FIVE TO TEN YEARS AGO, the choice for a first car was as diverse as the colors on a Charlie Chaplin flick: it was either the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic.  Sure enough, sales figures and market shares simply swung back and forth, while the rest were just content with whatever table scrap that’s left.  Fast forward to today, and things couldn’t have been more different.  Aside from a resurgence from the likes of Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan; these two Japanese automotive giants are facing competition from the Americans, namely Ford and Chevrolet.  Add the fact that there are now excellently built sub-compacts, microscopic SUVs and a zillion other choices all catered to making every buyer happy.  Now, the question beckons: can the Toyota Corolla keep up with the changing market place?

With a rock-solid product and excellent brand values, the Altis surely will.  Despite whatever the competition throws at it, the Toyota Corolla Altis, especially in the 1.8G trim tested, looks pretty modern and up-to-date.  During its introduction in 2001, it must be remembered that Toyota grabbed the Corolla design formbook, grabbed it and shredded it.  The overall look connotes one of luxury with a subdued hint of sportiness.  Three years later, Toyota has played it safe, keeping everything intact save a few things; not a bad idea considering that there wasn’t anything wrong with the design in the first place.

Those keen enough will recognize minor changes with the front grille (with subdued chroming), alloys (a new six-spoke design), and the rear taillights.  The last is of particular interest as it’s the first time that any compact sedan has incorporated LED bulbs into a tail lamp design.  Aside from looking dazzling at night, the new LED clusters give better visibility in bad weather, last longer (virtually the entire life of the car) and light up faster.  In addition, the front and rear bumpers incorporates corner and back-up sensors, perfect for moving about and parking on the  skimpy Manila streets.  Although the system isn’t as sophisticated as BMW’s Parktronic, it’s accurate avoid any sort of paint ding or dent.  It’s simple to use too, with just one dashboard mounted button that activates or deactivates it.

While on the subject of simplicity, Toyota’s approach to the Altis’ interior remains honest-to-goodness simplicity excelling in build quality and ergonomics.  The dashboard and most of the side panels are made of soft-feel plastics, while the seats itself are covered in quality leather.  The wood grain paneling won’t tickle everyone’s fancy, but at least there’s a real attempt to make them look real.  The seats are comfortable, and now easier to adjust minutely thanks to an 8-way electric motor (on the driver’s side at least).  Although they don’t evoke any sort of sporty feel, it’s good for everyday driving.  At the back, passengers are treated on one of the best lap and knee supporting seats in its class, even if it comes at the expense of some interior space.

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