Toyota Corolla Altis HEV
Toyota is leading the way in electrified mobility in the Philippines, with its hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) offering practical solutions for everyday driving. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV for two full days, and I was impressed with its features and benefits.
Something New and Something Old
First of all, the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV comes with a VVT-I, 4-Cylinder In-Line DOHC, 16 Valve + Electric Motor, and a Continuous Variable Transmission, providing a seamless combination of an efficient gasoline engine and a high-output, self-charging electric motor for maximum fuel mileage. In addition to its impressive engine, the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV also comes equipped with an array of advanced features designed to provide the driver with maximum comfort and safety. The 7″ Color Multi-Information Display allows the driver to easily access important vehicle information, while the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold provides added convenience and peace of mind. The only issue I’ve got while using the car was the T-Link app that is needed to mirror my iPhone to the head unit wasn’t yet available. It was useful albeit dated compared to what it’s in Toyota Cross HEV.
Safety is Key
The Toyota Safety Sense system, on the other hand, offers a suite of advanced safety technologies that include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Meanwhile, the Bi-Beam LED headlights provide superior visibility on the road, making night driving much safer and more comfortable.
Go Hybrid
One of the major benefits of HEVs is fuel efficiency. The Toyota Corolla Altis HEV’s combination of gasoline and electric power means that you don’t have to gas up often, allowing for uninterrupted motoring. Fuel consumption meter shows that the Altis HEV can go 16.8 Km/l with EV Mode disabled. As I drive the car, its engine charges the hybrid battery, which is used based on driving demand.
Moreover, reduced fuel consumption leads to minimal CO2 emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for those who care about their carbon footprint.
‘Powerful’ is an understatement despite being Hybrid
Another great feature of HEVs is their acceleration and power. With two sources of power, you can satisfy your need for speed while still enjoying a pleasant yet powerful drive. The self-charging battery means you can recharge your car every time you hit the brakes or come to a full stop, making every pause while driving an opportunity to recharge.
One of the standout features of HEVs is their exceptionally quiet drive. Picture this – you’re cruising down the street in your Toyota Corolla Altis HEV, and suddenly you realize something is different. Something feels…calmer. That’s because this car is known for its quiet drive, thanks to the electric motors that make very little noise while running. In fact, when I first got behind the wheel, I was in for a surprise. The car was so quiet that I actually thought I needed to push the ignition button again because I didn’t realize that it was already turned on. I mean, how cool is that? This car’s almost-silent operation will give you a more peaceful and serene driving experience. Say goodbye to annoying engine noises and hello to a calm and quiet ride.
How do you even maintain this?
Maintenance is also a breeze, as no special maintenance is needed for the hybrid engine. Just like any other car, you can keep your hybrid running smoothly through periodic maintenance service (PMS) at your nearest Toyota dealership, where the HEV filter will also be inspected and cleaned.
On top of that, purchasing the Corolla Altis HEV also means investing in a vehicle built for the long haul. When you buy a Toyota Corolla Altis HEV, you’re not only investing in a car that’s built to last, but you’re also getting 8 years of warranty. That means you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against any unexpected issues. And, to make things even better, the warranty also covers the hybrid batteries, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out big bucks for a replacement down the road. So if you’re looking for a reliable car that’s easy to maintain and built to last, the Corolla Altis HEV is definitely worth checking out.
Toyota is the pioneer of xEV in the Philippines, with the launch of Prius in the country in 2009. Currently, Toyota is the leader in electrification in the country, representing 95% of local xEV drivers. A total of 962 of the year-to-date sales of xEVs sold in the country are Toyota and Lexus models.
Toyota’s hybrid lineup is positioned to offer a positive yet realistic impact on the environment, with wider mainstream adoption through easier and more affordable access to the technology. By driving a Toyota HEV, you can be part of the growing number of Filipinos moving the world to ever more electrifying possibilities.
In summary, the Toyota Corolla Altis HEV is a great option for those looking for a practical yet eco-friendly choice for everyday driving. With its fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, easy maintenance, acceleration and power, self-charging battery, and quiet drive, you can create a sustainable future with Toyota – the leader in electrified mobility.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.