I have been planning to buy Honda Civic for the last 2 months... perhaps I was waiting for 5th September 2008 which was marked as a date to launch "Toyota Corolla Altis" in India. Its 11 September today and finally I have been able to get the feel of this car. It comes in 3 variants:
1) 1.8 G (5 Speed Manual with SRS Airbags for both passenger and the driver, Front Fog Lamps, Antiglare Rear View Mirror, ABS with EBD, In-Dash 6 CD Audio with CD/Aux, Audio Controls on Steering Wheel, Optriton Meter, Multi Information Display, Keyless Entry with Alarm, Electro Chromatic Mirror, 7-Spoke 15" Alloy Wheel, Outside Rear Mirror with Turn Signals)
On Road Delhi Price: Rs. 11, 76, 009
2) 1.8 GL (All the above features & HID/Auto Headlamps, Headlamps Washer, Leather Upholstery, 8-Way Power drive Seat & Rear Sunshade)
On Road Delhi Price: Rs. 13, 10, 750
3) 1.8 VL (All features of GL + Automatic Transmission with Cruise Control)
On Road Delhi Price: Rs. 13, 93, 092
I have driven the ’old’ Corolla so I went for a test drive to see if they have done upgradation under the hood. I was moved by the maneuverability of the car. With a better ground clearance, it gives a better command to the drive as well. They have also modified the steering control from Hydraulic to Electronic, which may not go well with the consumer.
The interior of the car doesn’t give a rich look, in fact its pretty ordinary for a car that is priced over Rs. 10 Lakhs.
CONCLUSION
After taking a test drive, I am not over-impressed with Corolla Altis to the extend that I’ll change my decision, perhaps I went to see Altis just to compare it with Civic and not just to look at it as a CAR. Anyway, I have eventually made up my mind to buy Honda Civic (base model with a similar price) which doesn’t even have Alloys, CD Changer Audio System, Fog Lamps & Rear Mirror Turn Signals.
THIS MAY BE ENOUGH TO SUGGEST THAT THERE IS NO COMPETITION BETWEEN THE 2 GREAT RIVALS.
Rating :
Honda Civic 9/10
Corolla Altis 7.5/10
With a budget range of Rs. 11.5 - 13.5 Lakhs, the customer will never over-look Civic for Altis. To promote the sales of Toyota Altis, the company may have to omit some features from the car to price it near to Rs. 10 Lakhs which is what its worth for, REALLY!!!