The Toyota Corolla Altis received a (very) silent update several months ago. That model was first seen in Thailand and eventually made its way to the country with virtually no fanfare.
For the 2024 model year, it received a few design tweaks here and there. It also received a couple of interior updates to keep it bang up to date. But, as it turns out, the Altis also saw some changes under the hood.
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For the longest time, the Altis and literally every Corolla from the last 35 years had a 1.6-liter engine. Now, that’s not the case anymore. The smallest engine size you can get in this model is a 1.8-liter. Again, it’s the quietest of updates, but it’s a significant one nonetheless.
The increase in displacement means a little more power. The ol’ reliable 1.6-liter made 121hp and 153Nm of torque, not exactly a lot considering its size. Now with a 1.8-liter, power is now up to 138hp and 172Nm of torque. That means it gains 17hp and 19Nm over the old 1.6-liter. While not sporty in any way, it’s a welcome boost in power.
This engine is available in two variants of the Corolla Altis. The entry-level 1.8 E comes fitted with the larger engine, as well as the 1.8 GR-S. It’s worth pointing out that the hybrid variant, the GR-S HEV, retains its powertrain. All models shift with a continuously variable transmission.
With that, the 1.6-liter sedan class is, well, no more. The Toyota Corolla Altis was the last to feature such an engine, with most of its competitors either gone (see: Lancer, Sentra), got bigger engines (Mazda 3), or moved to a turbocharged 1.5-liter (Civic). The dropping of the 1.6-liter is an end of an era, and it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll ever see it again.
As for prices of the new 1.8-liter equipped Altis, check out the list below:
2025 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 prices
Corolla Altis 1.8 E CVT — P1,213,000
Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S CVT — P1,333,000
