> Diesel-powered Toyota Corolla Altis to be launched by August 2010

A senior company official of the company was contacted, said, “As India is an emerging market for Toyota, it will keep on rolling out new models as well as variants. To begin with, we are looking at launching the diesel version of Corolla Altis by August this year. All the details will be shared once the model is introduced.”

It has been learnt from various media reports that TKM is considering powering the model with a 1.4L turbo-diesel engine that is currently strapped on to the Yaris hatchback (in other countries), though it could not be officially confirmed by the company. Of late a leading auto blogsite claims that as per Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) figures, the diesel-powered Corolla Altis will deliver a mileage of 21.42 km per litre. The buzz, if true, will make it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in India. Another blogsite claims that Toyota Corolla Altis diesel is being tested on Indian roads and is expected to go for production by this calendar year or so. The car is expected to have a CRDI engine.

It is to be mentioned that The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact/compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million sold as of 2007. The Altis has established Corolla's No.1 status in the premium sedan segment. Toyota has always set a benchmark in this segment with innovative luxury, comfort and performance, earning recognition from customers and critics alike over the years. With the Altis, Toyota has raised the bar for the entire segment.