Toyota to Showcase Corolla Altis Hybrid at 2016 Auto Expo
Toyota India plans to promote its hybrid vehicles at the upcoming auto expo and will be showcasing the Corolla Altis Hybrid for the first time in India.
The recently concluded odd-even rule in Delhi shed light on the grave issue of vehicular pollution and also ensured that alternative fuel technologies were finally being seriously considered with electric and hybrid vehicles getting their fair share of attention. Banking on the new found popularity, Toyota India plans to promote its hybrid vehicles at the upcoming auto expo and will be showcasing the Corolla Altis Hybrid for the first time in India.
Toyota currently sells the Corolla Altis Hybrid in a number of markets with Japan being most prominent. While the car looks visually similar to the outgoing Corolla, it does get visual tweaks including a bespoke grille with the blue blue emblem, Hybrid Synergy drive badging on the boot lid and a 4.2-inch TFT MID unit on the instrument cluster for the hybrid system. The seat upholstery also is also different on the model while Toyota offers the light blue colour scheme for more exclusivity.
In terms of power, the Japan spec Corolla Altis hybrid is equipped with the brand's Toyota Hybrid System II, which uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine tuned to produce 73hp and is paired to a 60hp electric motor churning out a combined 99hp of power. The battery is placed under the rear seat though, unlike the Camry Hybrid. The Corolla Hybrid is capable of returning a fuel efficiency figure of 33 km/l in the Japanese driving cycle and we can expect an official figure close to 25 km/l on the India spec model with the same setup.
Toyota India is betting big on its hybrid technology, especially given the strong sales of the Camry Hybrid in the past year. The automaker sold 1000 units of its flagship sedan in 2015, whereas 2016 has begun on a positive note with over 80 units already sold. With three hybrid models under its umbrella, Toyota is keen on taking the fight to the new entrants the Honda Accord Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that are expected to go on sale in the following months. Having said that, it is unlikely that the company will be introducing the Corolla Altis Hybrid in India anytime this year but is certainly studying the market to understand its feasibility.
Toyota dealers also tell us that there are no updates planned for the Corolla Altis this year, whereas the next generation Innova that is set to make its Indian debut at the auto expo will be offered in a petrol avatar this time as well. Talking about the expo, the Japanese auto giant will have an interesting setup this year with three separate zones displaying a multitude of vehicles. The company will have one zone for its existing car; another for its new models, while the third zone will be exclusive to hybrid vehicles.
Despite a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, Quartararo reaffirms his commitment to Yamaha, citing belief in their new approach and potential for success
The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
The new Royal Enfield Himalayan now joins car&bike’s long term fleet. Over the next few months, we will tell you how the motorcycle holds up to the rigours of daily riding, highway jaunts, off-road riding and much more.
The legacy of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has a new challenger in the Jawa 350. But which of these modern classic 350s with iconic nameplates is a better choice for you? We try and find the answer.
