manual to AT, I think you can avoid 1.4L Diesel MT as car feels sluggish to accelerate. Also Toyota itself seems to be discouraging prospective buyers of diesel MT Altis as they have deprived car from few other bells and whistles like navigation too and no choice of AT even if you want it. Even the sales person himself wasn't interested in selling it. Petrol version is 1.8L with top end getting CVT-i gearbox with paddles !!. Also I think navigation is built in. And there are rumours that there is a facelift coming up next year as I think facelifted version is already launched abroad. just do some research before committing on this

krishtk · 5th August 2016, 23:03

Hi dezrskb

Thank you for the inputs the diesel is not an option. Looking at Corolla to replace my 9 year old Civic. Prefer Japanese cars for reliability. This segment is comfortable and hassle free to drive and on ownership. My learning is waiting has led to price increase.

In the past year Corolla has gone up by Rs 90 K. Knowing Indian fascination for the Jap cars, discounts will not be there. They are even today selling rubber car mats and mud flaps at Rs 3-4K for Rs 18 Lakh car. Just trying to drive bargain since its 2 year old model. Checked some of the premium German brands for upgrade....but the running costs and wear and tear...are not in radar for now. Any inputs are welcome..especially on driving a better bargain from the dealership

M00M · 6th August 2016, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by krishtk

. Any inputs are welcome

First of all don't type like .. It will get you a post from the mods. Secondly Corolla is getting updated next year if you can wait I think 6 airbags are coming in, then gst should reduce car prices. Currently I know a 60-80 k discount is there on the Corolla depending on your bargaining capability.

You can go to Shinrai Toyota at Worli.

drmohitg · 6th August 2016, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by krishtk

Thank you for the inputs the diesel is not an option. Looking at Corolla to replace my 9 year old Civic. Prefer Japanese cars for reliability. Any inputs are welcome..especially on driving a better bargain from the dealership

Did you check the Hyundai Elantra? I think that is an excellent alternative. Also has good discounts too since a new one is coming soon.

lurker · 6th August 2016, 18:03

the new corolla when viewed upfront has somewhat the looks of an slightly bigger etios. And does not get the respect it deserves from the rickshawallah and sundry dregs of the roads. Viewing it side on or rear three quarters is the best viewing angle and gives justice to this car. It's a total all-in-all paisa vasool car though. The rear seats are wide, and give good support and the engine is quite powerful for day-to-day driving in it's petrol avatar.

krishtk · 7th August 2016, 01:25

Corolla altis preferred over the Elantra, though today all cars are very well made, I visited the Hyundai showroom and not much info coming out, the dealer was not helpful. Had similar experience with Skoda when I bought the Civic. If the sales effort is an apology l have doubts over service. The Japanese build better cars so there is less reliance on service centres.

drmohitg · 7th August 2016, 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by krishtk

Corolla altis preferred over the Elantra, though today all cars are very well made, I visited the Hyundai showroom and not much info coming out, the dealer was not helpful. Had similar experience with Skoda when I bought the Civic. If the sales effort is an apology l have doubts over service. The Japanese build better cars so there is less reliance on service centres.

Take a look at these links:

http://www.team-bhp.com/news/2016-hy...ngs-open-india

http://auto.ndtv.com/news/2017-hyund...from=home-auto

It seems they have started taking bookings for the new model. Talks of good discounts on the outgoing model have already been doing the rounds on the forum elsewhere. Hyundai is no Skoda and if you have ruled Elantra out only on basis of dealer experience, then I think you are making a mistake.

shibujp · 7th August 2016, 21:01

Just stumbled upon this thread when I was trying to assess what are the petrol sedan options between 10 and 20 lakhs. I loved the City performance but the interiors were a let down. The 1.4 TSI Jetta does not have enough power. The Octavia was too large for my taste.

The new Corolla is one of the most underrated cars in that segment. The 1.8 litre engine which may not be a comparison to the brilliant 1.8 TSI but definitely is very capable. It has much more space than the City but is not all that much more bigger. I just love the current design and the interiors look very nice too. All in all a very good package for someone looking at a petrol in this bracket. The resale price and the Toyota service are just heavenly icing on what is a very delicious cake.

Drive on,
Shibu.

imjimmy · 31st October 2016, 19:44

Hi Guys-

We were planning to get the Corolla Altis this month. We have decided not to wait for the facelifted version to be launched in 2017 - since there don't seem to be significant upgrades (and the newer version would likely cost higher).

We were debating between the petrol: 1.8GL (top model manual) and 1.8 VL (top model automatic). Could anyone please comment on the performance of the manual vs Automatic.

Does the petrol CVTi in the auto feel sluggish compared to the manual? Also is the real world fuel economy of the CVT auto version less than the manual?

Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

13th March 2016, 22:36	#151
Severus BHPian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: New Delhi Posts: 41 Thanked: 334 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Two little updates Fuel efficiency has been on the rise for the last few months.. Now somewhat steady on this: I noticed a few months ago that the leather on the steering wheel had begun to chip off. If the car was 15 years old, this would just be another thing. But on a 1.5 year old Corolla? Unexpected, to say the least.. Anyway, got a leather (or faux leather, not sure) cover stitched on the wheel. It's not one of those hard, standard size steering covers you oft see being sold at traffic signals. This one's rather high quality and foam lined on the inside. It has to be wrapped on to the wheel and then stitched. Interesting to see the work-in-progress! I'm sorry I forgot to click pictures of the leather chipping off. Take a look at the post-makeover wheel though. I think it looks rather nice.. Yeah, I'm wearing red pants. Don't judge, those are my tracks!
	(4) Thanks

25th July 2016, 22:53	#152
dezrskb BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Udupi Posts: 232 Thanked: 140 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Damn good review Severus !!! After driving Skoda Laura Diesel MT for about 4and odd years, I am looking for replacement and I was looking at this car and a good review. Yours is very detailed and informative. Just few doubts 1. I have heard that Toyota's AC is quite efficient. Definitely my Laura's AC was weak. Summer where I live is very hot and humid. So a Good AC is must for me. I know there are no rear AC vents but - how good is AC in cooling entire space quickly? and also how much does AC affect the engine power and mileage ? My AC is nearly always on.
	(1) Thanks

2nd August 2016, 23:19	#156
krishtk BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 41 Thanked: 2 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Hi Is there a news if a Corolla 50th anniversary edition. Am looking to buy an Altis (after a Honda civic for 9 years). Max discount that I have negotiated is Rs 50K. Also I prefer manual to AT, any specific observations on which is better MT or AT.
	() Thanks

5th August 2016, 22:13	#157
dezrskb BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Udupi Posts: 232 Thanked: 140 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Hi Krishtk I test drove an Altis couple of days back 1.4L Diesel MT. When you say you prefer manual to AT, I think you can avoid 1.4L Diesel MT as car feels sluggish to accelerate. Also Toyota itself seems to be discouraging prospective buyers of diesel MT Altis as they have deprived car from few other bells and whistles like navigation too and no choice of AT even if you want it. Even the sales person himself wasn't interested in selling it. Petrol version is 1.8L with top end getting CVT-i gearbox with paddles !!. Also I think navigation is built in. And there are rumours that there is a facelift coming up next year as I think facelifted version is already launched abroad. just do some research before committing on this
	(1) Thanks

5th August 2016, 23:03	#158
krishtk BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 41 Thanked: 2 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Hi dezrskb Thank you for the inputs the diesel is not an option. Looking at Corolla to replace my 9 year old Civic. Prefer Japanese cars for reliability. This segment is comfortable and hassle free to drive and on ownership. My learning is waiting has led to price increase. In the past year Corolla has gone up by Rs 90 K. Knowing Indian fascination for the Jap cars, discounts will not be there. They are even today selling rubber car mats and mud flaps at Rs 3-4K for Rs 18 Lakh car. Just trying to drive bargain since its 2 year old model. Checked some of the premium German brands for upgrade....but the running costs and wear and tear...are not in radar for now. Any inputs are welcome..especially on driving a better bargain from the dealership
	() Thanks

6th August 2016, 18:03	#161
lurker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tura Posts: 1,592 Thanked: 1,423 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review the new corolla when viewed upfront has somewhat the looks of an slightly bigger etios. And does not get the respect it deserves from the rickshawallah and sundry dregs of the roads. Viewing it side on or rear three quarters is the best viewing angle and gives justice to this car. It's a total all-in-all paisa vasool car though. The rear seats are wide, and give good support and the engine is quite powerful for day-to-day driving in it's petrol avatar.
	(1) Thanks

7th August 2016, 01:25	#162
krishtk BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 41 Thanked: 2 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Corolla altis preferred over the Elantra, though today all cars are very well made, I visited the Hyundai showroom and not much info coming out, the dealer was not helpful. Had similar experience with Skoda when I bought the Civic. If the sales effort is an apology l have doubts over service. The Japanese build better cars so there is less reliance on service centres.
	() Thanks

7th August 2016, 21:01	#164
shibujp Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 1,753 Thanked: 3,225 Times View My Garage	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Just stumbled upon this thread when I was trying to assess what are the petrol sedan options between 10 and 20 lakhs. I loved the City performance but the interiors were a let down. The 1.4 TSI Jetta does not have enough power. The Octavia was too large for my taste. The new Corolla is one of the most underrated cars in that segment. The 1.8 litre engine which may not be a comparison to the brilliant 1.8 TSI but definitely is very capable. It has much more space than the City but is not all that much more bigger. I just love the current design and the interiors look very nice too. All in all a very good package for someone looking at a petrol in this bracket. The resale price and the Toyota service are just heavenly icing on what is a very delicious cake. Drive on, Shibu.
	(1) Thanks

31st October 2016, 19:44	#165
imjimmy BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chd Posts: 289 Thanked: 6 Times	Re: My 2014 Toyota Corolla Altis VL S-CVTi: A Detailed Review Hi Guys- We were planning to get the Corolla Altis this month. We have decided not to wait for the facelifted version to be launched in 2017 - since there don't seem to be significant upgrades (and the newer version would likely cost higher). We were debating between the petrol: 1.8GL (top model manual) and 1.8 VL (top model automatic). Could anyone please comment on the performance of the manual vs Automatic. Does the petrol CVTi in the auto feel sluggish compared to the manual? Also is the real world fuel economy of the CVT auto version less than the manual? Any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
	() Thanks